Chapter Summaries

Koichi Sasaki and Gold Ship won the Kikuka Sho, completing Gold Ship’s undefeated Triple Crown, and Koichi explained their unconventional tactics in an interview. After the awards and photographs, Mirai took the restless Gold Ship back to the stable, while Koichi looked ahead to the Arima Kinen and a possible showdown with Golden Masterpiece.

• Koichi handed Gold Ship to Mirai and went to interview after the horse completed the Kikuka Sho victory.
• Koichi told the host he had planned the overall running style with Gold Ship’s team but decided during the race to accelerate at the third turn.
• Koichi said Gold Ship would give his best in the Arima Kinen despite the strength of rivals such as Golden Masterpiece.
• Koichi joined Megumi Mitsumori and the others for the awards presentation and photographs.
• Gold Ship grew restless during the photos, so Mirai hurried him back to the stable.

Koichi returned to Hokkaido, checked on the ranch, and visited yearling Xiaoman and foal Black North. After recording Black North for Mirai, he prepared to return to Tokyo for the upcoming races.

• Koichi told Haruki Kuchiki that Gold Ship would return safely for pasture rest and that the ranch was a good place for his longer break before the Arima Kinen.
• Koichi rested, then visited Xiaoman in the yearling pasture and watched him return to grazing with his companions.
• Koichi took photos and a video of Xiaoman, who was due to begin training at Aoe Ranch and later join Megumi Mitsumori's stable.
• Koichi visited Black North in the larger pasture, watched him circle his mother, and planned to send a clip to Mirai.
• Koichi left the ranch to return to Tokyo and prepare for the upcoming races.

Koichi returned to Aoe Ranch to take part in a documentary about Golden Masterpiece’s career, recounting their triumphs and challenges during an interview beside the horse. Afterward, he and Hitachi Yosuke reflected on Golden Masterpiece’s approaching retirement and their final months together, before Koichi planned to visit the Training Ranch.

• Koichi arrived early at Aoe Ranch, where Ayumu Kusakawa welcomed him and they discussed Koichi’s schedule and expenses.
• Koichi changed into more formal clothes and was interviewed by the documentary crew in Golden Masterpiece’s paddock, describing his experiences over the past year and a half, especially the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
• After filming, Koichi fed Golden Masterpiece a carrot, and the horse wandered off to graze.
• At lunch, Hitachi Yosuke asked when the documentary would be released, and Koichi estimated it would come out next year after Golden Masterpiece’s final race and retirement ceremony.
• Ayumu Kusakawa and Koichi encouraged Hitachi Yosuke to make the most of his remaining time with Golden Masterpiece before the horse retired to the Shadai Stallion Station.
• Koichi planned to visit Aoe Ranch’s Training Ranch with Ayumu Kusakawa after a short rest.

Koichi returned to Tokyo after wrapping up work in Hokkaido and discussed his upcoming racing schedule, Gold Ship's merchandise, and future visits to Golden Masterpiece. He prepared to resume racing at Tokyo Racecourse and focus on the Japan Cup and the season-ending Arima Kinen.

• Koichi returned to Tokyo, leaving the Gold Ship merchandise follow-up to Mirai and the others and arranging for Gold Ship to rest at Hokkai Ranch before the Arima Kinen.
• Koichi asked Saki Ikegami whether he could visit Golden Masterpiece at Shadai's Stallion Station, and Saki said occasional visits should be possible.
• Koichi and Saki discussed Golden Masterpiece's future offspring and Koichi said he hoped they would have better tempers.
• Koichi visited his home while it was being renovated, then reviewed his upcoming race schedule with Saki at the hotel.
• Koichi agreed to consider television appearances to earn extra money and said he would focus first on this week's races at Tokyo Racecourse.
• Koichi and Saki prepared for Tokyo's upcoming races, including the Japan Cup, where Gentildonna was expected to return to training.

After Gold Ship returned to Hokkai Ranch for pasture rest, Koichi and his team finalized plans for Gold Ship merchandise and prepared for upcoming races. Mirai was asked to come to Tokyo to help manage sales while Koichi continued his demanding training.

• Gold Ship flew back to Hokkaido with Yamana Takuto, while Mirai stayed behind and Megumi Mitsumori reviewed merchandise samples.
• Mirai and Megumi Mitsumori approved the merchandise designs, and Epiphaneia perked up when he heard Koichi's name.
• Saki Ikegami told Koichi that the merchandise plans were finalized, and Koichi chose to begin with the previously agreed production quantity.
• Koichi asked Saki Ikegami to contact Mirai and have her come to Tokyo to oversee merchandise sales.
• Koichi continued an intense week of training and hoped his upcoming races would go smoothly so he could rest the following week.

Koichi prepared for his upcoming races while Epiphaneia improved ahead of a Tokyo race and Gentildonna’s Japan Cup campaign. He later helped at Gold Ship’s busy merchandise shop, where his appearance drew a larger crowd.

• Koichi visited Megumi Mitsumori's stable often, and Megumi said Epiphaneia's condition had improved before his final workout gallop.
• Koichi discussed Gentildonna's upcoming Japan Cup and the return of Golden Masterpiece and Gold Ship to the Training Center.
• Koichi went to the merchandise shop and learned from Mirai that Gold Ship merchandise had sold out quickly.
• Koichi helped sell merchandise, and fans flocked to the shop after recognizing him, prompting the staff to bring in security guards.

Koichi watched as Epiphaneia made his first graded stakes start in the Tokyo Sports Hai Nisai Stakes. Epiphaneia pulled clear in the final straight, leaving his victory within reach as the chapter ended.

• Koichi checked Epiphaneia's condition before the race and encouraged Kenichi Ikezoe, who was confident in the horse's form and their Gate Six draw.
• Megumi Mitsumori and Kenichi Ikezoe sent Epiphaneia toward the track while Koichi went to watch from the lounge.
• Epiphaneia broke well, settled just off the rail, and held a good position as the front-runner set a fast pace.
• Epiphaneia accelerated near the end of the third turn, caught the front-runner, and charged down Tokyo's long straight.
• Kenichi Ikezoe urged Epiphaneia forward, and Epiphaneia pulled clear of the field as the finish approached.

After Epiphaneia won his race, Koichi celebrated with Kenichi Ikezoe and Megumi Mitsumori before arranging for Epiphaneia to return to Hokkai Ranch. Back at the ranch, Epiphaneia settled in to rest while Mirai checked on Gold Ship and One-Way Passage.

• Koichi visited Epiphaneia after the race, and Kuga Kai prepared a feast for the tired horse.
• Koichi and Kenichi Ikezoe discussed future riding opportunities at the evening banquet, where Megumi Mitsumori thanked Ikezoe for guiding Epiphaneia to three victories.
• Epiphaneia returned to Hokkai Ranch, greeted Mirai, and settled into his stable to rest.
• Mirai checked on Gold Ship and One-Way Passage, who were both resting at the ranch.

Koichi Sasaki reunited with Gentildonna and guided her through a strong workout gallop ahead of the Japan Cup. Her team remained cautious about her first race against both sexes, but Koichi and Saki Ikegami were confident in their partnership.

• Tadashi Ishisaka welcomed Koichi Sasaki back and discussed Gentildonna's form and the strong Japan Cup opposition.
• Koichi said Gentildonna had a major advantage and went to ride her workout gallop with two stablemates.
• Gentildonna accelerated and opened a gap on the other horses, showing Koichi that she was in excellent form.
• After the workout, Koichi handed Gentildonna back to the stablehand and spoke with Saki Ikegami and Tadashi Ishisaka about her prospects.
• Saki said Koichi had chosen Gentildonna quickly, while Ishisaka noted that the Japan Cup would be her first race against both sexes.

Gold Ship and Golden Masterpiece returned to their Training Center stables together and began preparing for the Arima Kinen, though Golden Masterpiece’s farewell-race jockey remained unannounced. As the Japan Cup approached, Gentildonna and her rivals prepared to race while Koichi Sasaki voiced confidence despite drawing an outside stall.

• Gold Ship and Golden Masterpiece arrived at the Training Center, where staff checked them and took photos announcing their return.
• Megumi Mitsumori had Mirai post Gold Ship’s return, while Golden Masterpiece settled after throwing a tantrum and Hitachi Yosuke gave him a carrot.
• Golden Masterpiece’s team kept his Arima Kinen jockey choice secret and arranged for Kenichi Ikezoe to work him in training.
• The Japan Cup preparations continued at Tokyo Racecourse, where Gentildonna faced Dominant Position, Extraordinary Steed, and foreign contenders including Sulin Meiya.
• Koichi Sasaki said Gentildonna had matured and expressed confidence in the Japan Cup, despite her far-outside starting stall.

Koichi Sasaki prepared to defend his Japan Cup title aboard Gentildonna, while jockeys and commentators discussed the race’s leading contenders and outside-stall challenge. After receiving final reminders from Tadashi Ishisaka, Koichi mounted Gentildonna and waited to head onto the track.

• Kenichi Ikezoe told Koichi Sasaki that he had a strong chance of winning, and Koichi replied that the race had not even started.
• The commentators reviewed the favorites, including Dominant Position, Gentildonna, Extraordinary Steed, Eishin Flash, and the foreign contender Sumerinya.
• Koichi and Kenichi recognized that Gentildonna and Koichi would be major rivals again at the Arima Kinen.
• Tadashi Ishisaka handed Koichi the reins and reminded him of a few tactical points before the race.
• Koichi mounted Gentildonna, stroked her mane, and waited for the jockeys to head onto the track.

Koichi Sasaki and Gentildonna prepared to race in the 32nd Japan Cup, where the three-year-old filly aimed to make history against favorite Dominant Position and a strong international field. The chapter ended as all seventeen horses waited in the stalls for the race to begin.

• Koichi watched the horses enter the course as Gentildonna joined the field and the commentators discussed her season and Japan Cup prospects.
• Gentildonna and Dominant Position completed their warm-ups and entered the starting stalls successfully.
• Megumi Mitsumori and Ayano Aoe discussed the likely contest between Gentildonna and Dominant Position and Golden Masterpiece's confirmed retirement.
• Koichi patted Gentildonna's neck before the gates, and all seventeen horses were loaded for the 32nd Japan Cup.

Koichi guided Gentildonna into a strong inside pressing position while Thunderbolt Steed set a relaxed early pace. As the field approached the home straight, Thunderbolt Steed accelerated and Japan Jordan began to pick up speed, leaving Gentildonna poised to make her move.

• Gentildonna broke cleanly, and Koichi moved her toward the rail to secure a good pressing position behind Thunderbolt Steed and alongside Japan Jordan.
• The field settled into position, with Dominant Position holding back near the rear.
• After the first thousand meters, Ishibashi accelerated Thunderbolt Steed and opened a growing lead.
• Koichi prepared for the home straight as Gentildonna conserved her stamina in a favorable position.
• Mirco Demuro increased Japan Jordan's pace on the third turn to widen the gap over Gentildonna.

Koichi Sasaki rode Gentildonna to victory in the Japan Cup, holding off Dominant Position with a powerful final sprint. Gentildonna celebrated her historic win as the first three-year-old mare to claim the title.

• Koichi used Mighty Arm and the whip to drive Gentildonna forward as she surged into the lead along the inside.
• Dominant Position launched a strong late charge, but Gentildonna maintained her advantage and crossed the finish line first.
• Gentildonna became the first three-year-old mare to win the Japan Cup, while Dominant Position finished second.
• Koichi praised Gentildonna’s performance and went to give an interview as her team cared for her after the race.
• Gentildonna was rinsed, prepared for photographs, and led back toward the course for the waiting fans.

Koichi Sasaki celebrated Gentildonna’s Japan Cup victory and discussed her future race plans with trainer Tadashi Ishisaka. The chapter left Gentildonna likely resting through the Arima Kinen before aiming for Dubai next year, with Koichi expected to prepare to ride her.

• Koichi answered interview questions after Gentildonna won the Japan Cup by two lengths and set a new record.
• Koichi joined Gentildonna’s connections for the award presentation and photo session.
• Tadashi Ishisaka said Gentildonna would probably skip the Arima Kinen and that her connections were considering Dubai for the following year.
• Koichi agreed that a rest and early preparation for next season made sense, and Ishisaka encouraged him to prepare to ride Gentildonna abroad.
• Koichi told Saki Ikegami that Gentildonna’s schedule was still undecided and noted that her connections would eventually have to face Gold Ship.
• Koichi suggested celebrating with something to eat and went to a convenience store for an energy drink.

After Gentildonna withdrew from the Arima Kinen, Koichi Sasaki and Saki Ikegami discussed the voting, their preparations with Gold Ship, and the pressure facing Megumi Mitsumori. They left the chapter focused on Gold Ship’s coming challenge against Golden Masterpiece.

• Gentildonna’s Japan Cup victory sent her Arima Kinen vote count to third place, but her connections announced she would rest and skip the race.
• Koichi moved into his renovated Tokyo home, where Saki visited and they discussed Golden Masterpiece’s popularity and the Arima Kinen voting rankings.
• Koichi said he planned to rest after a busy month, while Saki noted that Gold Ship would soon arrive for preparations at Nakayama.
• Koichi asked Saki to help Megumi Mitsumori manage her nerves before Gold Ship faced Golden Masterpiece.
• Saki agreed, and she and Koichi reflected on the challenge of defeating the Arima Kinen favorite.

Ayano Aoe and Fujitani Kotomi finalized Golden Masterpiece’s preparations for the Arima Kinen and discussed his retirement ceremony. They planned for Kenichi Ikezoe to train and ride him, while ensuring Koichi Sasaki attended the ceremony, and Aoe prepared to visit Golden Masterpiece and Gold Ship.

• Ayano Aoe asked Fujitani Kotomi about the response to Kenichi Ikezoe’s appointment and checked that Golden Masterpiece’s transport and stable arrangements were ready.
• Fujitani Kotomi said Golden Masterpiece would travel with Gold Ship and that Ikezoe would handle his morning training.
• Ayano Aoe told Fujitani Kotomi to meet Ikezoe’s requests and said they needed to trust his ability against Koichi Sasaki and Gold Ship.
• Ayano Aoe and Fujitani Kotomi discussed inviting Koichi Sasaki to Golden Masterpiece’s retirement ceremony, with Sasaki possibly giving a speech.
• Ayano Aoe asked Fujitani Kotomi to speak with Sasaki and arrange a group meal before the Arima Kinen.
• Ayano Aoe said she would visit Golden Masterpiece and Gold Ship the next day.

At the Miho Training Center, Koichi and Gold Ship crossed paths with Kenichi Ikezoe and Golden Masterpiece as both horses prepared for the Arima Kinen. After Gold Ship completed a strong morning workout, Koichi and Megumi Mitsumori discussed the upcoming televised starting stall draw.

• Koichi brought Gold Ship to the Training Center before dawn and met Kenichi Ikezoe and Golden Masterpiece waiting for the gates to open.
• Golden Masterpiece approached Gold Ship, and Koichi and Kenichi Ikezoe exchanged greetings before the horses headed inside.
• Koichi completed Gold Ship’s morning workout, while Megumi Mitsumori monitored his condition and gait.
• Koichi handed Gold Ship over to Megumi Mitsumori, and they discussed the cold weather and the Arima Kinen draw.
• Koichi said he planned to buy a new suit for the televised draw, while Megumi Mitsumori stayed at the Training Center to oversee training.

Ayano Aoe visited Golden Masterpiece and Gold Ship at the Training Center as both horses prepared to travel to another facility for the Arima Kinen. Golden Masterpiece was nearing its final race before moving to the Stallion Station, while Gold Ship’s conditioning was also progressing well.

• Ayano Aoe saw Golden Masterpiece, and Keigo Kudo reported that the horse’s training with Kenichi Ikezoe had improved.
• Ayano Aoe fed Golden Masterpiece carrots and hoped the horse would give a glorious farewell in the Arima Kinen.
• Ayano Aoe visited Gold Ship and found the horse energetic and eager to eat carrots.
• Megumi Mitsumori said Gold Ship had reached the condition she wanted, though whether it could beat Golden Masterpiece remained uncertain.
• Ayano Aoe and Megumi Mitsumori confirmed that Gold Ship and Golden Masterpiece were ready to travel to the other Training Center for preparations.

Koichi rode a long-shot to fifth in the Asahi Hai while Flagship won, setting up discussion of a future rivalry with Epiphaneia. After dinner with Ayano Aoe, Koichi prepared to return to Tokyo for the Arima Kinen.

• Koichi discussed the Asahi Hai with Trainer Shisaku, who asked him to finish above the horse’s betting odds.
• Koichi’s horse broke well and finished fifth, while Flagship won the race.
• The fifth-place finish pleased Shisaku and the club representative and increased the horse’s value.
• Ayano Aoe treated Koichi to dinner and said Flagship and Epiphaneia might face each other next year.
• Koichi and Ayano discussed Flagship’s best distance and Koichi’s preparations for the Arima Kinen.