Post-race interview.
"Congratulations to jockey Sasaki and Gold Ship on winning their second Grade 1 race of the year."
The host had prepared well in advance.
"Thank you all for your support today."
"Were today's tactics something jockey Sasaki came up with on the fly, or had they been decided beforehand?"
There was no denying that the race had unfolded in a way that put Gold Ship at a considerable disadvantage, but his jockey's tactics had turned things around in the end.
Of course.
Gold Ship's tremendous final kick had also played an indispensable part.
"The reason we stayed at the very back today was certainly that we were hampered coming out of the starting gate, but running as a closer also helped Gold Ship settle into a relaxed rhythm."
Koichi thought for a moment before answering.
The horses on the outside had surged forward even more directly than they had, blocking their path and forcing them to stay back.
Naturally, they had considered that possibility before the race as well. They had planned for three opportunities, including an approach that allowed them to stay at the back.
After all, Gold Ship was a racehorse capable of sustaining his acceleration over a long distance.
But the pace of this race had been a little too slow, leaving the pack tightly bunched together. Going wide would undoubtedly have wasted a great deal of stamina, and Koichi had not been confident that he could catch Gentildonna on the outside.
"Jockey Sasaki's tactics were as bold as ever."
"It was really just a small experiment. Being at the back gave me a pretty clear view of everything, after all."
Koichi merely gave a faint smile at that.
Not making his move early might also have been one of the best decisions he had