After the race ended, Koichi went along to the gathering.
With Gentildonna having claimed her second crown, a celebration was only natural, and he did get to know quite a few people there.
These fractional ownership club members had a good chance of becoming owners on the central racing circuit someday.
Saki Ikegami was there to help him with the networking.
She was certainly much better at that than Koichi.
At tonight's gathering, she could clearly see that quite a few of the fractional owners thought highly of Koichi. Youth was an asset in itself, after all. With such an impressive start in regional racing, he might become even stronger in the future.
Having attended gatherings before, Koichi had gained a little experience too.
When someone came over, he talked. When no one did, he ate.
He had eaten something on the way over today, but as a jockey, he certainly couldn't neglect these engagements. Fortunately, he had brought his agent.
Having Saki Ikegami there to help was the right choice.
"Is tonight's gathering almost over?"
"I think so. There really were a lot of people here this time."
Saki Ikegami thought back over the evening.
She really had added quite a few new contacts today.
Of course, their main priority right now was still to reach his 100th win. It was a milestone worth commemorating, and it would bring another wave of attention and publicity.
On top of that, it would be excellent proof of his ability.
Trainers and owners would give them more consideration for future races. After all, those 100 wins weren't something anyone could earn easily.
"That's good. I'm getting a little tired too."
Koichi had been wanting to head back and rest for a while.
The main purpose of a gathering like this wasn't eating,