The interview room.
"Congratulations, Jockey Sasaki, on taking your first Grade 1 win of the year."
The host spoke once Koichi was ready.
The race had been thrilling, and Gentildonna's performance had been particularly impressive.
"Thank you all for your support. I'm delighted to have taken my first Grade 1 win of the year here today."
Standing on the platform, Koichi spoke with a smile.
Although he had ridden in plenty of races this year, this was still his first Grade 1 victory.
Today was certainly a day worth remembering.
"Jockey Sasaki, did you think you could win this race beforehand?"
"Of course I thought about it. After all, everyone enters a race to come first. Gentildonna certainly has tremendous ability, and she worked very hard in this race."
Koichi nodded as he spoke.
His experience in the previous race had taught him quite a lot.
In most of the major races he had entered before, he had not drawn an inside starting stall.
His seniors had also taught him a lesson.
"As humble as ever, Jockey Sasaki. Quite a few people in the industry were backing Gentildonna in this race."
The host had interviewed Koichi several times and had some understanding of his personality.
Rookies this modest were truly few and far between. Most young people in his position would surely have boasted a little.
"We weren't targeted nearly as much as last time, though the field was certainly much stronger than it was in the Tulip Sho."
Koichi continued.
Having successfully claimed the first crown, Gentildonna could enjoy a period of rest before preparing for the second crown in May.
He, meanwhile, would be heading to Nakayama Racecourse next.
"By the way, you seemed to make a different gesture after crossing the finish line today, Jockey Sasaki. Did