Koichi met plenty of big names in European racing at his very first meeting.
Ryan Moore was a star jockey familiar to racing fans all over the world.
He had been crowned Britain's champion jockey several times. As Coolmore's principal jockey, he had also ridden many horses for the Queen of England and Juddmonte.
His ability was naturally among the best in the world. Otherwise, he would never have secured rides on so many fine racehorses.
Frankie Dettori had spent twenty years as the King of Dubai's principal jockey. An enduring star of world racing, he had accumulated more than three thousand wins over his thirty-three-year career.
Besides winning titles in Britain year after year, Dettori had also ridden winners in America, Dubai, Europe, Japan, and elsewhere.
Li Muhua was the one Koichi knew best. After all, they had spoken during the Japan Cup.
He was also the Aga Khan's leading jockey, though his move to Japan was now drawing near.
He would certainly be one of Koichi's main rivals in the future. Northern Farm thought highly of Li Muhua, who had been making frequent trips to race in Japan for many years.
"Sasaki, I didn't expect to see you again."
Li Muhua took the initiative to greet him.
Back at the Japan Cup, Koichi had been certain he would win, which had left an impression on Li Muhua. He had never expected Koichi to come to France so soon.
The racing environment here was far tougher than in Japan. It really took courage to make the move.
"I didn't expect it to happen this soon either."
Koichi naturally spoke in English.
Learning French in a hurry was simply too difficult, whereas he already had a basic grounding in English.
Simple conversations should not pose much of a problem. As