Aoe Ranch.
With things settled for Gold Ship, Koichi returned to his usual duties.
"Koichi, don't you want a horse to ride in training?"
Hitachi Yosuke couldn't help asking as they walked.
The other jockeys were busy earning money at racetracks everywhere, while Koichi was working full-time at the ranch.
"I'm a newcomer, after all. Getting more familiar with things isn't a bad idea."
Koichi didn't particularly mind.
Although he had won a race, that didn't necessarily mean other trainers and owners would think highly of him. Too many factors could account for a single win.
Besides, if Asho won a Grade 1, that would be worth who knew how many wins in other races.
"It's good that you have your own plans, but I still think you shouldn't be so accommodating."
Hitachi Yosuke sighed.
If Koichi simply spoke to the young lady, she would certainly be willing to find him another horse.
"We can take this one step at a time."
Then the two of them spotted Dream Journey and Kenichi Ikezoe.
Those two were quite the pair of sparring partners.
"What's Ikezoe doing at the ranch today?"
Koichi turned his head and asked.
He had to admit that Dream Journey and Golden Masterpiece really did look alike. They were full brothers with the same sire and dam, after all.
"He must be preparing for the race in Osaka this April."
Hitachi Yosuke spoke quietly.
Dream Journey had achieved some results, but age was catching up with him now. His recent results had also been consistently poor, so retirement was probably approaching.
Fortunately, another brother from the Golden family was still carrying the banner.
Nakayama Festa.
That was the horse who had almost won the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe!
Apparently, Nakayama Festa would make one final attempt at the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe this year.
"I see..."
Koichi understood now.
Once a racehorse's results began to decline, or it could no longer improve on its performances, retirement was probably close.
Neigh-
At the sight of his older brother, Golden Masterpiece immediately called out.
Of course, that didn't mean the two of them were particularly close. Dream Journey's temper could flare up at any moment.
That neigh immediately drew the other pair's attention.
"You did very well in January."
Kenichi Ikezoe spoke from Dream Journey's back.
He was very fond of Golden Masterpiece. Unfortunately, their performance in that Tokyo race really had been terrible.
As Golden Masterpiece's former partner, he naturally hoped to see him continue to shine on the track.
He deserved a bigger stage!
"We'll keep working hard."
Koichi had a great deal of respect for that.
After all, not every jockey would choose to ride horses with bad tempers.
Golden Masterpiece, meanwhile, barely acknowledged Kenichi Ikezoe.
He felt nothing at all toward that dead weight.
"Good luck in March."
Kenichi Ikezoe nodded, then guided Dream Journey toward the training track.
Naturally, he had watched Golden Masterpiece's race. Although Koichi was a newcomer, he clearly understood Golden Masterpiece's abilities very well.
He just didn't know whether this new pairing would enjoy such a smooth run in their next race.
Since your idol is Wada, you'd better work even harder!
"I didn't expect to run into him today."
"I feel like we've had quite a few chance encounters lately. We'd have met eventually anyway."
Koichi glanced at Golden Masterpiece, then smiled.
Their circle was only so big. It was only a matter of time before they crossed paths.
That afternoon.
Golden Masterpiece resumed training. His daily runs were, of course, essential.
Clip-clop, clip-clop-
The afternoon trial run involved far more work than the morning session.
This was also the main way to check a racehorse's condition. Only by getting a horse running could they tell how it had been doing lately.
Phew-
Once the run was finished, Koichi let out a relieved breath.
All that remained was to walk for a while.
Snort-!
Snort-!
Having just resumed exercise, Golden Masterpiece was clearly having some trouble adjusting.
Lately, all he had done was play and eat.
Hitachi Yosuke was already waiting for the two of them by the entrance.
"How did it feel?"
Seeing that they had finished their laps, Hitachi Yosuke asked.
The young lady's assistant had specifically asked about today's situation, and he would have to report back shortly.
"He didn't feel very good today. There's still quite a gap compared with before. It's probably because he's had some time off lately."
Koichi shook his head.
He had been partnered with Golden Masterpiece for quite a long time, after all.
Whether it was morning exercise or afternoon training, Koichi was the one riding him. As soon as he compared the sessions, the difference was obvious.
"Asho has done a little running lately, but we still have plenty of time to make adjustments."
Hitachi Yosuke sounded a little embarrassed.
Asho had been eating rather too much lately, and his weight had kept shooting up.
Snort-!
Golden Masterpiece immediately glared at him!
He could recognize some unkind remarks.
The man actually dared to bad-mouth him right in front of him. He was getting awfully bold.
"Asho, I'm just telling Koichi the truth."
Hitachi Yosuke felt a little wronged.
By now, he knew that as long as Koichi was present, Golden Masterpiece would rein in his temper somewhat, even when he got angry.
"Hmm... we should still talk to the trainer about this and see what he suggests."
After thinking it over, Koichi spoke.
Although the trainer no longer seemed particularly interested in managing things, they still had to follow the proper procedure.
After all, he was only a jockey. This really wasn't something he should be responsible for.
"No problem. I'll tell the young lady's assistant as soon as I get back. I'm sure we'll have a new plan soon."
Hitachi Yosuke nodded, then took the reins from Koichi.
Hup-
Koichi hopped down from the horse's back.
March was almost here. After another period of adjustments, they would be heading to Hanshin Racecourse.
"Come on, let's get you washed. Then you can have a good rest."
Koichi patted Golden Masterpiece's neck.
A slightly poor showing on the first day back in training was nothing to worry about. They simply needed to get him back into shape.
This race was important to both of them. After all, it would determine whether they could successfully make a bid for their first Grade 1 title.
Neigh-
Golden Masterpiece was indeed exhausted after his afternoon training.
Right now, all he wanted was a bath and a good rest.
"Come on, let's get you washed."
Neigh-
Golden Masterpiece gave a happy neigh, then trotted along behind Hitachi Yosuke.
Bath time~
Watching him bob his head, Koichi couldn't help laughing.
His work for the day was done.
He could go rest at his uncle's place and chat for a while, then clock out and head home to see Gold Ship.
He wondered how Gold Ship had behaved during the day he had been away.
Gold Ship was such a mischievous horse that Koichi had a feeling he wouldn't be very cooperative with Megumi Mitsumori's work.
The end of the month is almost here~ o(〃'▽'〃)o If you have monthly votes with nowhere to spend them, you can give them to me.
(End of chapter)
Before you continue