Thus, time flowed like water and months passed by. Since Grand Ekinoks's first maiden victory, she had managed to win the two races she had run.
Excluding the third place in the debut race, this is a quite significant achievement. Consecutive victories opened the door to G races and Grand Ekinoks had shown that she was at least ready for G3-G2 level.
I still can't say for sure about the G1 level.
I think my training methods are really successful, and thanks to Grand Ekinoks's disciplined nature, she has largely closed the gap in talent.
Of course her social communication skills are still poor and she still struggles to make friends. Nevertheless, she had grown accustomed to living in Istanbul. On weekends, I thought taking her around Istanbul would help her adapt more quickly.
When the year turned, I joined a celebration party with other trainers. The celebration party had everything a classic party could have.
We continued to welcome the new year at Melisa's house, and that is where I entered the new year.
Melisa had won the "Trainer of the Year" award last year, and the Koşturan she trained this year was really in form. She ran all her races on dirt and won all of them. She particularly stood out in Izmir races.
Tolikopa, though not as promising as Koşturan, did not lose easily in Bursa. At least in every race she ran, she finished among the placings.
As we gazed at the stars on the balcony, Melisa came closer to me.
"What is your little red riding hood up to?"
"It's going very well. Although she keeps telling me she wants to win the Gazi race."
"Every umamusume wants to win that race. But this year I won't be able to participate in the Gazi."
It wasn't hard to understand why Melisa said this.
Tolikopa is not capable of running in the Gazi. Koşturan came here as a "transfer student", so by the rules he cannot participate in the Gazi race.
"That's true but at least she can participate in Uma Trial Stakes."
"Hmm… If your little red riding hood makes the Triple Crown, I would truly congratulate you."
"Please don't joke like that…."
Triple Crown… is almost an impossible achievement for me.
"But this year we must be more careful than ever. Umamusumes love carrot and I heard they have been given illegal drugs to grow quickly in the carrots."
"Um… I don't understand why you'd say something like that."
"If I told you that because of these carrots the 'Queen of the Outer Course' was banned from racing for 9 months, how would you react?"
Of course I would drop the cola-filled glass in my hand.
I really did drop the cola-filled glass in my hand.
"Wait? You mean Ribella, right?"
Ribella is not just an ordinary Umamusume. She has been racing for years and has won many G races.
If she could make such a mistake, then a rookie trainer like me definitely needs to be very careful about this.
Melisa said this because she wanted me to become aware of a difference.
"Here's a sisterly piece of advice from me: be careful with what the red riding hood eats and drinks."
I took these words to heart like a charm and two hours after the party ended, I headed home.
I need to sleep well and plan Grand Ekinoks's next race.
Meanwhile, my phone started to ring. A foreign number was calling me. When I picked up, I heard Cannon's voice.
"Grand Ekinoks's tranier! You must come to the hospital immediately."
From the moment I heard those words, I felt a tightness in my chest.