After the Yasuda Kinen ended, Koichi returned to Hokkai Ranch.
Over the past two weeks of racing, Koichi had naturally returned to his old form. Plenty of fans had come over during the races specifically to ask how he was doing, and he had exchanged a few words with them.
It had been a long time since his last visit.
The first thing he did upon returning to the ranch was visit Epiphaneia, who was out at pasture.
Neigh-!
Neigh-!
When Epiphaneia spotted Koichi approaching, he charged over at full speed, then slammed on the brakes beside the fence.
With happy days spent out at pasture, he had bounced back to his old self.
"All right, all right! Calm down! That's too dangerous!"
Seeing Epiphaneia rush over, Koichi sternly rebuked him.
That sudden stop had looked dangerous. He had nearly crashed straight into the fence.
Neigh-
Epiphaneia shook his head, then leaned over to nuzzle Koichi.
He had not seen Koichi in a long time.
After rubbing his head, Koichi took a step back.
"All right, let me get a good look at you."
Koichi certainly could not match Epiphaneia in strength.
That was why he thought it best to take a step back.
Neigh-
Epiphaneia lifted his head, then stood quietly where he was.
He could no longer reach him for a nuzzle.
"Looks like you've certainly been eating well lately. You seem a little bigger, too."
Koichi nodded in satisfaction.
Epiphaneia had recovered quite well this time. The weather was also getting hotter, so aside from his time at pasture, he spent part of each day in the stable with a fan blowing on him.
Neigh-
Epiphaneia began pacing back and forth beside the fence.
How could he get out?
"Come on, let's take you back to your