"I'm naturally very happy to reach 100 wins today, but I'm even happier to have so many veterans and people around me supporting me."
When it was Koichi's turn, he delivered the remarks he had prepared.
"Over the past year and a half, I've experienced a lot, from the joy of winning to the regret of losing. Those experiences have helped me grow from a rookie jockey into a reasonably capable one."
"I'll definitely keep working even harder throughout the rest of my career."
"I also want to thank the fans for their support. It makes me really happy to see you cheering me on at every race."
Koichi said a few more words, and the ceremony came to an end.
His 100-win ceremony had, of course, been livestreamed online as well.
Perhaps watching his younger self again someday would bring a different feeling.
As he spoke, memories of things that had happened over the past two years flashed through his mind.
Time really did fly.
Megumi Mitsumori and Ayano Aoe were naturally watching from nearby.
Mirai had also made it back in time, while Yamana Takuto was looking after Gold Ship.
After a bath and a few carrots, Gold Ship was clearly in a better mood and settled down to rest.
One-Way Passage next door was much the same.
They were already preparing for their long vacation.
After the ceremony, Koichi briefly greeted the other jockeys and said his goodbyes.
He was grateful that they had come.
After all, he hadn't been in the industry very long and knew relatively few people. If it had been Wufeng, everyone would surely have turned up together. Having so many people come for him today was already a great honor.
Unfortunately, Wada wasn't there.
All his races were in Kyoto, so there