Chapter Summaries

Koichi Sasaki won his first maiden race at Tokyo Racecourse but finished third in his second, then learned Saki Ikegami had arranged another ride at Nakayama. He asked to review the horse’s information before deciding whether to accept the booking.

• Koichi rode number six from the middle of the pack and used Windmill Whip and Mighty Arm to beat number three by half a length in his first race.
• Saki congratulated Koichi, and the horse’s trainer and owner thanked him and hoped he would ride the horse again.
• Koichi lost his second race after failing to break through on the inside and getting boxed in, but his horse finished third.
• Saki said Koichi’s performance could help them secure more rides, and Koichi agreed that the day had gone well despite the defeat.
• On the way back, Saki told Koichi she had arranged another Nakayama booking; Koichi asked her to send the horse’s information before he decided whether to accept.

After racing at Nakayama, Koichi Sasaki discussed his growing familiarity with the course, his upcoming rides, and Golden Masterpiece’s preparation for the Arima Kinen. The chapter ended with Saki Ikegami arranging a trial ride for Koichi the next day and planning his interview.

• Koichi accompanied Saki Ikegami to photograph Golden Masterpiece, though she was frightened of the horse’s reputation as the Golden Tyrant.
• Koichi told Hitachi Yosuke that he was adjusting to Nakayama Racecourse and discussed his expected rides with the Sunday Club.
• Hitachi reported that Asho was recovering well and said Golden Masterpiece’s team wanted Koichi to schedule a trial ride.
• Koichi and Hitachi noted that the Arima Kinen field had been reduced to thirteen horses after a withdrawal.
• Saki arranged for Koichi to attend a trial ride the next day and reminded him that he also had an interview to schedule.

Koichi Sasaki rested between his morning races and prepared to ride Golden Masterpiece in the Arima Kinen. As the thirteen contenders arrived at Nakayama Racecourse, attention focused on Golden Masterpiece, Lovely Scenery, and Japan Jordan, whose jockey change put its bid for the autumn triple crown under pressure.

• Saki Ikegami gave Koichi water and a jacket, and they planned a high-calorie lunch before his final morning race.
• Koichi chatted with Masayoshi Ubaname and Kenichi Ikezoe about the Arima Kinen and its leading contenders.
• Koichi greeted Li Muhua and Japan Jordan's jockey Vilia in the waiting room before Kenichi Ikezoe warned him that Yutaka Take had been targeting him.
• Yutaka Take recalled his earlier win and prepared for the Arima Kinen, where Koichi and Golden Masterpiece had beaten the year's three-year-olds.
• The thirteen horses arrived at the Parade Ring, and spectators discussed Golden Masterpiece's chances and Japan Jordan's bid to complete the autumn triple crown.

At the Arima Kinen, Golden Masterpiece and Japan Jordan nearly fought during warm-ups after Japan Jordan noticed Golden Masterpiece carrying a familiar weight. The horses calmed down before entering the gates, leaving their jockeys focused on the race and Golden Masterpiece wary of Japan Jordan as the field prepared to start.

• Ayano Aoe discussed Lovely Scenery’s retirement ceremony with Fujitani Kotomi and spoke with Shimakawa about Golden Masterpiece and Japan Jordan.
• The commentators introduced the thirteen Arima Kinen runners, including returning champion Buena Vista, Japan Jordan, Golden Masterpiece, and retiring Lovely Scenery.
• Japan Jordan recognized the weight on Golden Masterpiece and challenged him, prompting Golden Masterpiece to neigh back until Koichi Sasaki restrained him.
• The jockeys settled both horses, and Japan Jordan’s jockey acknowledged Koichi after the scare.
• Japan Jordan’s jockey considered watching Golden Masterpiece closely from gate ten, while Golden Masterpiece was set to start from gate nine.

The Arima Kinen began with the other jockeys boxing Golden Masterpiece in at the back while Heart's Sincere set a slow pace. Golden Masterpiece settled into a closing position alongside Dominant Position, and Lovely Scenery was also trapped on the rail as the field completed the first turn.

• Koichi Sasaki guided Golden Masterpiece into the gate after the other horses entered, and the field prepared for the Arima Kinen.
• All thirteen horses broke cleanly, but the pack crowded toward Golden Masterpiece and left him at the rear while Heart's Sincere took the lead.
• Koichi held Golden Masterpiece back as the other jockeys secured forward positions, leaving Dominant Position beside him at the back.
• Buena Vista and Japan Jordan boxed Lovely Scenery against the rail while Heart's Sincere maintained a slow pace at the front.
• The field passed the first turn with Golden Masterpiece and Dominant Position still at the rear, Lovely Scenery trapped inside, and Japan Jordan running third.

Golden Masterpiece began accelerating before the final turn, charging from the back into the front half of the pack despite the other jockeys trying to contain the favorite. As the horses entered the final stretch of the race, Heart's Sincere led, with Golden Masterpiece alongside several rivals and poised to challenge.

• Koichi Sasaki kept Golden Masterpiece near the rear while the jockeys ahead maneuvered to block rivals and protect their positions.
• As the field approached the third turn, Koichi moved Golden Masterpiece outward and began accelerating early.
• Golden Masterpiece charged into the front half of the pack, surprising Yutaka Take and Yuichi Fukunaga.
• Japan Jordan moved to prevent Golden Masterpiece from cutting toward the rail, while Christophe Lemaire adjusted Buena Vista's position.
• Heart's Sincere led through the turn as Buena Vista, Lovely Scenery, Eishin Flash, Japan Jordan, and Golden Masterpiece ran abreast, with Dominant Position following behind Golden Masterpiece.

Golden Masterpiece won the Arima Kinen, defeating Eishin Flash by three-quarters of a length and reaching the pinnacle of Japanese racing. Ayano Aoe celebrated the victory and headed out, while Japan Jordan’s fifth-place finish left the Autumn Triple Crown out of reach.

• Golden Masterpiece surged clear in the final stretch as Koichi Sasaki used Windmill Whip and then his final skill to hold off Eishin Flash and the chasing horses.
• Golden Masterpiece crossed the finish line first, with Eishin Flash second, Toward Glory third, Dominant Position fourth, Japan Jordan fifth, and Lovely Scenery seventh.
• Koichi exchanged a high five with Li Muhua and celebrated Golden Masterpiece’s three-quarter-length victory in the Arima Kinen.
• Koichi congratulated the other jockeys and worried that the race’s toll might affect Golden Masterpiece’s chances in next year’s Spring Tenno Sho.
• Ayano Aoe accepted congratulations in the VIP lounge and discussed Stay Gold’s rising stud fee with a Shadai Line representative.
• Ayano Aoe left with her assistant, while Japan Jordan’s fifth-place finish ended hopes of the Autumn Triple Crown.

Koichi Sasaki reflected on Golden Masterpiece’s Arima Kinen victory in a post-race interview, then joined the team for photos before Golden Masterpiece was taken back to his stall. Koichi stayed behind for Lovely Scenery’s retirement ceremony and the year-end awards as the racing season neared its close.

• Koichi told Official TV that Golden Masterpiece was in peak form and described how he stayed patient after the other horses boxed them in at the start.
• Koichi explained that Golden Masterpiece surged past the leading horses at the fourth turn and thanked the fans for their support.
• Saki Ikegami gave Koichi hand warmers and told him that Lovely Scenery’s retirement ceremony would follow the next race.
• Koichi, Ayano Aoe, Hitachi Yosuke, and Golden Masterpiece posed for photos, after which Yosuke took Golden Masterpiece back to his stall.
• Koichi stayed at the racecourse for the year-end awards while the final races of the season remained ahead.

Koichi and Ayano watched Lovely Scenery’s retirement ceremony at Nakayama Racecourse, marking the end of the horse’s racing career. Afterward, Koichi reviewed a new riding opportunity with Saki Ikegami, and they headed together to the Aoe Ranch Christmas celebration.

• Ayano Aoe and Koichi discussed Lovely Scenery’s retirement and Koichi’s upcoming rides, including a Kyoto race and Golden Masterpiece’s Hanshin Daishoten trial.
• Lovely Scenery appeared at Nakayama Racecourse with Yasuo Iwata as fans and reporters gathered for the retirement ceremony.
• Koichi met the elderly Ritto trainer who praised a promising Deep Impact-bloodline filly and invited Koichi to contact him directly.
• Saki Ikegami gave Koichi information about the filly’s next race and invited him to the Christmas celebration in Shinjuku.
• Koichi agreed to go with Saki Ikegami, and they left the racecourse together by train.

After a Christmas party, Koichi Sasaki discussed his future affiliation with Saki Ikegami before they said goodbye at the station. At Hokkai Ranch, the staff celebrated his Arima Kinen success while Mirai cared for the horses and checked on the pregnant Sweetie.

• Koichi Sasaki thanked Tetsuya Futawatari and the other trainer, then discussed staying with Aoe Ranch with Saki Ikegami on the way to the station.
• Koichi and Saki exchanged Christmas greetings and parted to take separate trains.
• At Hokkai Ranch, Haruki Kuchiki organized the Christmas preparations as staff discussed Koichi's Autumn Triple Crown prospects and prize money.
• Mirai showed Gold Ship the bridle Koichi had sent, but Gold Ship ignored it and played with falling snowflakes.
• Mirai put the bridle on Epiphaneia, took pictures to send Koichi, and then checked on the pregnant Sweetie.

Koichi reviewed his upcoming rides, including Gentildonna, and prepared for the next racing season while visiting Golden Masterpiece at Nakayama Racecourse. The chapter ended with Koichi and Hitachi Yosuke discussing his prospects as Golden Masterpiece objected to their conversation.

• Koichi studied the Sunday Club's information on Gentildonna and called Saki Ikegami to ask about other races at the Kyoto meeting.
• Koichi considered Golden Masterpiece's rest and next season's Spring Tenno Sho, then resolved to focus on keeping Gold Ship in line for the Triple Crown.
• At Nakayama Racecourse, Koichi told Hitachi Yosuke that he had bought formal clothes for the year's celebration and planned to return to Kyoto for races soon.
• Hitachi Yosuke predicted Koichi would win best newcomer and praised his success with Golden Masterpiece.
• Golden Masterpiece pinned his ears back as Koichi and Hitachi Yosuke talked while he ate.

Koichi Sasaki, Megumi Mitsumori, and Saki Ikegami watched the Hopeful Stakes on the final day of racing, then prepared for the industry gala. The chapter ended with Koichi set to attend the gala with Ayano Aoe as he looked ahead to next year’s racing season.

• Megumi Mitsumori returned to Tokyo and became close friends with Saki Ikegami, while Koichi Sasaki continued his daily training at home.
• Koichi Sasaki, Megumi Mitsumori, and Saki Ikegami went to Nakayama Racecourse to watch the Hopeful Stakes and discuss next year’s races.
• Megumi Mitsumori said Gold Ship would enter the Kyodo News Cup, and Saki Ikegami began arranging Koichi Sasaki’s bookings for the coming season.
• After the race, the three went shopping and had dinner before preparing for the industry gala.
• Koichi Sasaki received a message saying he would attend the gala with Ayano Aoe, as he was expected to begin taking Aoe Ranch work in the spring.

Koichi Sasaki attended the horse racing world’s year-end gala with Ayano Aoe, where guests and reporters recognized his success with Golden Masterpiece. He mingled with horse owners and introduced his agent, Saki Ikegami, as the evening’s networking began.

• Ayano Aoe escorted Koichi Sasaki into the gala, where reporters photographed them and guests discussed his Arima Kinen victory.
• Ayano Aoe told Koichi to stay nearby while she introduced him to people, and he headed for the buffet.
• Saki Ikegami introduced Koichi to horse owner Mr. Tomi, and Koichi exchanged pleasantries with him.
• Saki Ikegami complimented Koichi’s appearance and pointed out where the jockeys had gathered.
• Ayano Aoe brought Koichi around to meet several horse owners, and Koichi introduced Saki Ikegami as his agent.
• Saki Ikegami handed out her business cards and asked the owners to support Koichi.

Koichi Sasaki attended the awards ceremony, where he won Best Newcomer after a standout first year as a jockey. The ceremony moved on to the racehorse awards, with a montage highlighting Golden Masterpiece’s victories.

• Koichi Sasaki chatted with Ryuji Wada and Kenichi Ikezoe before heading to the awards ceremony.
• Koichi sat with Ayano Aoe and Saki Ikegami as the ceremony began.
• Koichi won Best Newcomer and shared the stage with Yutaka Take to accept his award.
• Farm owners and club executives discussed Koichi’s talent and the prospect of recruiting him.
• Ayano Aoe won several awards thanks to Golden Masterpiece, and the closing montage featured his Triple Crown and Arima Kinen victories.

Ayano Aoe accepted awards for Golden Masterpiece, including Horse of the Year, and confirmed he would race in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at four. After Vodka was inducted into the Hall of Fame, Koichi said goodbye to Saki Ikegami and prepared to return to Hokkai Ranch.

• Ayano Aoe accepted the Horse of the Year and Best Three-Year-Old Colt awards for Golden Masterpiece and announced his plans to run in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
• Vodka was named this year's Hall of Fame Racehorse, and her owner Tanizumi thanked supporters at the ceremony.
• Koichi said goodbye to Ayano Aoe and left the ceremony, then thanked Saki Ikegami and invited her to visit Hokkai Ranch.
• Koichi returned to his hotel, ate dinner, and packed to travel back to Hokkaido the next day.

Koichi returned to Hokkai Ranch for a few days and learned that his father had sent money from Europe to help repay the ranch’s loan. He visited the stable to feed Gold Ship and Epiphaneia and planned to see Divine Might, while the ranch continued preparing for the year ahead.

• Koichi returned to Hokkai Ranch and told Miku Kuchiki and Mirai that he could stay only four or five days before returning for races in Kyoto.
• Mirai told Koichi that his father had contacted the ranch and sent money in euros, which Koichi directed her to put toward ranch operations.
• Koichi settled into his warmed room and planned to visit the stable after resting.
• Koichi fed Gold Ship, who chose his dinner over greeting him.
• Koichi took over feeding Epiphaneia while Mirai went to feed Sweetie.

Koichi checked on Epiphaneia, Gold Ship, and One-Way Passage during their holiday and discussed the ranch’s future with Haruki Kuchiki. The ranch focused on caring for a valuable broodmare as Koichi planned to repay Aoe Ranch with his prize money.

• Koichi visited Epiphaneia and noted his growth, muscle, and future training needs.
• Koichi gave Gold Ship and One-Way Passage carrots, and Gold Ship objected when his friend received some of his treats.
• Haruki Kuchiki told Koichi that his father’s money had been transferred to his account.
• Koichi said the money should go toward running the ranch and that he would repay Aoe Ranch with his prize money next year.
• Koichi told Haruki Kuchiki to oversee the broodmare’s care and encouraged the ranch staff to rest over the winter.

On New Year’s Day, Koichi reviewed the ranch’s reports and took Gold Ship out for a walk after the snow stopped. Gold Ship played in the snow and sand while Koichi kept him away from Divine Might, leaving the two horses still on bad terms.

• Koichi reviewed the ranch’s winter expenses and checked camera feeds of the horses, including Sweetie, whose pregnancy required regular veterinary attention.
• After replying to New Year’s messages, Koichi agreed to take Gold Ship out while Mirai took Divine Might to the indoor training area.
• Koichi led Gold Ship along the snowy road, and Gold Ship slipped before stopping to lie in a snowbank and play.
• Divine Might heard Gold Ship approaching, but Mirai soothed him and kept him playing on the other side of the training area.
• Koichi led Gold Ship away from Divine Might and let him play in the sand.

At Aoe Ranch on New Year’s Day, Koichi cared for Gold Ship and checked on the horses as the new year’s racing plans took shape. He left Japan Jordan with a carrot and hoped the new year’s Lucky Draw would bring good luck.

• Gold Ship demanded breakfast from Koichi, who fed and groomed him after their late New Year’s celebration.
• Koichi told Kuga Kai that Divine Might would probably enter a Newcomer Race in October and reassured him about the horse’s potential.
• Koichi assessed Epiphaneia’s training needs, noting that building muscle would be important during the first half of the year.
• Koichi visited Japan Jordan, reflected on the horse’s recent leg problems and possible retirement, and gave him a carrot.
• Koichi headed back, hoping for good luck with the Lucky Draw.

Koichi used his ten New Year Lucky Draw attempts and received several useful rewards, including a new riding skill. Afterward, he arranged for Mirai to pick up his agent, who would arrive the next morning before they traveled to Kyoto for the races.

• Gold Ship and Epiphaneia played in the snow while Koichi prepared to use his ten Lucky Draw attempts.
• Koichi drew a Magical Potion, carrots, peaches, the Mounting Transfer skill, and an Experience Book.
• Koichi returned to the office after the horses finished their carrots and played in the paddock.
• Koichi learned that his agent had booked a flight to Hokkaido and asked Mirai to pick her up at the airport.
• Koichi told Mirai that he and his agent would leave for Kyoto the following day to prepare for the races.