The cheers around the racecourse continued.
The commentators were still marveling at the result of the race.
Gentildonna, who had carried such high expectations, had been defeated this time.
After making a quick circuit, Gold Ship returned to the waiting area.
Mirai then took Gold Ship off for a cooling shower as quickly as she could.
The heat was intense even for humans, let alone a racehorse covered in a thick coat.
As the water washed over him, Gold Ship immediately wore an expression of pure comfort.
"I never expected him to perform this well."
"Gentildonna probably wasn't too comfortable here either, so the win came pretty easily this time."
Koichi spoke as he looked at the delighted Megumi Mitsumori.
Their opponent had gotten off to a good start, but after that, they had felt no pressure at all.
Gold Ship's hard work this time more than made up for his slacking in the previous race.
"I have to say, our tactics were a real success this time. We kept Gentildonna from performing at her best, and he was especially outstanding down the final stretch."
With this victory, Megumi Mitsumori felt considerably more at ease.
They would face each other again, but no matter what, they had successfully taken the first race. That would also affect the coming Horse of the Year deliberations.
Among the country's four-year-old racehorses, Gold Ship and Gentildonna were the main subjects of discussion.
A glance online now showed everyone talking about the gray-coated monster defeating Deep Impact's strongest offspring.
"Right, I'm off for the interview."
After their brief chat, Koichi had to go for his interview.
Sure enough, he had made good on what he had said the previous week.
With the Takarazuka Kinen over, he felt he could finally take a little break. All