Hokkai Ranch.
After the first week of racing ended, Koichi flew straight back to Hokkaido.
There was little pressure on him during this period, so taking two or three days off was no problem at all.
He had watched last week's Yasuda Kinen in the waiting room, of course, and later talked at length with Ryuji Wada and Kenichi Ikezoe over dinner.
At this distance, he felt he really needed to learn from his seniors.
After all, there were so many variables.
One early mistake could cost him the race, especially something like a slow start.
Neigh-
Neigh-
Gold Ship, who was grazing, was naturally the first to spot Carrot Dispenser.
He had been back for a while now, and life was only getting better.
His days consisted of a little exercise, followed by time out at pasture.
His meals had improved considerably too, and were much better than what he had eaten at the Training Center.
"Long time no see, Ship. You've clearly put on quite a bit of weight."
Koichi greeted him from across the road.
Although the first half of the year hadn't gone very smoothly, Gold Ship had certainly worked hard.
Now it was time to let him have a proper rest.
Snort-
Gold Ship, who had been resting his head on the fence, snorted and then dashed off.
A sudden charge, a kick of his hind legs.
Then he showed Koichi just how much energy a good rest had given him.
Gold Ship's antics also got One-Way Passage going next door.
Neigh-!
One-Way Passage poked his head over to look.
Weren't we just eating quietly a moment ago?
Then One-Way Passage joined Gold Ship in horsing around.
Koichi could only watch helplessly as they kicked chunks of turf into the air.
They didn't appreciate their