Chapter Summaries

Koichi Sasaki kept Golden Masterpiece boxed in while the front-runners built a large lead, then sent him surging into the final stretch with a devastating finishing kick. Golden Masterpiece pulled away from the chasing horses, and the race remained underway as he continued accelerating.

• Koichi took the inside rail with Golden Masterpiece, who was soon boxed in behind the pack as Danon Blue and Red Davis pulled ahead.
• Keigo Kudo assumed Golden Masterpiece had been wasted in the pack, while Ayano Aoe remained calm and Koichi waited for the turn.
• As the horses approached the final stretch, Koichi struck with his crop and sent Golden Masterpiece out to the open track.
• Golden Masterpiece accelerated past Dream Baron and Macherina, while Appreciating Wisdom began chasing him from the pack.
• Golden Masterpiece kept widening the gap over Appreciating Wisdom without slowing down.

Koichi Sasaki and Golden Masterpiece won the race by three lengths, defeating Danon Blue and earning ten prize draws. After the victory, they reunited with Hitachi Yosuke and Ayano Aoe, then headed for photographs and Koichi’s interview.

• Koichi and Golden Masterpiece overtook Danon Blue and crossed the finish line in first place, with Red Davis second and Appreciating Wisdom third.
• The commentator announced Golden Masterpiece’s victory, and Koichi celebrated their first win together as the crowd cheered.
• Koichi encountered Matsutomo Kazuma, who dismissed the loss as luck, before Koichi went to find Yosuke.
• Yosuke congratulated Koichi and Golden Masterpiece, but Golden Masterpiece startled him with a glare.
• Ayano Aoe praised the pair, and after the staff completed Golden Masterpiece’s inspection, they were called for photographs and Koichi was reminded to prepare for an interview.

After winning his first Grade 3 race with Golden Masterpiece, Koichi Sasaki spoke about his jockeying ambitions in a post-race interview. Ayano Aoe planned their next race, and Koichi chose to prepare for the Spring Championship while making a request.

• Koichi thanked the ranch staff and Golden Masterpiece during his first post-race interview.
• Koichi said T.M. Opera O and jockey Wada had inspired him to become a jockey, and he announced their goal of challenging Grade 1 races that year.
• Ayano Aoe took Koichi to a celebratory dinner and explained that Golden Masterpiece could now enter Grade 2 races after earning prize money in the race.
• Ayano Aoe proposed the Spring Championship as preparation for the Tokyo Satsuki Sho and offered Koichi the option of entering other races in Hokkaido.
• Koichi decided to focus on preparing for the Spring Championship and told Ayano Aoe he had one request.

After Koichi Sasaki celebrated his Grade 3 victory, he used his prize draw and received carrots, food, a weight-proof physique, and a horse racing experience book. Ayano Aoe dismissed Matsutomo Kazuma and planned Danon Blue’s next race, while online critics attacked Koichi and Golden Masterpiece.

• Koichi enjoyed dinner with Matsutomo Kazuma and Ayano Aoe, then read the messages and praise that followed his victory.
• Koichi replied to his uncle, Mirai, and Megumi Mitsumori, who planned to visit Hokkai Ranch the next day.
• Koichi used a ten-pull and received carrots, bananas, a physique that never gained weight, and a horse racing experience book.
• Ayano Aoe read the online criticism of Koichi and Golden Masterpiece and dismissed the commenters as amateurs.
• Ayano Aoe entered Danon Blue in next month’s Kisaragi Sho and ordered her secretary to replace Matsutomo Kazuma as his jockey.

After winning at Kyoto Racecourse, Koichi returned to Hokkai Ranch, where he celebrated with the staff and planned Gold Ship’s training. He sent Miku Kuchiki to pick up Megumi Mitsumori in Sapporo while he rested at the ranch.

• Koichi returned to Hokkai Ranch with Kyoto specialties after leaving Golden Masterpiece to rest and Danon Blue at Kyoto Racecourse.
• Miku Kuchiki welcomed Koichi with a banner, but he asked her to take it down and offered the ranch staff the gifts he had brought.
• Koichi greeted Gold Ship and decided to focus on training the horse while visiting Asho when he had time.
• Koichi asked Miku to drive to Sapporo Tower, pick up Megumi Mitsumori, and take her for ramen.
• Koichi lay down on the sofa to rest as he waited for his prize money to arrive.

Megumi Mitsumori arrived at Hokkai Ranch and met Gold Ship, whose mischievous behavior amused her. Koichi assigned her to train Ship for the next six months and told her Golden Masterpiece’s next race would be a Grade 2 event.

• Miku Kuchiki showed Megumi Mitsumori around the ranch and introduced her to Gold Ship.
• Gold Ship ignored Megumi, then pretended to fall and rolled in the dirt, prompting Miku to scold the horse while Megumi laughed.
• Megumi met Koichi and explained that she had gotten lost while trying to find the ranch, though she had kept her luggage with her.
• Koichi put Megumi in charge of Gold Ship’s training for the next six months and told her training would begin the following day.
• Megumi asked about Golden Masterpiece’s next race, and Koichi said it would be a Grade 2 event.

Koichi began Gold Ship’s training at Hokkai Ranch, grooming the horse with Miku Kuchiki before discussing a training plan with Megumi Mitsumori. Gold Ship then teased Megumi when she tried to take the reins, leaving Koichi to help start the first session.

• Koichi woke Gold Ship by promising food, then groomed the horse with Miku Kuchiki.
• Koichi promised Gold Ship a reward for working hard and took the horse to the training grounds after breakfast.
• Koichi and Megumi Mitsumori agreed to develop Gold Ship’s racing style while focusing first on teaching the horse commands.
• Megumi tried to take Gold Ship’s reins, but Gold Ship dodged her and trotted around the grounds.
• Koichi stepped in, calmed Gold Ship, and handed the reins back to Megumi so training could begin.

Koichi watched Megumi Mitsumori teach Gold Ship basic whip commands and gaits, then discussed trainer Kudo and his relationship with Golden Masterpiece. After a carrot break, Gold Ship resumed teasing Megumi during training, so Koichi joined her to help get the work done.

• Gold Ship learned what light whip taps meant and practiced his gaits while Koichi ate breakfast and watched.
• Koichi told Megumi Mitsumori he had met trainer Kudo only once and said Kudo was still Golden Masterpiece's trainer.
• Gold Ship nudged Koichi for a carrot, which Koichi fed him during the break.
• Megumi returned to training, but Gold Ship ran away from her after his carrot and Koichi got up to help.

Koichi met Hitachi Yosuke at Hokkai Ranch and focused on Gold Ship’s training and upcoming two-year-old debut. Yosuke explained that Asho might be moved to another trainer, while One-Way Passage could eventually offer Koichi another mount.

• Koichi introduced Megumi Mitsumori and Miku Kuchiki to Hitachi Yosuke, then invited Yosuke to join them in washing Gold Ship.
• Koichi told Yosuke he planned to focus on Gold Ship during the break because the horse’s two-year-old debut race was approaching.
• Yosuke said Trainer Kudo had not checked on Asho and that the higher-ups might temporarily assign Asho to another trainer.
• Yosuke told Koichi that One-Way Passage, a horse under that trainer, might be a future opportunity for him, but Koichi chose to focus on Gold Ship for now.
• Yosuke left after asking Koichi to visit Asho when he had time, and Koichi agreed to come by once things at the ranch were settled.

Koichi rode Gold Ship around the training track to assess his ability and response to commands. Gold Ship showed strong potential but struggled to follow the reins, so Koichi and Megumi Mitsumori planned to increase his training before attempting the qualification test.

• Megumi Mitsumori and Koichi agreed to test Gold Ship under saddle and brought out the ranch's available tack.
• Gold Ship startled at the equipment, but Koichi used Calming to settle him before mounting.
• Gold Ship bucked and jolted at first, then calmed down as Koichi guided him around the track.
• Koichi found that Gold Ship had impressive strength but mostly ignored rein cues during their first lap.
• Megumi Mitsumori recorded the session's data, and she and Koichi agreed Gold Ship needed more command training before his qualification test.
• Koichi took Gold Ship for a second lap, where the horse followed commands better than before.

Koichi took Gold Ship to the farm’s farrier to replace his horseshoes, and Gold Ship behaved well under his guidance. As Koichi finished, One-Way Passage became agitated at the sight of another gray horse, and Koichi went out to greet him.

• Koichi led Gold Ship from home to the farm where Ayumu Kusakawa had arranged for a farrier.
• Koichi used Calming to settle Gold Ship while the farrier removed his old shoe and fitted a new one.
• One-Way Passage grew excited in the aisle after sensing a gray horse, and his groom struggled to restrain him.
• Koichi told Gold Ship to stay back, then went outside and recognized One-Way Passage.

Koichi took Gold Ship to have its shoes changed and encountered One-Way Passage and Golden Masterpiece, also called Asho. Back at Hokkai Ranch, Koichi proposed entering Gold Ship in a qualification test, but Megumi Mitsumori decided to wait a few days while it adjusted to its new shoes.

• Koichi and Ayumu Kusakawa encountered One-Way Passage, and Koichi left after Gold Ship and the young horse sniffed each other.
• Koichi told Ayumu Kusakawa he would focus on Gold Ship for its upcoming qualification test and maiden race while remaining open to riding other horses later.
• Koichi and Gold Ship met Golden Masterpiece, or Asho, who threatened Gold Ship before losing interest when it ignored him.
• Koichi returned to Hokkai Ranch and asked Megumi Mitsumori about registering Gold Ship for a qualification test.
• Megumi Mitsumori chose to wait a few days so Gold Ship could adjust to its new shoes and prepare for its first test alongside another horse.

Koichi trained Gold Ship for its upcoming Ability Test while preparing for the important Spring Stakes with Asho. Ayano Aoe checked on Asho and Golden Masterpiece, and ordered her staff to prevent Golden Masterpiece from gaining more weight.

• Koichi ended Gold Ship's training session, fed it a carrot, and sent Miku Kuchiki to bathe it.
• Koichi told Megumi Mitsumori that he planned to visit Aoe Ranch soon and study the Spring Stakes track for Asho's race.
• Koichi's uncle called to say management wanted him to prepare sooner because the Spring Stakes was important and Koichi was a rookie jockey.
• Ayano Aoe learned that Koichi had nearly finished matters at his ranch and that his racehorse was close to taking its Ability Test.
• Ayano Aoe heard that Golden Masterpiece weighed 460 and instructed her staff to keep its weight from rising further.

Koichi and Megumi Mitsumori brought Gold Ship to his Ability Test in a new horse-transport vehicle, where his intimidating presence caused another horse to fail. Gold Ship entered the gate but remained restless, and Koichi prepared to use his skill as the test began.

• Koichi and Megumi Mitsumori set off for the testing grounds with Gold Ship in his new transport vehicle.
• JRA judges recognized Koichi as Golden Masterpiece’s jockey and reviewed Gold Ship’s background and temperament.
• Gold Ship intimidated the bay horse scheduled alongside him, and the frightened horse refused to enter the gate and failed the test.
• Gold Ship became restless inside his own starting gate, so Koichi activated his skill as the start signal approached.

Gold Ship completed the Ability Test and received his certificate, though the judges gave him a harsh assessment of his temperament and concentration. Koichi and Megumi Mitsumori returned home to prepare for the Newcomer Race, with Gold Ship’s race expected around July.

• Koichi guided Gold Ship through the Ability Test, loosening the reins after the third turn so he could accelerate and finish strongly.
• Megumi Mitsumori praised Gold Ship, while Koichi noted that he had been distracted and overly excited during the run.
• The judges debated Gold Ship’s performance, acknowledging his strong finishing kick but calling him hot-tempered and fairly average before granting him a pass.
• Megumi Mitsumori complained about the judges’ assessment, and Koichi reassured her as they took Gold Ship and his certificate home.
• Koichi prepared to resume training for Golden Masterpiece, while Megumi Mitsumori and Miku Kuchiki took over Gold Ship’s care ahead of his expected July race.

Koichi returned to his usual duties at Aoe Ranch and assessed Golden Masterpiece's fitness after a break from training. With a race at Hanshin approaching, the ranch planned to consult the trainer about getting him back into shape.

• Koichi and Hitachi Yosuke encountered Kenichi Ikezoe training Dream Journey, and Ikezoe wished Golden Masterpiece good luck for March.
• Koichi rode Golden Masterpiece in an afternoon trial run and found that he was not yet back to his previous condition.
• Hitachi Yosuke said Golden Masterpiece had gained weight from eating too much, and the horse glared at him for the remark.
• Koichi suggested consulting the trainer, and Hitachi Yosuke agreed to report the situation to the young lady's assistant.
• Koichi finished work and planned to visit Gold Ship after resting at his uncle's place.

Koichi and Megumi Mitsumori reviewed Gold Ship’s preparations and Golden Masterpiece’s condition as they planned for upcoming races. The next morning, Koichi took Asho to train, where the horse again snubbed Kenichi Ikezoe and frightened the other horses.

• Megumi Mitsumori finished entering Gold Ship’s information and reviewed data on Hokkaido’s two-year-old newcomers.
• Koichi told Megumi Mitsumori that Golden Masterpiece had been out of form after his turnout period, though he believed Asho could still compete for a place in the Satsuki Sho.
• Koichi invited Megumi Mitsumori to eat dinner in the office so they could discuss upcoming plans.
• Koichi met Kenichi Ikezoe on the way to morning training, and Golden Masterpiece ignored Ikezoe before he left to check on Dream Journey.
• Koichi urged Golden Masterpiece to treat others more kindly, but Asho remained unmoved and the other horses kept their distance when he arrived.

Koichi discussed racing and Gold Ship with Ayano Aoe as Golden Masterpiece recovered ahead of the Spring Championship. He later watched races with the ranch staff and prepared for his upcoming trip to Hanshin.

• Golden Masterpiece's condition improved, and his weight stopped climbing.
• Ayano Aoe asked Koichi about his conversations with Jockey Ikezoe and his confidence in the next race.
• Koichi showed Ayano photos of Gold Ship, and she praised the horse's looks and physique despite his modest Ability Test assessment.
• Ayano Aoe walked around the ranch with Koichi, who accompanied her as her bodyguard.
• Koichi watched races in the staff lounge with Ayumu Kusakawa and ate snacks while discussing the attention Golden Masterpiece's upcoming Spring Championship had drawn.

Megumi Mitsumori and Miku Kuchiki struggled to get Gold Ship to train without Koichi, but a carrot persuaded him to cooperate. After completing his trial run, Gold Ship headed back to the ranch for a bath.

• Megumi Mitsumori told Miku Kuchiki to put on protective gear while Gold Ship refused to move, and she wished Koichi were there to handle him.
• Megumi Mitsumori offered Gold Ship a carrot, and Miku Kuchiki brought one; after eating it, Gold Ship rubbed against Miku and agreed to train.
• Miku Kuchiki fetched the training aids while Megumi Mitsumori prepared to ride with added weight and correct Gold Ship’s bad habits.
• Megumi Mitsumori rode Gold Ship through two laps as Miku Kuchiki recorded the session, and they completed the trial run without incident.
• Miku Kuchiki led Gold Ship back toward the stable and invited Megumi Mitsumori to help bathe him.

Koichi accompanied Golden Masterpiece through routine preparations for the Spring Championship, using his calming skill to help him get clipped and fitted with new horseshoes. The horse behaved unusually well, and their preparations continued with a swimming session and veterinary check still ahead.

• Megumi Mitsumori emailed Koichi information about the eighteen likely Spring Championship entrants, and he urged her to rest after staying up late to gather it.
• Koichi explained that Golden Masterpiece had the day off for grooming, new horseshoes, and a swim, while he would accompany him to prevent trouble.
• Koichi and Hitachi Yosuke took Golden Masterpiece to have his coat clipped, and he stayed calm throughout the grooming.
• The farrier began replacing Golden Masterpiece’s horseshoes, and Koichi used his calming skill while helping hold up the horse’s hoof.