"The cherry blossoms outside Hanshin Racecourse are still as pretty as ever."
Having just arrived at the racecourse, Koichi turned to look at the cherry trees.
They were one of Hanshin Racecourse's signature sights.
"Good luck today too, Sasaki."
Saki Ikegami also glanced over at them.
Lately, she had been busy helping Koichi complete the paperwork to become a freelance jockey.
They had naturally discussed this with Aoe Ranch as well, and the ranch had no objections. Koichi now had access to more and more opportunities, far more than a single ranch could provide.
Only by becoming a freelance jockey could Koichi go further.
"When have I ever not given a race my all? Today's opponents are all tough."
Koichi rolled his eyes.
Over the past year or so, he had raced against almost all the country's top jockeys. Each had a different riding style and strategy.
Their individual styles naturally played a part in that.
Through their repeated encounters, they had all developed a more accurate understanding of one another.
"Mm."
Saki Ikegami then checked the schedule.
Koichi had five rides booked that day, mostly on turf, with only one dirt race.
"I'll go say hello, then."
"All right."
Saki Ikegami took his things and headed toward the changing room.
His first race was a maiden race for three-year-olds.
However, if a horse still failed to break out of the maiden division in the first half of its third year, its only option was to transfer to the regional circuit.
That made the maiden races for three-year-olds during this period especially important to owners. A win would at least let their horse stay on the central circuit, where they could keep hoping for a miracle.
"Oh, Sasaki, you're here."
Yutaka Take greeted him first when he saw him.