Because of what had happened to Koichi Sasaki, the interview was canceled outright.
Still, Koichi made it to the award ceremony afterward.
The photo session was held right there at the ceremony, too.
With the doctor's help, Koichi had recovered considerably, and some color had returned to his face.
Naturally, his fans were happiest to see him walk over unharmed.
His sudden fall had really frightened them. Best of all, Koichi Sasaki had actually managed to hold on until the end despite his low blood sugar.
If he had fallen before crossing the finish line, he would have been disqualified.
During the photo session, Koichi leaned against Epiphaneia.
The horse had really worked hard in this race. Although Koichi had finished giving his instructions toward the end, the victory had largely come down to Epiphaneia's efforts.
This race had clearly taken far more out of Epiphaneia than any of his previous races, but he still looked unwilling to admit defeat.
Neigh, neigh-
"Thanks for all your hard work."
Once the photo session ended, Koichi breathed a sigh of relief.
He had already missed his interview, and there was naturally no way he could ride in the Meguro Memorial afterward. Next, he needed to return to the doctor for another checkup.
The man and horse posing for photos were the focus of everyone's attention.
Their foreheads touching before the race, their deep bond during it, and that steadfast protection afterward!
Whatever else could be said, this had been the most extraordinary Derby of all, and Koichi Sasaki had successfully claimed his third consecutive Derby title!
That incredible record sent Koichi Sasaki straight to the top of the trending list, with Epiphaneia naturally taking second place.
Click, click, click-
Not a single photographer wasted this opportunity.
They were certain these two would