Entry, warm-up, loading.
The starting point for Nakayama's two-thousand-meter race was right by the third turn.
During the warm-up, Koichi could indeed feel that Epiphaneia was a little excited, perhaps because this was their first race together.
Epiphaneia felt full of strength today.
Three consecutive wins as a two-year-old had also given the horse tremendous confidence.
The other racehorses were rather better behaved by comparison. They were no longer youngsters taking part in their first races.
Making it into a graded stakes race was an achievement in itself.
There were thousands of racehorses, but only one Satsuki Sho champion.
Snort-
Snort-
Before loading, Koichi stroked Epiphaneia's mane.
Taking a racehorse into a race was different from everyday training, after all, and he understood Epiphaneia well enough.
Fortunately, Epiphaneia's bridle did help keep the horse under control.
"Come on, Divine Might!"
As the horses loaded, Kuga Kai quietly offered a word of encouragement.
This was also Epiphaneia's first time racing with jockey Sasaki.
"Epiphaneia has loaded smoothly. All twelve racehorses are ready."
"Let's turn our attention to the front of the starting stalls."
The track staff gave the signal, and the music reached its final notes.
Several horses began fidgeting inside their stalls.
50th Yayoi Sho Nakayama, turf, right-handed, 2000 m Weather: cloudy Turf: good Post time: 15:45
The gates opened!
"The 50th Yayoi Sho is underway, and Epiphaneia gets a good start!"
Although Epiphaneia was drawn on the outside, the horse broke very quickly.
Koichi Sasaki did not rush to accelerate, however. He wanted to see what the other horses and jockeys would do next.
They would have to expend some energy early on, but that was unavoidable.
In the neighboring stall, Keita Tosaki decisively chose to accelerate.
I have to take the lead!
Push forward!
His mount