Chapter Summaries

After Golden Masterpiece lost and ran wild at the racecourse, Koichi bathed him while Hitachi Yosuke asked whether they could team up again. Ayano Aoe decided to announce that Koichi Sasaki would replace the jockey for the upcoming Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, leaving Saki Ikegami to speak with him.

• The Authorities gave Golden Masterpiece a light penalty and allowed him to compete in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
• Hitachi Yosuke asked Koichi to ride Golden Masterpiece again, and Koichi said the decision depended on whether he received an offer.
• Koichi fed Golden Masterpiece carrots while bathing him, and the horse eagerly enjoyed the familiar treat.
• Ayano Aoe told Saki Ikegami that she would announce a jockey change for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
• Saki Ikegami agreed to speak with Sasaki, while Ayano considered retiring Golden Masterpiece after the Arima Kinen if he won at Longchamp.

After Golden Masterpiece lost, Aoe Ranch ended Mirco Demuro’s partnership with the horse and appointed Koichi Sasaki for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. Koichi returned to training Golden Masterpiece, while Ayano Aoe worried about the horse’s form and the expected heavy going.

• Koichi told Saki Ikegami he felt pressure about riding Golden Masterpiece in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, and they agreed to keep racing as planned and visit the horse more often.
• Fans reacted to Golden Masterpiece’s defeat and speculated that Aoe Ranch would change jockeys.
• Aoe Ranch announced that it had ended its partnership with Mirco Demuro and named Koichi Sasaki as Golden Masterpiece’s jockey for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
• Golden Masterpiece’s trainer supported the change, said the horse had not been brought into peak form, and reported that the defeat had not left him overly tired.
• Ayano Aoe completed the new contract as Koichi walked Golden Masterpiece, while she voiced concern that time was short and heavy going was expected.

Kenichi Ikezoe prepared to ride Gold Ship in the Kobe Shimbun Hai while Koichi remained in Europe, where he had reunited with Sasaki to race Golden Masterpiece in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. The stable also planned Epiphaneia’s next races, and Mirai told Gold Ship that Koichi would return for his following start.

• Kenichi Ikezoe discussed Gold Ship’s upcoming race with Megumi Mitsumori and admitted he felt pressure about riding the unpredictable colt.
• Megumi Mitsumori arranged to request additional tack for Gold Ship and planned Epiphaneia’s Tokyo Sports Hai and Fuyou Stakes entries with Koichi’s approval.
• Mirai urged Gold Ship to behave for Ikezoe and told him that Koichi and Golden Masterpiece would race together in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
• Mirai and Yamana Takuto discussed Sasaki replacing Golden Masterpiece’s previous jockey and agreed that Koichi might suit the horse better.
• Yamana Takuto checked on the stable’s other horses as they prepared for their upcoming races.

Gold Ship prepared for the Kikuka Sho prep race at Hanshin with Kenichi Ikezoe replacing Koichi Sasaki, who was in Europe preparing for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. The chapter ended as Gold Ship startled Ikezoe before the race began.

• Jockeys at Hanshin discussed Koichi Sasaki's preparations in Europe and wished him luck with Golden Masterpiece.
• Megumi Mitsumori watched Gold Ship arrive wearing restrictive tack and noted the horse was calmer with its vision limited.
• The commentators introduced Gold Ship as the favorite and discussed Kenichi Ikezoe taking over from Sasaki.
• Kenichi Ikezoe mounted Gold Ship and vowed to preserve the horse's unbeaten record.
• Gold Ship cried out when Ikezoe stroked its mane, startling him into stopping.

Gold Ship ran in the Kobe Shimbun Hai with Kenichi Ikezoe aboard and made an early move from the rear before charging into the final straight. Gold Ship surged toward the lead as the race reached its climax.

• Gold Ship acted up during the warm-up, but Yamana Takuto helped guide the horse.
• Gold Ship broke slowly despite Kenichi Ikezoe's urging, so Ikezoe settled into a closing position behind the field.
• As the runaway leader set a fast pace, Gold Ship moved up toward the middle of the pack.
• Entering the third turn, Ikezoe urged Gold Ship to accelerate, passing Shasta Mountain and forcing Yuga Kawada to seek another route.
• Gold Ship charged down the final straight as Shasta Mountain and God's Cheer pursued, and the crowd roared for the unbeaten double-crown winner.

Gold Ship won the Kobe Shimbun Hai decisively with Kenichi Ikezoe aboard, strengthening his prospects for the Kikuka Sho and an undefeated Triple Crown. After the race, Ikezoe praised Gold Ship in an interview, while Megumi Mitsumori sent Koichi Sasaki the good news as he prepared for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.

• Gold Ship surged past the field to win the Kobe Shimbun Hai by several lengths under Kenichi Ikezoe.
• Ikezoe returned Gold Ship to his stablehand and said he would ride Epiphaneia in the upcoming Fuyou Stakes.
• Ikezoe told reporters that Gold Ship had the ability to challenge for the Triple Crown and had grown stronger since the first half of the year.
• Gold Ship completed the post-race photos impatiently, then headed back to the stable to rest.
• Megumi Mitsumori left the racecourse and messaged Koichi Sasaki with news of Gold Ship's victory.

Koichi Sasaki trained Golden Masterpiece in heavy rain as the horse regained his form ahead of the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. The chapter ended with Ayano Aoe and Koichi looking ahead to a possible final Arima Kinen showdown between Golden Masterpiece and Gold Ship.

• Golden Masterpiece trained in the rain while Ayano Aoe and Fujitani Kotomi discussed his improving condition and the lack of comparable data for the heavy ground.
• Hitachi Yosuke and Keigo Kudo said Golden Masterpiece was cooperating with training and was on track to reach peak condition for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
• Koichi Sasaki completed the workout with Golden Masterpiece and agreed with Hitachi Yosuke that the horse's stride and rhythm had improved.
• Ayano Aoe and Koichi recalled their muddy Derby and discussed retiring Golden Masterpiece after the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and a possible Arima Kinen appearance.
• Ayano Aoe and Koichi anticipated facing each other at the Arima Kinen, with Gold Ship set to race against Golden Masterpiece.

Koichi prepared for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe by studying rival horses, jockeys, and race footage while Golden Masterpiece continued to improve in training. After discussing upcoming Japanese races and accepting a guest-commentator assignment for the Shuka Sho, he awaited the Arc and considered returning overseas next March.

• Koichi reviewed the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe field, its draw, and information gathered by Aoe Ranch as he prepared to inspect the track and race Golden Masterpiece.
• Koichi agreed to Megumi Mitsumori's booking request for the Kikuka Sho with Gold Ship and declined to watch Divine Might run in the Fuyou Stakes.
• Saki Ikegami explained that Koichi would not likely secure a ride in the Autumn Emperor's Cup because bookings were settled and competition was fierce.
• Saki Ikegami told Koichi that the authorities had asked him to be a guest commentator for the Shuka Sho, and he accepted.
• Koichi and Saki Ikegami discussed their European trip and the possibility of going abroad again next March.

Koichi Sasaki and Golden Masterpiece prepared for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, settling on a flexible strategy for the difficult outer stall and heavy going. Koichi spoke with his father before the race, confident in his changed state of mind and eager to win.

• Golden Masterpiece completed his final workout in improved time, while Imperial Castle remained the clear favorite for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
• Koichi Sasaki gave a humble pre-race interview and said he was confident he could win with Golden Masterpiece in peak condition.
• Ayano Aoe and the team agreed that Golden Masterpiece should stalk or close from behind, moving inward from the outermost stall while Koichi judged the race as it developed.
• Koichi reviewed the burden of carrying the highest weight as a four-year-old and the challenge of navigating an eighteen-horse field on heavy European turf.
• Teruhiro Sasaki encouraged Koichi before the race, and Koichi said he was focused on riding well and had a strong desire to win.
• Koichi asked to take items from the estate back home, and Teruhiro agreed.

In Paris, Koichi and Golden Masterpiece’s team prepared for the upcoming Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe as Koichi gave an interview about his European campaign and confidence in the race. Afterward, the team discussed their plans, checked Golden Masterpiece’s condition, and encouraged Koichi to rest before the contest.

• Koichi told the interview crew that racing in Europe had taught him a great deal and that he felt confident about the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
• Koichi patted Golden Masterpiece when he saw him spacing out, making the horse shake his head and snort at the sneak attack.
• Koichi remarked that Golden Masterpiece had gained weight from enjoying the grass in Paris, while the host praised his muscular appearance.
• Ayano Aoe said that a win would lead the team to race in the Arima Kinen, and fans back home prepared to watch the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe together.
• After the interviews, the team checked Golden Masterpiece’s condition and ate together before the race.
• Ayano Aoe thanked Koichi for studying tactics and inspecting the track, and Koichi said he was ready to face the other jockeys.

Ayano Aoe, Koichi Sasaki, and Golden Masterpiece prepared for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe as Japanese viewers and fans gathered to support their sole representative. The runners assembled for the race, and Koichi exchanged greetings with fellow jockeys before heading into the contest.

• Ayano Aoe arrived early at Longchamp Racecourse and planned to check on Golden Masterpiece and speak with Koichi before the race.
• Japanese broadcasters introduced the contenders and discussed Golden Masterpiece's outside draw, his likely tactics, and his reputation in Europe.
• Golden Masterpiece entered the Parade Ring to cheers from Japanese fans, while Hitachi Yosuke led him around the ring.
• Ayano Aoe joined her team at the Parade Ring, and Koichi Sasaki finished preparing in the jockeys' area.
• Lanfranco Dettori greeted Koichi and encouraged him before they faced each other as rivals, and Li Muhua also came over to say hello.

Koichi Sasaki and Golden Masterpiece prepared for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe as supporters and fellow jockeys discussed their chances. They entered the starting stalls from the far outside, with the race about to begin.

• Koichi met Ayano Aoe and Keigo Kudo beside Golden Masterpiece, and they encouraged him before his final race in France.
• Koichi mounted Golden Masterpiece and rode him through the entrance ceremony and onto the course as spectators cheered.
• Kenichi Ikezoe, Ryuji Wada, Yuichi Fukunaga, and Yutaka Take shared their picks for the race, with Wada and Take backing Koichi.
• Koichi felt Golden Masterpiece was in excellent form during the canter and reacquainted himself with the course.
• Koichi stopped Golden Masterpiece from trying to eat the greenery in the warm-up area, then entered the final starting stall, number eighteen.

Koichi guided Golden Masterpiece through the early stages of the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe from the back of the field, conserving energy on the heavy ground. As the pace increased around halfway, Golden Masterpiece began to regain strength while Koichi waited for the home straight.

• Golden Masterpiece broke well from stall six, and Koichi held back rather than contesting an early position.
• Koichi guided Golden Masterpiece toward the inside and settled at the rear as Hemingway led, followed by Robin Hood and Sulin Meiya.
• The field gradually accelerated, while Koichi maintained his plan to save Golden Masterpiece's final kick for the straight.
• Around halfway through the race, Golden Masterpiece's condition improved as Koichi changed leads and kept alongside the inside runners.

Golden Masterpiece waited near the rear before Koichi Sasaki moved it wide and accelerated into the final straight. Sumerinya took the lead as the exhausted favorites struggled, leaving the finish uncertain.

• Ayano Aoe and Megumi Mitsumori watched Golden Masterpiece maintain a good rhythm and waited for its chance to accelerate.
• As the horses reached the Third Turn, Koichi Sasaki moved Golden Masterpiece forward along the outside of the pack.
• Golden Masterpiece charged into the final straight and secured a strong position, while Sasaki continued to hold back from using its full speed.
• Sumerinya surged to the front, with Secret Weapon close behind, as the other leading horses began to tire.

Koichi Sasaki and Golden Masterpiece unleashed a powerful final sprint to win the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. After crossing the finish line, Koichi celebrated with the cheering crowd and Lanfranco Dettori.

• Koichi Sasaki drove Golden Masterpiece through the field with a fierce final kick, passing Sulin Meiya and taking the lead.
• Koichi caught his flying whip and spun it as Golden Masterpiece widened its lead, while Imperial Castle remained far back in the pack.
• Golden Masterpiece held off Sulin Meiya and crossed the finish line first in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
• Koichi slowed Golden Masterpiece after the race, patted its neck, and celebrated their victory.
• Lanfranco Dettori came up behind Koichi and exchanged a high five with him.

Koichi Sasaki and Golden Masterpiece celebrated their historic victory in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe as fans and the stable team erupted with joy. After the race, Koichi discussed their performance in an interview and rejoined Aoe's team near the presentation area.

• Japanese racing fans celebrated as Golden Masterpiece won the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, while doubters quietly deleted their posts.
• Mirai embraced Megumi Mitsumori at the stable, and the staff and jockeys celebrated Golden Masterpiece's dominant victory.
• Koichi Sasaki rode Golden Masterpiece through an interview, describing their performance, his cautious tactics on heavy going, and his accidental whip catch.
• Koichi told the host that Golden Masterpiece was likely to retire at the Arima Kinen, though Koichi would not ride him in his final race.
• Koichi dismounted and removed Golden Masterpiece's saddle and number cloth before rejoining Aoe's team, whose members welcomed him as their hero.

Koichi and Golden Masterpiece celebrated their historic Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe victory at Longchamp, earning praise from their team and fans. After the celebrations, Koichi returned to the stable with Golden Masterpiece, who ate a carrot and joked that the Carrot Dispenser seemed heavier than usual.

• Koichi posed for photos with Ayano Aoe and the team, accepted the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe trophy, and sprayed champagne in celebration.
• Ayano Aoe thanked Koichi and praised the team's achievement, while Teruhiro Sasaki chose to let the others enjoy the spotlight.
• Saki Ikegami took calls from home as Koichi celebrated at the racecourse, and Ayano Aoe thanked the fans who had come to Longchamp.
• Koichi returned to the stable with Golden Masterpiece after the celebrations, while Ayano Aoe chatted with fans.
• Hitachi Yosuke gave Golden Masterpiece carrots, and Koichi assured him that he had recovered from the demanding race.

After winning the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, Koichi Sasaki planned his return to Japan and discussed upcoming work and race schedules with Saki Ikegami and Ayano Aoe. The group arranged to visit the Sasaki Family's European estate that afternoon before Koichi headed home after a short rest.

• Koichi and Saki packed their belongings and planned to shop for local specialties before visiting the Sasaki Family's estate.
• Koichi said he would return to Japan after resting for two days because interviews and other work were waiting for him.
• Ayano Aoe discussed Golden Masterpiece's recovery and said the horse would skip the Japan Cup after the taxing Arc victory.
• Koichi said Gold Ship was in good form and discussed Divine Might's planned start in the Tokyo Sports Hai Nisai Stakes with Kenichi Ikezoe riding.
• Koichi, Saki, Ayano, and their companions went to find lunch before visiting the family estate.

At the Estate in France, Ayano Aoe and Koichi discussed Golden Masterpiece merchandise and their future plans after winning the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. Koichi said goodbye to Teruhiro Sasaki, who chose to remain at the Estate, as Koichi looked ahead to the Arima Kinen.

• Ayano Aoe and Koichi toured the Estate and discussed producing Golden Masterpiece merchandise, with Koichi asking for a free set.
• Saki Ikegami offered contacts for merchandise manufacturers and designers, and Koichi said he would discuss the options with the ranch after returning.
• At dinner, Koichi told Ayano Aoe he hoped to travel after retiring and had not decided whether to become a horse trainer.
• Ayano Aoe raised a toast to future cooperation as Golden Masterpiece's partnership with Sasaki ended and the team turned its attention to the Arima Kinen.
• Teruhiro Sasaki told Koichi he planned to stay at the Estate, and Koichi said he would visit again and aimed to race Gold Ship in the Arima Kinen.

Koichi returned to Tokyo with Saki Ikegami after winning the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, where reporters and fans awaited them. After an interview arranged by the Authorities, he settled into a hotel to recover and prepare for his upcoming work and races.

• Koichi discussed buying an apartment in Tokyo with Saki Ikegami, who said the arrangements were ready for signing.
• Koichi and Saki slipped past the crowd waiting at the airport and met the Authorities' staff, who drove them to a hotel and interviewed them on the way.
• Koichi rested at the hotel and messaged people close to him to say he had arrived safely.
• Koichi replied to Mirai and planned to recover from jet lag before attending broadcasts, visiting the Training Center, and preparing for his races.