Hokkai Ranch, Hokkaido.
After the Tulip Sho, Koichi flew straight back from Osaka Airport.
This time, however, Mirai was not there to welcome him.
"You're back?"
Standing at the ranch entrance, Megumi Mitsumori waved.
The ranch manager and the others were busy getting the ranch back in order, while she happened to have a little time to spare.
"Yeah. The race just finished, so I had time to come back for a look."
Koichi nodded.
After entering the ranch, he noticed that many of Aoe Ranch's racehorses had already moved back, though some had stayed.
He had no idea what Aoe Ranch was thinking.
"Yesterday's race really was a shame. You were boxed in from start to finish, and by the time you got clear, it was already too late."
Megumi Mitsumori brought it up as they walked.
Gold Ship had just finished resting and was about to resume training. After all, he was three now.
She was also busy training Epiphaneia.
"This is a decent setup now. Including Divine Might, you've got at least four racehorses."
Koichi glanced over.
Divine Might was training alongside several other racehorses.
Epiphaneia's physique was looking better and better.
The afternoon training was naturally more intense than the morning session.
"I'm only just getting started. I'm already happy that people have sent a few horses to me, and one of them is even from Aoe Ranch."
Megumi Mitsumori gave Koichi a brief introduction.
"Any of them catch your eye? I might be entrusting these youngsters to you in the future."
Having Koichi ride them would certainly be ideal. He was a highly sought-after jockey for newcomers now.
She was sure the owners would agree, too.
"Let's talk about it when the time comes. They still have a long way to go before their Newcomer