Chapter Summaries

Gold Ship defeated Epiphaneia by a head to win consecutive Arima Kinen titles in its final race. After the race, Gold Ship’s retirement ceremony at Nakayama Racecourse marked the end of Koichi Sasaki and Mirai’s racing career with the horse as it left for a new life.

• Gold Ship charged past Epiphaneia in the final meters and won the Arima Kinen by a head, securing consecutive titles.
• Koichi celebrated with Gold Ship while Kenichi Ikezoe and Kuga Kai calmed the frustrated Epiphaneia.
• Koichi completed interviews and photographs, then prepared with Saki Ikegami and Mirai for Gold Ship’s retirement ceremony.
• Koichi and Mirai led Gold Ship through its retirement presentation as the spectators called out to it.
• Gold Ship’s ceremony ended, and it left Nakayama Racecourse for its new life at Shadai Ranch.

Black North won the 2017 spring Tenno Sho by three lengths, defending his title and giving Koichi Sasaki back-to-back victories. After the race, Koichi hoped Black North could continue toward the spring and autumn triple crowns, with only the Takarazuka Kinen left in the Spring Triple Crown.

• Black North broke cleanly, took the lead, and controlled the pace as Koichi Sasaki managed the 3,200-meter race.
• Black North entered the final straight several lengths ahead while Cheval Grand and Satono Diamond battled behind him.
• Black North held off the challengers and won by three lengths, earning back-to-back Tenno Sho titles.
• Yuichi Fukunaga congratulated Koichi, who credited Black North's strength and favorable stall draw.
• Black North returned to the rest area, where Mirai and Megumi Mitsumori waved to them.