Chapter Summaries

Koichi and Megumi attended the Arima Kinen post position draw, where Gold Ship received stall ten and Golden Masterpiece received stall five. With the draw complete, the rivals began adjusting their tactics as media and fans speculated about the upcoming race.

• Koichi attended the draw venue with Megumi, reassured her about appearing on the live show, and chose ball number eight for Gold Ship.
• The staff revealed that Gold Ship had drawn stall ten, which relieved Megumi.
• Kenichi Ikezoe drew stall five for Golden Masterpiece, while Dominant Position received stall nine.
• The participants shared a meal and discussed preparations, then media and fans debated how the stall positions could shape the Arima Kinen.

Koichi watched professional analysis of the Arima Kinen and prepared with Gold Ship for their final workout gallop. As rival horses arrived, the other camps focused on countering Golden Masterpiece from stall five, while Gold Ship’s unpredictable start and imposing size made his tactics difficult to anticipate.

• Koichi watched professional horse-racing programs and discussed the upcoming interview with Saki Ikegami.
• Golden Masterpiece finished his workout gallop, greeted Koichi, and returned to rest after his interview.
• Koichi warmed up and set out with Gold Ship for their final workout gallop.
• Megumi Mitsumori and Yamana Takuto prepared the horses and training grounds as rival horses gathered.
• The rival camps planned to target Golden Masterpiece in stall five, while Gold Ship’s size and unpredictable start complicated their expectations.

Koichi pushed Gold Ship through a strong workout gallop as the team prepared for the Arima Kinen, while Kenichi Ikezoe discussed Golden Masterpiece’s condition and challenged Koichi in a pre-race interview. Koichi headed to his own interview determined to race for first place despite recognizing Golden Masterpiece as a formidable rival.

• Koichi urged Gold Ship through a workout gallop alongside two other horses and felt that Gold Ship’s condition had improved.
• Megumi Mitsumori and Yamana Takuto watched Gold Ship’s workout and discussed using race tactics to disrupt Golden Masterpiece.
• Kenichi Ikezoe said Golden Masterpiece was still improving and identified Gold Ship and Koichi as his main targets for the Arima Kinen.
• Ikezoe challenged Koichi during his interview, then exchanged a high five with him outside the interview room.
• Koichi went in for his interview, acknowledging Golden Masterpiece’s strength but resolving to race for first place.

Koichi Sasaki discussed Gold Ship’s condition and Golden Masterpiece in an interview, then planned Arima Kinen tactics with Megumi Mitsumori and the others. The group prepared to move Gold Ship to Nakayama Racecourse as the race approached.

• Koichi said Gold Ship was in better condition than earlier in the year and identified Golden Masterpiece as their strongest opponent in the Arima Kinen.
• Koichi reflected on his history with Golden Masterpiece and warned Kenichi Ikezoe to watch out for the Golden Tyrant’s temper.
• After the interview, Koichi checked on Gold Ship and rewarded the horse with a carrot.
• Over dinner, Koichi and Megumi Mitsumori discussed how the other jockeys might try to squeeze Golden Masterpiece from gate five, and Koichi said he would focus his tactics on that horse.
• Mirai and Yamana Takuto encouraged Koichi, and Megumi said they would soon move Gold Ship to Nakayama Racecourse.

Koichi rode at Nakayama on the day before the Arima Kinen, where Yutaka Take acknowledged the pressure of Koichi’s growing skill. After visiting Gold Ship and Golden Masterpiece at the stables, Koichi headed home to prepare for the next day’s race.

• Koichi used his Lucky Draw chances and Track Cards to improve his understanding of Nakayama Racecourse, then performed well in Saturday’s races.
• Koichi and Yuichi Fukunaga discussed a horse’s weak performance and exchanged opinions about racing.
• Yutaka Take praised Koichi’s improvement and admitted Koichi’s rise had made him feel more pressure, though he believed his career would continue for a long time.
• Koichi visited Gold Ship and Golden Masterpiece with Kenichi Ikezoe, who worried about the Arima Kinen and hoped his preparations would pay off.
• Koichi reassured Kenichi, watched the horses eat, and then left the stable to go home.

Koichi watched the buildup to the Arima Kinen as Golden Masterpiece prepared for his final race before retirement. With the horses entering the track and the crowd divided between Golden Masterpiece and Gold Ship, the chapter left the outcome uncertain.

• Koichi finished changing and watched the race preparations with Kenichi Ikezoe and Yutaka Take.
• Koichi and Ikezoe discussed the pressure and tactics surrounding the upcoming showdown.
• The crowd cheered as the Arima Kinen horses entered, while broadcasters debated the favorites and Golden Masterpiece’s retirement.
• The broadcast focused on Golden Masterpiece as the horses prepared for the race.

Golden Masterpiece and Gold Ship entered the Parade Ring ahead of the Arima Kinen, where fans and commentators discussed their chances. Golden Masterpiece became agitated when Koichi Sasaki mounted Gold Ship, then calmed down as the horses headed to the track.

• Fans welcomed Golden Masterpiece and Gold Ship into the Parade Ring and cheered for both contenders.
• The commentators reviewed the field, including Dominant Position, Eishin Flash, Shadow of the Night, Nakayama Knight, and Noble Sky.
• Megumi Mitsumori urged Koichi Sasaki to do his best aboard Gold Ship, while Golden Masterpiece watched him in shock.
• Golden Masterpiece neighed and backed away when Kenichi Ikezoe mounted, but Ikezoe held on and the horse soon calmed down.
• Ayano Aoe, Megumi Mitsumori, and Mirai went to watch from beside the track, where they heard fans cheering for Gold Ship as he warmed up.

Koichi Sasaki and Gold Ship prepared to face Golden Masterpiece in the Arima Kinen, while commentators and spectators weighed the horses’ chances. Gold Ship finally entered the starting stall, and the race was about to begin.

• Koichi Sasaki resolved to use tactics to counter Golden Masterpiece, whose jockey Kenichi Ikezoe planned to push him toward the front.
• Spectators and commentators discussed the rivalry between Golden Masterpiece and Gold Ship, their starting habits, and the pressure on both jockeys.
• Gold Ship stepped back out of the stall entrance, but Koichi Sasaki, Yamana Takuto, and the staff eventually guided him inside.
• Koichi calmed Gold Ship as he grew restless in the stall, while Dominant Position also reacted to the gray horse beside him.
• The music played at Nakayama Racecourse, and the jockeys focused as the race was about to begin.

At the 57th Arima Kinen, Dominant Position started poorly while Gold Ship used his position to keep Golden Masterpiece boxed in near the rear of midfield. As the field passed the halfway point, Koichi began looking for a route to victory while Kenichi Ikezoe waited for a chance to free Golden Masterpiece.

• Dominant Position came slowly out of the gates and fell to last place.
• Gold Ship moved alongside Golden Masterpiece and pinned him in place, raising his agitation.
• Heart's Sincere took the lead, with Thunderbolt Steed in second and Rose Kingdom securing fourth on the inside.
• Dominant Position accelerated from the back as the field passed the first and second turns.
• After a normal-paced first half, Koichi watched the pack for an opening while Kenichi Ikezoe endured the pressure beside him.

Koichi Sasaki launched Gold Ship early in the Arima Kinen, using the Third Turn to take the lead before Golden Masterpiece could make his move. With just over three hundred meters left, Kenichi Ikezoe sent Golden Masterpiece around the outside in pursuit.

• At the Third Turn, Koichi Sasaki urged Gold Ship forward while Kenichi Ikezoe held Golden Masterpiece back.
• Gold Ship accelerated along the outside, passed four horses, and advanced toward leader Heart's Sincere as the pack began to move.
• Kenichi Ikezoe started urging Golden Masterpiece forward, but traffic kept him from reaching top speed immediately.
• With just over three hundred meters remaining, Koichi Sasaki used his whip as Gold Ship secured a good position near the lead.
• Kenichi Ikezoe chose the outside and drove Golden Masterpiece into an all-out chase after Gold Ship.

Gold Ship and Golden Masterpiece battled to the finish of the Arima Kinen, and the photo finish declared them joint winners. Their teams celebrated the dead heat as they prepared for the retirement ceremony.

• Kosei Miura and Eishin Flash broke through on the inside as Gold Ship accelerated into the lead.
• Golden Masterpiece surged from the far outside and rapidly closed on Gold Ship, with Dominant Position following behind.
• Gold Ship and Golden Masterpiece crossed the finish line nearly together, and officials called for a photo finish.
• Koichi exchanged a high five with Kenichi Ikezoe and congratulated both horses while they waited for the ruling.
• The big screen announced a dead heat, prompting Megumi Mitsumori, Mirai, and Ayano Aoe to celebrate the joint victory.

Gold Ship and Golden Masterpiece finished in a dead heat at the Arima Kinen, giving each horse a shared victory as Golden Masterpiece completed his final race. After the joint interview, Koichi Sasaki and Kenichi Ikezoe hurried back to the track for the remaining ceremonies.

• Gold Ship and Golden Masterpiece returned to the Waiting Area after acknowledging the spectators, where Hitachi Yosuke and Mirai congratulated them on the dead heat.
• The race officials arranged to use one trophy and winner's banner for both teams, and Koichi Sasaki and Kenichi Ikezoe prepared for a joint interview.
• Kenichi Ikezoe described Golden Masterpiece's late charge, while Koichi Sasaki admitted he had feared Gold Ship would lose in the final meters.
• Koichi Sasaki thanked Gold Ship and the fans, and Kenichi Ikezoe celebrated winning the Arima Kinen with Golden Masterpiece before his retirement ceremony.
• The interview ended as spectators and television viewers discussed the unprecedented dead heat, and Koichi Sasaki and Kenichi Ikezoe hurried back to the track.

Koichi Sasaki and Kenichi Ikezoe completed their award ceremony and took a photo with Gold Ship and Golden Masterpiece, whose playful antics nearly caught Koichi off guard. After the final race, they waited for Golden Masterpiece’s retirement ceremony to begin.

• Koichi agreed to finish his award ceremony quickly so Gold Ship could return to rest sooner.
• Ayano Aoe proposed a group photo, and Koichi stood between Golden Masterpiece and Gold Ship while holding their reins.
• Golden Masterpiece playfully tried to stomp and kick Koichi during the photo, while Gold Ship watched.
• Mirai and Yamana Takuto took Gold Ship back to the stable, and Golden Masterpiece went to a designated resting area.
• Koichi and Kenichi watched the final race from indoors, then returned to wait for Golden Masterpiece’s retirement ceremony.

Golden Masterpiece took part in his retirement ceremony at Nakayama Racecourse as fans and his connections celebrated his career and mourned his departure. Koichi Sasaki accompanied him on his final walk around the track before Golden Masterpiece returned to the Training Center, with retirement at Shadai ahead.

• Kenichi Ikezoe rode Golden Masterpiece onto the track as the crowd cheered and a career montage played.
• The commentator recounted Golden Masterpiece's seven Grade 1 victories, Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe title, and consecutive Arima Kinen wins.
• Ayano Aoe comforted Koichi Sasaki and reminded him that he could visit Golden Masterpiece at Shadai.
• Koichi changed into Aoe Ranch's Racing Silks, hugged Golden Masterpiece, and joined Hitachi Yosuke in leading him around the track.
• Koichi struggled to stop crying as he stroked Golden Masterpiece during the final walk, while Golden Masterpiece stayed still and watched him.

Golden Masterpiece’s owner, trainer, and jockeys gave farewell speeches at his retirement ceremony, where Koichi Sasaki promised to ride one of his offspring in three years. After the ceremony, the team prepared to celebrate while Golden Masterpiece returned to his stable.

• Ayano Aoe thanked Golden Masterpiece’s supporters and announced that breeding reservations would soon open.
• Keigo Kudo praised Golden Masterpiece’s strength and celebrated winning the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
• Kenichi Ikezoe thanked the team and Koichi Sasaki for helping him ride Golden Masterpiece in his retirement race.
• Koichi Sasaki tearfully thanked Golden Masterpiece for guiding his growth and vowed to ride one of his offspring in three years.
• After the ceremony, Koichi Sasaki ran with Kenichi Ikezoe on his back, amusing the spectators and drawing attention online.
• Ayano Aoe and Koichi Sasaki prepared to attend a celebration banquet as Golden Masterpiece returned to his stable.

Koichi attended a lively banquet where people discussed Golden Masterpiece’s retirement and his bond with the horse. Ayano Aoe gave Koichi a breeding share so Hokkai Ranch could breed its mares to Golden Masterpiece, leaving Koichi grateful but concerned by the gift’s value.

• Koichi, Megumi Mitsumori, and Saki Ikegami discussed the online attention surrounding Golden Masterpiece’s retirement ceremony and Koichi’s emotional farewell.
• Koichi and his team agreed to celebrate Christmas at his house before returning home for New Year’s, while Gold Ship’s rest and next season’s races remained under discussion.
• Ayano Aoe said she had reached a breeding agreement with Shadai and was satisfied with the banquet’s results.
• Ayano Aoe gave Koichi a breeding share that let Hokkai Ranch breed both of its mares to Golden Masterpiece each year without charge.

Koichi and Saki discussed their racing plans while Megumi and Mirai prepared Christmas food. The chapter ended with Gold Ship’s schedule arranged for the next year and the group looking ahead to the year-end gala.

• Megumi Mitsumori and Mirai cooked while Koichi and Saki Ikegami played video games and discussed the year-end gala.
• Saki told Koichi that their improved results should bring them more rides on club-owned horses next year, and that Gentildonna’s Dubai plans were confirmed.
• Koichi agreed to travel to Dubai and later helped with the Christmas preparations.
• Megumi said Gold Ship’s arrangements were complete, including a break until around February and plans for the Tenno Sho and Takarazuka Kinen.
• Koichi praised Megumi’s growth as a trainer, and she thanked him for the opportunities he had given her.

Koichi and his colleagues celebrated the end of the year and discussed their plans for next season. As the group prepared for the annual gala and Gold Ship’s return to Hokkaido, Koichi looked ahead to trying mile races and expanding his racing experience.

• Koichi raised a toast and thanked everyone for their work, and Megumi Mitsumori and Mirai agreed to keep working hard next year.
• Yamana Takuto said he would follow Megumi Mitsumori’s arrangements while Gold Ship rested, and Mirai and Yamana left to prepare for Gold Ship’s return to Hokkaido.
• Saki Ikegami told Koichi she had bought the suit he had chosen for the annual gala, while Megumi Mitsumori showed off her own tailored suit.
• Koichi said he would see off Mirai, Yamana, and Gold Ship before looking around the area, and Megumi Mitsumori said she was reserving a place for Xiaoman among the racehorses she was considering.
• Koichi advised Megumi Mitsumori to focus on horses suited to around a mile and said he planned to try new racing distances rather than stay in his comfort zone.

Koichi completed his final lucky draws of the year, then prepared for Gold Ship’s return to the ranch and Golden Masterpiece’s retirement from racing. Gold Ship departed safely, and Koichi planned to finish filming the documentary at the Training Center the next day.

• Koichi used his last lucky draw of the year and received a Mile Experience Card along with supplies and other items.
• Koichi and Haruki Kuchiki discussed watching the resting racehorses, Black North’s growth, and breeding Golden Masterpiece with Sweetie.
• Koichi visited Gold Ship as Mirai and Megumi Mitsumori prepared to transport him back to the ranch.
• Gold Ship boarded the transport truck and left for the ranch while Koichi watched him go.
• Koichi told Megumi Mitsumori that he would visit the Training Center the next day to finish filming the documentary about Golden Masterpiece.

Koichi visited Golden Masterpiece at the Stable on the day he left for Shadai, where he filmed a final farewell with the crew. Golden Masterpiece departed for pasture rest before beginning his stallion career, and Koichi stayed in Osaka overnight with Ayano Aoe.

• Koichi offered Golden Masterpiece a carrot, and the horse finally came over to eat it.
• Ayano Aoe told Koichi that Golden Masterpiece would go to Shadai for pasture rest before moving to the stallion facility.
• Koichi, Ayano Aoe, and the crew filmed Golden Masterpiece's final moments at the Stable.
• Hitachi Yosuke cried as Shadai staff led Golden Masterpiece onto the transport truck, and Koichi called out a farewell as it drove away.
• Ayano Aoe invited Koichi to hot pot, and he agreed to stay in Osaka for the night.