The Shuka Sho ended with Gentildonna winning by a nose.
Koichi also wrapped up his part in the final segment of the program. His main job that day had simply been to make a guest appearance for this race.
Of course, that was largely because he had ridden Gentildonna to victory twice before.
"Where are we going next?"
"Let's head straight to the racecourse. Once the senior jockeys finish work, we can treat them to dinner in Kyoto."
Koichi checked the time before answering.
After dinner, they still had to return to their hotel in Osaka, and he would spend the next few days at the Training Center preparing for the upcoming races.
"No problem."
Saki Ikegami made another phone call to confirm the arrangements.
As an ancient capital, Kyoto had plenty of famous, long-established restaurants. But their gathering that day was mainly a chance to chat, so the atmosphere mattered too.
In the end, they settled on a place in Kyoto's Shijo area for that evening.
"I have to say, I'm pretty excited at the thought of getting back on the track next week."
Koichi made casual conversation on the way.
He could certainly have gone straight back to racing, but he still wanted a week off.
Work could not be the only thing on a person's mind.
As long as he did not miss the major races, there would be no real problem.
He would not make it in time for this year's Autumn Tenno Sho, though. The popular racehorses already had jockeys booked, and with foreign jockeys arriving, horse trainers had more options.
"You'll be riding in the Kikuka Sho in your very first week back, so you'll need to get back into form quickly."
Saki Ikegami spoke.
Her instinct told her that a few races on