Chapter Summaries

Koichi Sasaki returned to Hokkai Ranch and discovered that his father had spent two hundred million yen on a young racehorse named Gold Ship. After activating a jockey system and recognizing Gold Ship’s future potential, Koichi decided to raise him, but realized the ranch might be in debt with its land as collateral.

• Koichi Sasaki returned to Hokkaido after graduating from Tokyo’s horse racing academy, and Miku Kuchiki told him his father had bought a racehorse before fleeing overseas.
• Miku Kuchiki revealed that Koichi’s father had spent two hundred million yen on Gold Ship, shocking Koichi.
• Koichi activated a jockey system, received ten lottery draws and the Eye of Appraisal, and learned that Gold Ship was a one-year-old gray horse suited to turf and long distances.
• Koichi recognized Gold Ship’s future racing potential and decided not to sell him, despite Gold Ship biting him when he tried to pet him.
• Koichi headed to his room and realized his father might have borrowed money against Hokkai Ranch to pay for Gold Ship.

Koichi Sasaki returned to Hokkai Ranch and learned that he had two years to repay a two-hundred-million-yen loan or lose the ranch, Gold Ship, and his system. After drawing a skill that could calm horses, he planned to seek a jockey job at his uncle’s ranch, leaving the family hopeful but still under heavy financial pressure.

• Koichi read his father's email explaining the ranch's decline and the loan terms, then decided to ask his uncle for help finding work.
• Koichi used his ten free system draws and received food items plus the Calming skill, which soothed agitated horses.
• Koichi called his uncle and arranged to meet at the ranch the next day, where jockeys were being recruited.
• At dinner, Koichi reassured Miku Kuchiki's parents that they had two years to repay the loan, while Miku urged her parents not to pressure him.
• Koichi fed Gold Ship a carrot and reflected that the young horse had great potential but would not race until the following autumn at the earliest.
• Koichi told Miku Kuchiki that she did not need to accompany him when he went to seek a job at his uncle's ranch.

Koichi Sasaki visited Aoe Ranch, where his skill calmed a spooked colt before it could hit Ayano Aoe. Grateful, Ayano assigned him to ride Golden Masterpiece in its next G3 race in Kyoto, leaving Koichi facing a major opportunity.

• Ayumu Kusakawa showed Koichi around Aoe Ranch and learned that he planned to have a friend train his family's horse.
• A chestnut colt broke loose at the training center and charged toward Ayano Aoe.
• Koichi used his Soothing skill to calm the colt and protect Ayano.
• Ayano learned Koichi was a newly graduated jockey and ordered him to ride Golden Masterpiece in its next G3 race in Kyoto.

Koichi Sasaki began a trial ride on the temperamental Golden Masterpiece, hoping to earn the chance to ride him in an upcoming race. His controlled start impressed Ayano Aoe, who watched to see how the pair would perform.

• Ayumu Kusakawa warned Koichi Sasaki that Golden Masterpiece had a dangerous temper, but Koichi insisted he could handle him.
• Ayano Aoe rejected Trainer Keigo Kudo's objection to Koichi riding Golden Masterpiece and decided to watch a trial first.
• Koichi mounted Golden Masterpiece and prepared to test him on the Training Center track.
• Koichi activated Serious Mode and controlled Golden Masterpiece's pace as the horse started running.
• Ayano Aoe praised Golden Masterpiece's start, and Ayumu Kusakawa explained that Koichi's father was a devoted fan of Stay Gold and Masterpiece.

Koichi Sasaki rode Golden Masterpiece in a practice run, impressing Ayano Aoe with his control and the horse’s speed. Ayano hired Koichi to work at the farm, and he began getting acquainted with Golden Masterpiece and his groom, Hitachi Yosuke.

• Koichi rode Golden Masterpiece around the track and tested his speed without losing control of the temperamental horse.
• With 400 meters remaining, Koichi used his whip, and Golden Masterpiece unleashed a powerful finishing kick before slowing down after the finish.
• Ayano Aoe approved of their performance and told Koichi to start working at the farm the next day, while Ayumu Kusakawa urged him to thank her.
• Koichi followed a staff member to the stables, where he met Golden Masterpiece’s groom, Hitachi Yosuke.
• Koichi tried brushing Golden Masterpiece during his bath, and Hitachi advised him to use a gentler touch.

Koichi learned about Golden Masterpiece and the ranch's jockeys, then returned to Hokkai Ranch after securing a job at Clear River Ranch. He prepared to leave for work the next day while Gold Ship played in the snow, unaware that a trainer was about to enter his life.

• Hitachi Yosuke told Koichi that Golden Masterpiece bullied weaker horses and mentioned Dream Journey and the yearling One-Way Passage.
• Koichi and Ayumu Kusakawa encountered the jockey who had previously ridden Golden Masterpiece and Dream Journey, and Ayumu explained how results shaped the racing industry.
• Ayumu showed Koichi around Aoe Ranch and shared advice about the ranch before Koichi rode back to Hokkai Ranch after lunch.
• Miku Kuchiki greeted Koichi, and he told her that he had found a job and would start at Clear River Ranch the next day.
• Koichi declined Miku's offer to celebrate, while Gold Ship played energetically in the snow.

Koichi visited Gold Ship and discovered that a system-drawn carrot made the wary colt eager enough to tug at his clothes for more. Back at the farm, Koichi reviewed its finances, reassured Miku Kuchiki about the incoming trainer, and sent her to bring Gold Ship inside as snow began to fall.

• Koichi offered Gold Ship a system-drawn carrot, and Gold Ship ate it before biting Koichi’s clothes in hopes of getting another.
• Miku Kuchiki returned and saw Gold Ship tugging Koichi, but Koichi stopped her from intervening and Gold Ship ran off across the paddock.
• Koichi realized system-drawn food could strongly appeal to racehorses and considered drawing more to help train Gold Ship and Golden Masterpiece.
• Koichi reviewed the farm’s documents and finances, including Gold Ship’s expenses and the bank loan.
• Miku Kuchiki asked Koichi whether the incoming trainer was easy to get along with, and Koichi reassured her that he would support her.
• As snow began falling, Koichi told Miku Kuchiki to bring Gold Ship back to the stable.

On his first official day at Aoe Ranch, Koichi Sasaki groomed Golden Masterpiece and took it to morning training with a backup schedule from his uncle, Ayumu Kusakawa, because Trainer Kudo had not provided one. Koichi noticed that another jockey avoided greeting him, leaving him convinced that he was unwelcome at the ranch.

• Koichi arrived early at Stable One, where Hitachi Yosuke warned him to be careful around Trainer Kudo after their recent conflict.
• Koichi groomed Golden Masterpiece, which felt at ease around him and objected when Hitachi brushed too roughly.
• Ayumu gave Koichi a basic training plan after learning that Trainer Kudo had not prepared one for Golden Masterpiece.
• Koichi took Golden Masterpiece to train, detoured around another horse, and saw its rider head to the training grounds without greeting him.
• Koichi concluded that he was not welcome at Aoe Ranch and decided to focus on training and winning races.

Koichi trained Golden Masterpiece, managing the horse’s temper while another rider appeared to provoke him on the track. After the workout, Koichi rewarded Golden Masterpiece with carrots, but the horse refused to continue walking when he ran out.

• Koichi began Golden Masterpiece’s morning training with laps around the track and controlled the horse’s pace.
• A bay horse from Kudō Stable passed Golden Masterpiece, who grew angry, while Koichi kept to his duties.
• Ayano Aoe watched the workout and told a staff member to keep recording data after suspecting the other rider’s provocation was deliberate.
• Koichi completed uphill runs with Golden Masterpiece and ignored the rider who kept provoking them.
• Koichi gave Golden Masterpiece carrots after training, and the horse refused to walk when Koichi said there were no more.
• Ayano Aoe saw Koichi struggling with Golden Masterpiece’s tantrum and recognized the horse’s familiar temperament.

Koichi Sasaki spoke with Ayano Aoe about her hopes for him and Golden Masterpiece to surpass T.M. Opera O. The chapter ended with Koichi confidently believing in Artie as he prepared for next year's races.

• Koichi handed Golden Masterpiece to Hitachi Yosuke after training and decided to visit the paddocks.
• Ayano Aoe invited Koichi to talk and said she hoped he and Artie could surpass T.M. Opera O.
• Ayano told Koichi to finish in the top three in next year's races and gave him Golden Masterpiece's training plan.
• Koichi ate lunch with Ayumu Kusakawa, who asked about his conversation with Ayano.
• Koichi kept Ayano's ambition to himself and told Ayumu he had faith in Artie.

Koichi returned to Hokkai Ranch and tried to recruit Megumi Mitsumori to train Gold Ship. Megumi considered the offer and learned Koichi would be in Kyoto in January.

• Koichi found Gold Ship eating grass, and Gold Ship teased him by eating it all before he could get any.
• Koichi tempted Gold Ship with the promise of carrots, then asked Miku Kuchiki about the horse’s health and weight.
• Koichi messaged Megumi Mitsumori and offered her a chance to build her career in Hokkaido by training Gold Ship.
• Megumi said she would consider the offer but planned to spend New Year’s with her parents.
• Koichi told Megumi he had a race in Kyoto in January, leaving her surprised.

Koichi trained Golden Masterpiece and reviewed the schedule and details for the January Nikkan Sports Shinzan Kinen in Kyoto. He learned that the ranch’s Deep Impact offspring, Danon Blue, would also race, leaving him to prepare for a tough contest as a rookie jockey.

• Koichi completed morning and uphill training with Golden Masterpiece, calming the horse before it could attack a staff member.
• The ranch staff heard about the incident, while most remained skeptical of Koichi’s ability as a jockey.
• Ayumu Kusakawa explained that Koichi would travel to Kyoto in mid-December and return after New Year’s to prepare for the race.
• Koichi read that the Nikkan Sports Shinzan Kinen was a Grade 3 race for three-year-olds held over 1,600 meters, with sixteen horses typically competing.
• Ayumu told Koichi that Danon Blue, a horse sired by Deep Impact, would also compete, and Koichi accepted that the race would be difficult.

Koichi learned that Danon Blue, another Sunday Silence descendant and Golden Masterpiece’s former bully, would be a rival in the upcoming Kyoto race. He traveled with the horses and staff to Kyoto, where Golden Masterpiece was set to face his first race there.

• Koichi inspected Danon Blue’s stall and learned from Hitachi Yosuke that the horse would likely enter the same Grade 3 race as Golden Masterpiece.
• Matsutomo Kazuma introduced himself as Danon Blue’s jockey and mocked Koichi as a newcomer, but Koichi stayed calm and resolved to beat him on the track.
• A week later, Koichi and the staff departed for Kyoto with Golden Masterpiece and Danon Blue.
• Golden Masterpiece resisted entering the transport truck before settling down for the journey.
• On the way, Koichi told Hitachi Yosuke that he had already arranged to sightsee with Megumi Mitsumori, while planning to familiarize Golden Masterpiece with the Kyoto track.

Koichi Sasaki and Golden Masterpiece traveled from Chitose to Kyoto for a Grade 3 race, while Danon Blue's connections backed Matsutomo Kazuma to beat the rookie pairing. The convoy reached the final leg of its journey with Koichi encouraged by messages from his uncle and Miku Kuchiki.

• Golden Masterpiece and Danon Blue passed their checks at Nagoya Airport and boarded separate vehicles for the trip to Kyoto.
• Danon Blue's groom urged Matsutomo Kazuma to perform well for Mr. Kudo, and Matsutomo vowed to win.
• Hitachi Yosuke told Koichi that Golden Masterpiece's popularity had fallen because he was a rookie jockey, while estimating Asho could finish in the top five.
• Koichi reviewed information about the sixteen rivals and received his racing silks, which his uncle Ayumu Kusakawa had prepared.
• Koichi replied to Ayumu Kusakawa's messages and let Miku Kuchiki know that he had arrived safely.
• The Aoe Ranch convoy continued toward Kyoto as Koichi and Hitachi Yosuke anticipated their arrival.

Koichi Sasaki and Golden Masterpiece arrived at Kyoto Racecourse to familiarize themselves with the grounds before their race. Their calm appearance together surprised racing fans and reporters, who began speculating about Aoe Ranch's plans.

• Koichi started the morning with warmups while Hitachi Yosuke went to care for Golden Masterpiece.
• At breakfast, Danon Blue's groom taunted Koichi, while Matsutomo Kazuma kept his distance and socialized with other jockeys.
• Koichi took Golden Masterpiece to Kyoto Racecourse for training and led him through the paddock.
• Fans admired Golden Masterpiece but doubted his chances with a rookie jockey, while reporters were surprised by how obedient he seemed.
• Reporters speculated that Aoe Ranch might be trying to recreate T.M. Opera O's success, though one noted the ranch also had a strong daughter of Deep Impact.

Koichi and Golden Masterpiece trained at Kyoto Racecourse, where Koichi assessed the horse’s turf speed and the upcoming racecourse. After eating carrots, Golden Masterpiece left with Koichi, while nearby jockeys recognized the horse and remarked on their close bond.

• Koichi took Golden Masterpiece for five laps of training on Kyoto Racecourse’s turf, using carrots to keep the eager closer under control.
• Golden Masterpiece accelerated after a lap and showed more speed on turf than Koichi had expected, drawing admiring looks from other jockeys.
• After training, Koichi inspected the 1,600-meter racecourse with Golden Masterpiece and reviewed its layout ahead of their afternoon trial run.
• Koichi gave Golden Masterpiece two carrots and mounted up to return, but Golden Masterpiece initially headed the wrong way before Koichi redirected him to the exit.
• A middle-aged jockey recognized Golden Masterpiece as Aoe Ranch’s horse and noted that he and Koichi seemed to get along well.

Koichi studied the Kyoto Racecourse and timed Red Davis’s training run to help plan Asho’s race. Miku Kuchiki and Gold Ship cheered him on, leaving Koichi feeling energized for his first race.

• Hitachi Yosuke took Asho to bathe after the horse finished its morning workout in a good mood.
• Koichi returned to Kyoto Racecourse and watched Red Davis and Macherina run from the starting gates.
• Koichi timed Red Davis’s run at about one minute and thirty-seven seconds and planned to use the track’s big bend to set up Asho’s finishing kick.
• Koichi received a call from Miku Kuchiki, who apologized after he teased her and then showed him Gold Ship.
• Miku and Gold Ship cheered Koichi on, and he promised himself he would earn a good placing.

Koichi tested a more aggressive running style with Golden Masterpiece, who completed a solo 1,600-meter workout in about one minute and thirty-six seconds. Three days later, Koichi met Megumi Mitsumori at Kyoto Racecourse and discussed the negative press surrounding his entry in an important Grade 3 race.

• Koichi asked Hitachi Yosuke to help him train Golden Masterpiece through the starting gate.
• Koichi kept Golden Masterpiece accelerating after the start and around the bend, but the horse slowed with about three hundred meters left.
• Hitachi Yosuke timed their run at roughly one minute and thirty-six seconds, and Koichi believed Golden Masterpiece could go faster.
• Three days later, Koichi met Megumi Mitsumori at Kyoto Racecourse, where a waitress mistook them for a couple.
• Koichi asked Megumi about the articles criticizing his entry in the Grade 3 race, and he suggested he might be serving as a smokescreen for another jockey from Clear River Ranch.

Koichi asked Megumi to train Gold Ship at his farm, and she agreed to join him after the New Year. He then shared burgers with Hitachi Yosuke and asked him to help test a new idea for Asho before their upcoming race.

• Koichi showed Megumi a photo of his yearling, Gold Ship, and asked her to train the horse at his farm.
• Megumi agreed to discuss the move with her parents after the New Year and promised to attend Koichi's race on the ninth of next month.
• Koichi brought burgers back to the dorm and persuaded Hitachi Yosuke to share a cheat meal with him.
• Koichi asked Hitachi Yosuke to help him try out a new idea for Asho the following afternoon.

Koichi prepared for his first race, the Nikkan Sports Shinzan Kinen, riding Golden Masterpiece from gate one. As the sixteen horses settled into the starting gates, supporters watched and cheered from Kyoto and Hokkaido, and the race was about to begin.

• Hitachi Yosuke led Golden Masterpiece into the parade ring, where the horse waited for Koichi amid the crowd.
• Koichi arrived, greeted Hitachi Yosuke and Asho, then mounted Golden Masterpiece and headed to the track from gate one.
• Ayano Aoe watched from the Luxury Swan Grandstand and asked for Golden Masterpiece's latest figures, while trainer Kudo worried that she favored Golden Masterpiece over Danon Blue.
• Megumi Mitsumori watched from a secluded spot in the stands, while Miku Kuchiki and Ayumu Kusakawa followed the livestream from Hokkaido and cheered for Koichi.
• Ayumu Kusakawa watched the livestream with a stablehand as horse number sixteen entered its gate and voiced cautious faith in Koichi.
• All sixteen horses entered the gates, and the commentator declared the Nikkan Sports Shinzan Kinen underway as the starting signal sounded.