Neigh-
"Sasaki, are you all right?"
After finishing the race, Ryuji Wada came straight over to Koichi.
If he had fallen off his horse, a fracture could have been the least of his worries.
"Nothing serious. Golden Masterpiece is just throwing a bit of a tantrum. It'll pass in a little while."
Koichi held tight to the reins, then turned and smiled.
Wada really was a decent senior.
"That's good. Congratulations on winning."
Ryuji Wada smiled.
He had stayed toward the back of the field throughout the race, so he had witnessed that thrilling final sprint.
He really did see his younger self in Koichi Sasaki.
Perhaps Koichi and Golden Masterpiece really could...
"Thank you."
"I'll head off first, then."
Ryuji Wada glanced toward the stands.
The spectators were still chanting Golden Masterpiece's name.
Not everyone had the chance to witness such an exciting race.
He also had to prepare for his next race.
"See you next time."
Koichi led Golden Masterpiece toward the inspection area.
"Well done today."
Yutaka Take also glanced at the newcomer before quickly leaving.
He hadn't even finished in the top five this time.
Whatever else could be said, this victory belonged to that troublesome rookie.
But the next time they met on the track, beating him wouldn't be so easy.
Huh?
Koichi tilted his head, and by the time he registered what had happened...
Yutaka Take had already ridden off into the distance.
What had Yutaka Take just said? He hadn't caught it at all.
Neigh-!
"All right, all right. We're heading back now."
Golden Masterpiece, behind him, gave him an impatient reminder.
This was much more tiring than work used to be. Nothing less than two extra carrots would do this time.
*Especially since Koichi had actually played tug-of-war with me on the