After the post-position draw came the post-event interviews.
Once the draw was over, Koichi and the others also discussed tactics together that evening.
Of course, it was only a brief discussion, meant to give them something to say in the upcoming interview, which would take place after today's final workout gallop.
Once the workout gallop was over, they would naturally make another round of tactical plans, and that discussion would be much more detailed.
"Sasaki, what are you watching?"
Saki Ikegami handed Koichi a bottle of energy drink.
Only a few days remained before the Arima Kinen.
They were waiting for the other racehorses to finish their workout gallops.
"Some horse racing programs online. They're discussing this year's Arima Kinen and speculating about tactics."
Koichi took the drink and answered.
Naturally, some of the programs featured older former jockeys who appeared on shows after retiring to offer their predictions.
That was another line of work jockeys could choose after retirement.
Not every jockey had to take the horse trainer's exam after retiring, and qualifying as a horse trainer was no easy task either.
"I didn't realize you liked watching these, Sasaki."
Saki Ikegami was genuinely a little surprised.
Great jockeys certainly had pride of their own. They often won precisely because they thought differently from everyone else.
"There's nothing wrong with learning more. Seeing what other people think can really broaden our own approach."
Koichi took a sip of his drink as he spoke.
Naturally, he was watching analysis by professionals, not the sort aimed specifically at casual viewers.
Spectators did not need to know that much. Most were simply watching for the excitement.
"That's true. Everything's ready for the interview. Once the workout gallop is over, you can rest for a bit and head over."
Saki Ikegami glanced at