Golden Masterpiece was not wearing a restrictive hood for this Tenno Sho, but one look at him still gave the impression that he felt terribly wronged.
Anyone who did not know better might have thought someone or another racehorse had bullied him.
Koichi jogged over and greeted Golden Masterpiece.
He seemed to be doing fairly well.
"Asho, give it your best today. Once the race is over, you can get some proper rest."
Hitachi Yosuke, who was leading him, spoke again.
He would also have to be the one to lead Golden Masterpiece into the starting stall later.
After all, the horse's mood was still unstable. If he injured a staff member, it would surely lead to an incident and a dispute.
Golden Masterpiece merely flicked his ears in response.
He had already filtered out all the other words. Only "rest" had reached him loud and clear.
Honestly, he did not particularly want to take Carrot Dispenser to work today.
But considering how hard the man had worked to look after him lately, he did not put up any resistance.
Most of the racehorses here this time had lost to him before.
He spotted several with a single glance.
"Let's go."
Koichi mounted the saddle and stroked Golden Masterpiece's neck.
What was coming would come, and he would have to face whatever lay ahead.
He was fully prepared now.
"Koichi, don't put too much pressure on yourself. Whatever happens this time, nobody on the team will blame you."
Hitachi Yosuke hesitated before speaking.
Although the team would not hold anything against their jockey, people outside it were another matter.
A year-long winning streak brought its own invisible pressure.
"Don't worry. Whatever happens after this race, I can accept it."
Koichi let out a soft breath, then smiled.
There was no