Classic Uma Musume Forecast was a television program with a storied history.
Unlike Footsteps, which focused on the legendary tales of individual Uma Musume, this show placed its weight on race predictions and expert analysis, holding a position of significant authority within the world of sports journalism.
However, as the times changed, many young people lost interest in such stiff, serious programming.
Under the relentless tide of trendy shows like UMA Express and Today's Uma Musume, along with the rise of independent social media creators, traditional television programs like Classic Uma Musume Forecast had seen their former glory begin to fade.
Yet, no matter how difficult the current climate, the work had to be done.
As the oldest and most prestigious Uma Musume news outlet in the country, they could not abandon their responsibility, no matter how dire the straits.
To combat this wave of modernization, the producers of Classic Uma Musume Forecast hadn't simply sat on their hands.
At the very least, they had replaced their original, dour middle-aged hosts with younger, more vibrant women.
It was precisely because of this shift that Sakurako Kazehaya had the chance to step onto this stage.
In years past, a young host like her would have been relegated to late-night news bulletins or children's programming.
The idea of anchoring a show as prestigious as Classic Uma Musume Forecast would have been an impossible dream.
Receiving the cue from the director, Sakurako took a deep breath. She gripped her microphone with slightly trembling hands, feeling the weight of her first day on this set.
Before her, there had actually been another young, beautiful female host.
However, after a dozen episodes with no improvement in the ratings, the station had shaken things up once more, appointing Sakurako as the new lead.
It seemed Sakurako's delicate features and gentle temperament were particularly beloved by children, leading to a steady climb in ratings for her previous kids' show.
In a desperate bid for change, the struggling Classic Uma Musume Forecast had essentially plucked her from that slot and thrown her into the deep end.
Sakurako knew exactly why she had been chosen, but since the target demographics were worlds apart, she couldn't guarantee that the success she found with children would translate here.
Still, as someone who had adored Uma Musume since childhood and dreamed of making her mark in this field, she wasn't about to let this opportunity slip through her fingers.
The name Classic Uma Musume Forecast carried immense weight in the racing world. If she could find her footing here, it would undoubtedly be the first solid step on the path toward her dreams.
So, despite the butterflies in her stomach, Sakurako had to push forward.
She instinctively pressed a hand to her chest. Beyond feeling the thumping of her heart, her fingers brushed against the most iconic symbol of her favorite Uma Musume—a red ribbon.
It had inspired her countless times before, and she believed it would do so again today.
Stepping gracefully into the studio and facing the gaze of a dozen cameras, Sakurako flashed a warm, approachable smile. She gave a polite bow to the main lens before speaking.
"Good evening, everyone. This is Classic Uma Musume Forecast."
"I am your new commentator, Sakurako Kazehaya, and starting today, I'll be joining you all in chasing the tracks of victory. The path ahead on the turf may be shrouded in mystery, but together with my colleagues here, I will bring you the clearest forecasts from the most professional perspective."
Having memorized the news items by heart, Sakurako didn't even look at the teleprompter. She stood beside the large display screen, introducing the lead story with a poised smile.
"If we're talking about the biggest news recently, it is undoubtedly Equinox's triumphant victory in the Dubai Sheema Classic."
"On March 25th—coincidentally the day after her birthday—she stepped onto the stage of the Dubai Sheema Classic as the heavy favorite. She showcased a front-running strategy that was a complete departure from her previous come-from-behind style, securing the championship with a dominant three-and-a-half length lead."
"Combined with her wins in the Tenno Sho (Autumn) and the Arima Kinen last year, this marks the third G1 trophy for Equinox. It is no exaggeration to say she has displayed the top-tier potential of this generation."
Under the old, rational style of the program, the segment on Equinox would have ended there. But to capture the attention of a younger audience, the tone had shifted.
To put it simply, they now used more colorful, stirring language to describe the Uma Musume.
Sakurako paused for only a moment before continuing.
"Rumors have long persisted that she would become the successor to Dream Weaver, making Equinox the second world-class Uma Musume to emerge from Central Tracen Academy."
"These whispers aren't confined to our borders; they've reached overseas as well. According to reliable sources, world-class Uma Musume abroad have already begun asking after Equinox by name."
With a wave of her hand, the image on the screen changed.
It was a candid shot from the Dubai Sheema Classic.
A chestnut-haired Uma Musume wearing sunglasses stood in a VIP suite, her eyes fixed intently on the track.
"Furthermore, the world-class Uma Musume, Sea the Stars, was spotted in attendance during Equinox's race. Does this mean Equinox will forge a friendship with a global icon during her overseas expedition?"
"Let us look forward to her future with high expectations."
After delivering the major news, Sakurako paused. While waiting for the director to confirm the next segment, she stood there, her mind beginning to wander.
Her university years had been defined by Dream Weaver's reign on the track. The image of that golden-red flash cutting through her opponents was something Sakurako would never forget.
She had once thought she could watch her forever, but time spares no one.
Now, she had graduated and joined a news station, becoming the host of Classic Uma Musume Forecast by a stroke of luck. Meanwhile, the Uma Musume who represented her youth seemed to be handing over the reins to a successor.
Time was flowing by so fast.
That beautiful era that belonged to them was beginning to recede, leaving the stage of dreams and youth to the next generation.
Suddenly, the director's voice crackled in her earpiece, and Sakurako immediately snapped back to professional form.
But just as she thought she was about to proceed as planned, the director delivered a breaking update.
"There's been a massive shift in the scheduled content. Skip the next part and jump to the one after!"
Sakurako felt a surge of panic. She hadn't expected a crisis like this on her very first broadcast, but she managed to suppress her unease, mentally flipping to the third news item on the original list.
The Uma Musume under the tutelage of Dream Weaver—now a trainer—was about to face her first race of the Triple Crown.
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T/N: I have a Patreon! Webnovel will get 2 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.