Recaps

Koichi adapted to French racing and was chosen to ride Golden Masterpiece in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe after the horse crashed during the Prix Foy. Back in Japan, Kenichi Ikezoe took over Gold Ship as the colt prepared to defend his unbeaten record.

• Koichi arrived in France with Saki Ikegami, used his saved lucky draws, and began learning the demands of European racing.
• Epiphaneia won his debut by four lengths, and Kenichi Ikezoe became his planned jockey while Koichi was overseas.
• Koichi raced in Normandy and at Longchamp, gradually adjusting to French competition and earning more bookings.
• Golden Masterpiece crashed into the rail during the Prix Foy and threw Mirco Demuro, but Koichi calmed the horse and led him away safely.
• The Authorities allowed Golden Masterpiece to enter the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, and Aoe Ranch replaced Mirco Demuro with Koichi as jockey.
• Kenichi Ikezoe took over Gold Ship for the Kobe Shimbun Hai, while Megumi Mitsumori planned Epiphaneia's next races.
• Gold Ship broke slowly in the Kobe Shimbun Hai, then moved through the field as Kenichi Ikezoe urged him into the final straight.

Koichi Sasaki rode Golden Masterpiece to victory in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, then returned to Japan as the horse prepared for retirement and the Arima Kinen. Koichi resumed training with Gold Ship and prepared for their return to racing in the Kikuka Sho.

• Gold Ship won the Kobe Shimbun Hai, and Kenichi Ikezoe praised his potential to challenge for the Triple Crown.
• Koichi Sasaki and Ayano Aoe prepared Golden Masterpiece for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and discussed a possible final campaign ending at the Arima Kinen.
• Koichi guided Golden Masterpiece through the heavy-ground Arc field and won, with Sulin Meiya finishing behind him and Imperial Castle far back.
• Koichi celebrated with Ayano Aoe’s team, then said Golden Masterpiece would likely retire after the Arima Kinen, where Kenichi Ikezoe would ride him.
• Koichi returned to Japan, met with Megumi Mitsumori, and resumed training Epiphaneia and Gold Ship ahead of the Kikuka Sho.
• Koichi appeared as a guest commentator for the Shuka Sho, where Gentildonna beat Extreme Peak by a nose.
• Koichi prepared for the Kikuka Sho, used ten lucky draws, and planned to invest his Track Cards in Kyoto and Nakayama Racecourses.
• Koichi rode Gold Ship in a workout with One-Way Passage, and Gold Ship caught up, moved ahead, and showed excellent form.

Koichi Sasaki guided Gold Ship to an undefeated Triple Crown victory in the Kikuka Sho, then returned to Tokyo as Gold Ship rested and merchandise sold out. He rode Gentildonna to a record-setting Japan Cup win, leaving her next season and possible overseas campaign under consideration.

• Koichi planned for Gold Ship to settle at the rear from stall one, then accelerated him on the uphill Third Turn to take the lead and win the Kikuka Sho, completing the undefeated Triple Crown.
• After the victory, Koichi said he had changed tactics during the race, then visited Xiaoman and Black North at Hokkai Ranch before filming a documentary interview with Golden Masterpiece at Aoe Ranch.
• Koichi returned to Tokyo while Gold Ship rested at Hokkai Ranch, and he helped Mirai sell merchandise that quickly drew crowds of fans.
• Epiphaneia won his race under Kenichi Ikezoe and returned to Hokkai Ranch to rest, while Koichi rode Gentildonna in a workout and judged her ready for the Japan Cup.
• Gold Ship and Golden Masterpiece returned to the Training Center as Koichi and Gentildonna prepared to face Dominant Position and other contenders in the Japan Cup.
• Koichi positioned Gentildonna behind the early leader, then drove her forward along the inside and held off Dominant Position’s late charge to win the Japan Cup by two lengths and set a new record.
• After the award ceremony, Tadashi Ishisaka said Gentildonna might skip the Arima Kinen and could race in Dubai the following year, while Koichi agreed that she needed rest and told Saki Ikegami that her schedule remained undecided.

Koichi and Gold Ship faced Golden Masterpiece in the Arima Kinen, where the rivals finished in a dead heat before Golden Masterpiece retired. Gold Ship returned to the ranch, and Koichi said goodbye as Golden Masterpiece left for Shadai.

• Ayano Aoe and Fujitani Kotomi prepared Golden Masterpiece for the Arima Kinen, while Koichi and Megumi Mitsumori got Gold Ship ready for the race.
• Koichi and Kenichi Ikezoe drew stalls eight and five respectively, and both camps completed their final workouts and interviews before the Arima Kinen.
• Gold Ship and Golden Masterpiece battled through the race, and the officials declared a dead heat after they crossed the finish line nearly together.
• Koichi and Ikezoe shared a joint interview and award ceremony, then Koichi joined Golden Masterpiece’s retirement walk and tearfully thanked him.
• Ayano Aoe gave Koichi a breeding share, and Koichi celebrated Christmas with his team as they discussed Gold Ship’s next season and their own plans.
• Koichi watched Gold Ship leave for the ranch, then filmed Golden Masterpiece’s final moments at the Stable before saying goodbye as Shadai staff took him away.