Koichi had spent the past two days at the Training Center.
He had trained Golden Masterpiece both afternoons.
After training, he would check on the racehorses he was scheduled to ride next and get a little hands-on time with them.
With his workload reduced, he spent most of his time on Golden Masterpiece.
He had to admit that, since they had teamed up again, Golden Masterpiece's condition had kept improving.
"Finished writing?"
Hitachi Yosuke asked.
It felt as though they were back in the previous year.
But he also knew Koichi certainly did not have that much free time now. After all, he competed in several races every week.
"Yeah."
Koichi had finished that day's training report.
Pat, pat.
Koichi gave Golden Masterpiece's thigh two pats.
Those muscles were getting firmer and firmer.
Golden Masterpiece's physical development was complete now. What mattered more was fine-tuning the racehorse's condition, and there had been clear improvement since this latest return from pasture.
"Come on, let's head back and get you washed. Today's training went perfectly."
Hitachi Yosuke took Golden Masterpiece's reins.
If he remembered correctly, the draw would be announced that evening.
Their pre-race interviews were naturally all finished as well. Their main message had been that Golden Masterpiece was fully back in form and would make a perfect comeback in the upcoming race. They welcomed challenges from the other racehorses, too.
After a flawless victory in the Takarazuka Kinen, they would head abroad to race.
"I'll come with you. I need to stop by and see Epiphaneia, too."
After handing the report to the training assistant, Koichi hurried after them.
Golden Masterpiece was tired, and he felt tired himself.
Snort-
Seeing Koichi catch up, Golden Masterpiece promptly sneezed.
In Golden Masterpiece's eyes, Koichi was naturally the more agreeable one.
They had