After checking on Epiphaneia, Koichi took a walk around the stable with Kenichi Ikezoe.
All three racehorses from Hokkai Ranch were currently stabled there.
One thing they had in common was that their final races of the year would all be at Nakayama Racecourse.
Man o' War would simply finish a week earlier than the other two.
As things stood, Man o' War could wait until Epiphaneia and Gold Ship finished their races, then return to Hokkai Ranch with Epiphaneia.
Although this would be Gold Ship's final race, he would still have to return to the Training Center afterward.
After all, the paperwork would take some time, whereas Epiphaneia and Man o' War could head back to rest as soon as their races were over.
"He's retiring at the end of this month?"
Kenichi Ikezoe looked at Gold Ship as he spoke.
Whatever else, they had raced together once last year, though Gold Ship had pretty much carried him to victory that time. He had barely needed to do anything to finish first.
Being carried to victory by a racehorse felt pretty good.
"We've already started the paperwork. Once the Arima Kinen is over, we'll hold his retirement ceremony right away."
Koichi nodded, then offered Gold Ship a piece of apple.
Gold Ship had only just finished racing and was still in the rest-and-observation phase.
"Time really does fly. We saw Golden Masterpiece off last year, and now it's Gold Ship's turn."
Even now, Kenichi Ikezoe found the memory of that Arima Kinen thrilling.
If Gold Ship could win another Arima Kinen, his record would be all the more impressive.
After all, he would have won consecutive Arima Kinen titles and claimed seven Grade 1 victories.
"The first time really hurt. I think I'll handle it much better this time."