The Interview Room.
"Congratulations to Jockey Sasaki on winning today's Japan Cup and securing a consecutive title."
The host spoke enthusiastically.
No one had expected Gentildonna to perform so brilliantly today, let alone set a new record.
"Thank you, everyone."
Koichi smiled as he spoke.
His luck over the past two years had been quite good. At the beginning of this year, few people had thought much of Gentildonna's chances, yet she had gone on to complete the Filly Triple Crown. Today, she had even won the Japan Cup.
A mare winning a mixed-sex Grade 1 race was a truly impressive achievement.
And all of today's opponents had been strong horses. This time, Gentildonna had even pulled two lengths clear.
"How do you feel after that race, Sasaki?"
"Today's opponents were very strong, but Gentildonna was in her best form. It was a little nerve-racking to compete in a top-level mixed-sex race for the first time, but fortunately, everything worked out in the end."
Koichi paused before continuing.
Whatever else could be said, the pace of today's race had been quite good.
Nothing unexpected had happened during the race, either, apart from the horse leading the field suddenly accelerating midway through. Even that had not affected them.
"Gentildonna also set a new record in this race. Did riding her again feel any different to you, Jockey Sasaki?"
The host glanced at his cue cards and continued with his questions.
Yuga Kawada had ridden her in both of her races in the second half of this year.
"I didn't ride her in two races this year, but during the workout gallops and training before this race, I could clearly feel that she had grown even stronger."
Koichi answered.
Voting for the Arima Kinen had already begun. After this win, Gentildonna's vote