Recaps

Koichi guided Gold Ship to a dramatic Satsuki Sho victory and committed to riding Golden Masterpiece in the Spring Tenno Sho despite doubts about his condition. As Koichi returned to racing and the ranch prepared Epiphaneia, he won another race and faced a busy week ahead.

• Koichi used a Track Card at Nakayama and finished fifth in a muddy dirt race before winning a later turf race and agreeing to ride Golden Masterpiece in the Spring Tenno Sho.
• Ayano Aoe supported Koichi and Gold Ship, while she revealed that Aoe Ranch had reserved a breeding slot for his stallion.
• Gold Ship entered the Satsuki Sho as a fourth-place betting choice, started slowly, and fell to the back of the field.
• Koichi sent Gold Ship charging up the inside on the final turn, and Gold Ship overtook Zealous to win the Satsuki Sho by nearly two lengths over World Ace.
• Koichi explained that he trusted Gold Ship’s strength when choosing the risky inside route and said they would work toward the Derby at Tokyo.
• Yamana Takuto and Kuga Kai took Epiphaneia to a testing facility, where Kenichi Ikezoe saw the horse’s fierce competitive streak and watched him win the test.
• Koichi agreed to discuss Ikezoe’s request to ride Epiphaneia’s debut, and he considered expanding the ranch’s racing business by buying broodmares.
• Koichi visited Gold Ship at the ranch, later won a race aboard Bright Sword, and learned that his horse in the next day’s fourth race had been withdrawn.

Koichi lost the Spring Tenno Sho with Golden Masterpiece and faced criticism, then rebuilt his confidence through a string of wins and returned to the Training Center. He finished the stretch with Alfrey’s second-place finish in the NHK Mile Cup and a renewed focus on his upcoming rides.

• Koichi traveled to Kyoto to train Golden Masterpiece, refused to use a restraint hood, and prepared for the Spring Tenno Sho despite the horse’s wide draw and uncertain form.
• Koichi pushed Golden Masterpiece from the rear in the Spring Tenno Sho, but the horse finished fifth behind Thunderbolt Steed, Japan Jordan, and Triumph Ballet.
• Ayano Aoe confronted Koichi for abandoning their race plan, warned that he could lose the Takarazuka Kinen ride, and urged him to rebuild public confidence.
• Koichi returned to Tokyo and won several races on long shots, while Saki secured his next ride on Gentildonna and Koichi visited the ranch during his break.
• Gold Ship returned to the Training Center in excellent health, and Koichi later trained him alongside One-Way Passage, whose challenge stirred Gold Ship’s competitive spirit.
• After a starting-gate accident involving Yasuo Iwata, Koichi accepted the NHK Mile Cup ride on Alfrey and prepared to avoid repeating the incident.
• Koichi and Yuichi Fukunaga worked together to trap Iwata’s runners in the NHK Mile Cup, and Alfrey finished second behind Mikki Isle.
• Koichi discussed his ride and mile-race tactics with Kenichi Ikezoe and Yuichi Fukunaga, then reviewed his upcoming schedule with Saki.

Koichi guided Gentildonna to a dominant Japanese Oaks victory, then led Gold Ship to the Derby and reached 100 career wins. After the celebrations, Koichi headed toward the Takarazuka Kinen with Golden Masterpiece while Gold Ship returned to Hokkai Ranch.

• Koichi calmed Gentildonna’s fears and prepared her for the Japanese Oaks, where she defeated Extreme Peak by five lengths.
• Koichi secured rides for the Derby and learned Ayano Aoe would keep him on Golden Masterpiece for the Takarazuka Kinen.
• Koichi used a Gate Skill Card to improve Gold Ship’s start and planned a forward position for the Derby.
• Gold Ship broke quickly, pressed near the leaders, and surged past Gorgeous Glory to win the Derby and complete the Double Crown.
• Koichi reached 100 career wins and received a commemorative plush horse from Yutaka Take at the ceremony.
• Koichi watched Gold Ship and One-Way Passage return to Hokkai Ranch, then traveled to the Training Center to prepare for Golden Masterpiece’s crucial race.
• Koichi found Golden Masterpiece in improved condition, while Megumi Mitsumori arranged for Kenichi Ikezoe to try riding Epiphaneia with Koichi as backup.

Koichi prepared Golden Masterpiece for the Takarazuka Kinen, won the race, and set his sights on the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. After arranging overseas training and buying a colt at auction, he left for France with Saki Ikegami, entrusting his horses to his friends.

• Koichi visited Hokkai Ranch, saw Black North growing, and discussed Gold Ship and his overseas plans with Mirai and Haruki Kuchiki.
• Koichi secured approval for overseas training while continuing to prepare for the Takarazuka Kinen and helping Kenichi Ikezoe manage Epiphaneia.
• Koichi rode Golden Masterpiece to a two-and-a-half-length victory over Dominant Position in the Takarazuka Kinen, then told reporters the horse would target the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
• Koichi and Saki Ikegami completed their travel plans for France, while Koichi approved stall renovations at the ranch and began studying English and French.
• Koichi learned Mirco Demuro would ride Golden Masterpiece in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and attended an auction with Ayano Aoe and Megumi Mitsumori.
• Koichi won a colt sired by Screen Hero for seven million and offered to contribute ten million toward a filly bought jointly with Megumi Mitsumori.
• Koichi packed for France and said Ikezoe would likely ride Gold Ship in the Kobe Shimbun Hai, with the undefeated Triple Crown bid at stake.
• Koichi said goodbye to Ryuji Wada and Kenichi Ikezoe, followed Saki Ikegami's instructions for filming at the airport, and boarded the flight after clearing security.