"Beautiful!"
In the rest area, Megumi Mitsumori excitedly high-fived Koichi.
Kenichi Ikezoe's sudden loss of speed had certainly been crucial, but that did nothing to diminish Epiphaneia and Koichi Sasaki's brilliant performance.
They had even pulled five lengths clear toward the end, and she felt Epiphaneia still had something left in reserve.
"That start was absolutely crucial. Without it, this race really wouldn't have gone so smoothly."
Koichi jumped down, then removed the saddle and number cloth.
It had been the same at the Satsuki Sho.
He had to admit that today's race had gone remarkably smoothly, and they had won fairly comfortably. Though they had been targeted throughout the first half, they had still beaten everyone on sheer ability.
"Haha, either way, you were both amazing!"
Megumi Mitsumori found it immensely satisfying.
Of course.
What excited her most was this year's Arima Kinen. Now both Epiphaneia and Gold Ship would be able to compete without any problems.
If Gold Ship won this year's Japan Cup, they really would have to consider retiring him at the Arima Kinen.
"Yeah, thanks for your hard work today, Divine Might."
Koichi stroked his nose, then handed his equipment to Saki Ikegami.
"Congratulations, Sasaki."
"Yeah, I'm really happy today."
Koichi nodded, then picked up his pace.
It was time for another interview.
"Congratulations to jockey Sasaki on winning today's final crown and guiding Epiphaneia to the Triple Crown. Is there anything you'd like to say to everyone now?"
The host asked.
Today's victory had been virtually beyond doubt. Even without that mishap, Epiphaneia's performance at the end made it clear that winning would have been no problem.
"I'm delighted to have won today. This was the result of Epiphaneia and me working hard together, though he was the one carrying me in the