"It was a bit of a shame today."
"We didn't expect One-Way Passage to be in such great form this time."
After reaching the Waiting Area, Koichi briefly spoke with Horse Trainer Tadashi Ishisaka.
"It felt like she was still a little off on the final straight this time."
"It's fine. There weren't any real problems this time. Sometimes a loss just can't be helped."
Tadashi Ishisaka offered Koichi Sasaki some reassurance.
Wins and losses were part of the game. Besides, they had lost before, and there were still plenty of races ahead of them.
There was no need to get worked up over a single race.
"Thanks for your hard work."
"I'll head back first."
Koichi glanced back, then removed the Number Cloth and Saddle.
Overall, the race had felt pretty good, and he had carried out his own task perfectly. Tokyo Halo had not even made the top five.
He doubted the Sunday Club would have any complaints.
"I really didn't expect One-Way Passage to be that strong this time."
When Saki Ikegami saw Koichi approaching, she could not help remarking on it.
They clearly had not expected One-Way Passage to take first place, and his Final Kick had been outstanding.
"That's horse racing for you. It's always full of uncertainty. He's a very capable racehorse in his own right; he just hadn't had the chance to show it."
Koichi handed his gear over.
All he had to do now was wait for the next race to finish, and then he could happily head home.
Although he had not taken first place, the prize money for second was still substantial.
While Koichi headed back, Yuichi Fukunaga was celebrating.
Today had been a tremendous victory!
After this race, One-Way Passage would also announce that he would rest for the