Kyoto Racecourse.
Koichi had arrived at the racecourse early to start getting ready.
He was already more than satisfied with having been able to rest for so long.
His racing schedule today was packed, too.
That was mainly because he would be riding in the important Kikuka Sho tomorrow. Taking on more races today meant he could ride in fewer tomorrow.
Once everything was ready, Koichi went into the room next door.
He would spend a little time on the mechanical horse used for riding practice first.
Meanwhile, the racecourse staff gradually got busy as well. After all, plenty of things needed to be prepared in advance, and the jockeys competing today were arriving after them.
Before racing, they all had to weigh in, then warm up for the first race.
Phew-
After spending a while on the mechanical horse, Koichi went to wait in the jockeys' room.
This first race was quite important. After all, he had rested for over a week, and it would give him a basic idea of his current form.
But he would certainly be putting in much more effort than before.
Saki Ikegami was also getting things ready: water, towels, and his helmet.
With such a packed schedule today, they would be much more tired as well, but it would also serve as advance preparation for their upcoming trip to Tokyo Racecourse.
"Good morning, Sasaki."
"Good morning."
Having arrived early, Koichi greeted his senior colleagues.
"You look to be in pretty good form today?"
Kenichi Ikezoe spoke.
Although Koichi Sasaki was younger than him, he already regarded him as a rival on the same level.
Age was not what mattered in a jockey's profession.
"I feel all right, I suppose. Mostly, I'm still not quite used to the rhythm back here in Japan. I'll