October, Tokyo Racecourse.
The first day of racing was over, and the jockeys had gathered in the lounge to watch the live broadcast on television.
Most of them would normally have been resting by this hour, but tonight was different.
The Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe was tonight.
"It's about to start."
Koichi sat with the jockeys he knew well.
Yuichi Fukunaga and Yuga Kawada sat beside him.
They both had rides in the Mainichi Okan tomorrow, so they had come straight here tonight.
"Finally, the wait's over. We'll be staying up a little late tonight."
"Haah- they're starting to come out."
Koichi yawned, then picked up a can of coffee.
"This time last year, we were all here watching you race."
Yuichi Fukunaga said it with a smile.
Last year really had been the most thrilling. Golden Masterpiece had waited patiently for an opening, then swung wide on the final straight and unleashed a Final Kick.
The horses ahead had quickly been caught, and Sulin Meiya had then been passed with ease.
"The time difference really does wear you down. I hope Yutaka Take can get a good result this time, too."
Koichi nodded.
"If Gentildonna can maintain her form from her last race, she should get a decent result. But Europe has some strong horses, too."
Yuga Kawada spoke as he studied the race card.
This was also a chance for Yutaka Take to fulfill a wish. The race he most wanted to win now was, naturally, the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
Previously, he had come with Deep Impact. This year, he had come with Deep Impact's offspring.
"European horses really are better suited to the conditions here. There's nothing we can do about that. The going is heavy today, as usual."
Masayoshi Ubaname added his thoughts.