On that day, as May was drawing to a close, I went to the Tokyo Racecourse with Urara and Rice. It was the day of the Meguro Kinen, which Rice was running in, and also the day of the Japanese Derby for the classic class.
"Wow... This is incredible..."
A sea of people surged into the Tokyo Racecourse. If Rice wasn't running, there's no doubt that Urara and I wouldn't have been able to get in.
The Tokyo Racecourse boasts the largest capacity of all the racecourses in Japan. With a capacity of just under 200,000, it's a racecourse on a scale that easily surpasses the population of some small regional cities.
Despite its size, the grandstands were already full in the morning. Food stalls lined up around the racecourse, creating a festival-like atmosphere. I checked the stalls around, but Gold Ship wasn't there.
The first 10 races were filled with maiden and open races, but the 11th race, the Japanese Derby, is a G1 for the classic class. It's safe to say that Rice, who is running in the G2 Meguro Kinen, won't be the main star today.
Well, the lineup for the Japanese Derby is full of amazing girls, so I guess it can't be helped today.
Not only Rice but also Tokai Teio and Mejiro McQueen are running in the Meguro Kinen today. Mejiro Palmer and the members of Team Canopus have either run in other recent races or are avoiding the Meguro Kinen entirely, so it can't be denied that the lineup is inferior to the Japanese Derby.
Normally, I'd argue that Rice alone would draw in a crowd, but I can't do that today.
Leading the charge are the winner of the Satsuki Sho, Oguri Cap, as well as Special Week, King-chan, Seiun Sky, Biwa Hayahide, Narita Taishin, Winning Ticket, and Happy Meek. The top-class members of the turf classic class are all here.
(Taiki Shuttle didn't show up... Well, she's a miler. I'm surprised she even ran in the Satsuki Sho.)
Taiki Shuttle was the only one missing from the Satsuki Sho lineup, but she probably decided that the distance of the Japanese Derby was too difficult. 2400 meters is practically a long-distance race.
Still, there's a lineup of Uma Musume who have been fighting for the top spots in various open and graded races, and they'll be competing for first place. A fan of Uma Musume races would surely take time off work to come and watch this. In fact, it's astonishing how many people show up to watch it live even though it's being broadcasted live on TV.
With this much attention, what's the TV rating going to be? It's also being streamed online, so I can see why it's not an exaggeration to call it a national pastime.
"Whoa... I'm so excited! I want to run, too!"
Perhaps influenced by the atmosphere, Urara's tail wagged furiously as she spoke. The people around her looked at Urara's face, lost interest, and then looked at her again with an expression that said, "What?!"
"It's Haru Urara..."
"That's Haru Urara..."
"That's the Record Breaker..."
I could hear murmurs from the people around us. It seems Urara is also getting more well-known, and there are more Uma Musume fans who recognize her by just looking at her face.
(Well, there are probably a lot of die-hard Uma Musume fans who came here knowing the racecourse would be packed... So of course they know Urara.)
As her trainer, I feel proud. Hehe, you can praise Urara even more, you know?
"And that's Rice Shower..."
"She's running in the Meguro Kinen..."
Rice Shower is, of course, also well-known by face and name, and some fans are even taking pictures of her with their smartphones. But hold on, sir. If you want a picture of Rice, get the bromide that's going to be released soon... What? You've already pre-ordered them? You've pre-ordered all the goods? In that case, I guess one picture is fine! Please continue to support Rice, okay?
I spoke to the man who was taking a picture of Rice without permission, and he told me with a sparkling smile that he was a huge fan of Rice and had already pre-ordered all her goods. Well, that makes me really happy. Rice looked a little embarrassed but happily made a peace sign for the picture.
As we continued toward the racecourse, I felt glances coming my way as well, not just at Urara and Rice.
"Haru Urara and Rice Shower are together, so... that's the Team Kitarufa trainer."
"Ah... That's Onii-sama..."
Huh? Hold on. Why are Uma Musume fans on the street calling me "Onii-sama"? When I looked at them to confirm, they quickly moved away from me.
"Onii-sama, is something wrong?"
"Just now, a few people called me 'Onii-sama'... No, it's nothing."
I felt a commotion spread the moment Rice called out to me. Was I imagining things? No, I don't think so... I'm scared to find out what the public thinks of me.
Well, I can't just grab a random person on the street and ask. I told Rice that it might be hard to meet up later in this crowd, so I sent her to the waiting room, and then decided to go watch the Japanese Derby, which was about to start.
First, there's the paddock parade...
"Wow... This place is also packed."
As expected, the paddock was also filled with spectators. Today, in particular, there must be a lot of die-hard Uma Musume fans, and it's only natural that they'd want to see them in the paddock.
If I could, I wanted to say a few words to Kiryuuin-san... But it's no use, there are too many people. I think she's probably in the front row.
"Gate 1, post 1, Oguri Cap."
While I was looking for Kiryuuin-san, the paddock parade began. The first one called was Oguri Cap, and her body looked even more toned than the last time I saw her. But as usual, she looked spaced out, so I couldn't tell what her condition was.
"...Oguri-chan."
Urara mumbled as she watched Oguri Cap. Her expression had changed to a serious one, and she was looking at Oguri Cap with a challenging gaze.
Noticing this, I put my hand on Urara's head and smiled faintly.
"We're just here to watch today. The next time you have a chance to clash with Oguri Cap, you can get your revenge then."
"Yeah!"
Urara nodded firmly at my words. However, if Oguri Cap is seriously pursuing the classic route, we might not be able to clash with her unless we charge into the turf route.
"Gate 2, post 3, Special Week."
Oh, here she comes. The new star of Team Spica... hmm?
When I saw Special Week in her cute, idol-like racing uniform, I couldn't help but frown. It wasn't because she looked unwell or injured. On the contrary, I was surprised at how well she was prepared.
(Oh... so that's Special Week... As expected of my senior, she's well-prepared.)
She lost to Oguri Cap in the Satsuki Sho and came in second, but her running style was powerful, and she's one of the Uma Musume I think has a chance to beat Oguri Cap.
"Gate 3, post 5, Seiun Sky."
She's an Uma Musume with a short gray mane, wearing a jacket with white frills and green shorts. The last time I saw a video of her race, she seemed a bit goofy, but today she looks a little... no, quite stiff.
"Gate 3, post 6, King Halo."
The next one to appear was King-chan. She was wearing a green, dress-like racing uniform and was looking straight ahead with a dignified posture.
"Wow! It's King-chan! King-chan!"
Urara shouted excitedly. She waved her hands to show she was there, and King-chan seemed to notice her and looked at her with a surprised expression.
Then our eyes met, and after widening them slightly in surprise, she grabbed the hem of her skirt and gave a magnificent curtsy.
The crowd cheered at her gesture, and I couldn't help but smile. Then King-chan winked mischievously and even stuck out her tongue a little.
(King-chan... If she didn't have a trainer, I would have scouted her even if it meant getting buried in work...)
When I saw King-chan's face, I couldn't help but think that. Our eyes met, and I had a feeling. I felt that if it was the current me, we would have been a great match. If she thought so too, it would be the ultimate honor for a trainer...
"We just weren't meant to be, huh..."
I mumbled without thinking. I hope she gets a good result in this race.
"Gate 4, post 8, Biwa Hayahide."
The next one I paid attention to was Biwa Hayahide, but she was a very well-built Uma Musume to see in person. She had wavy gray hair that went down to her waist, and she was wearing a black and pink racing uniform—wait, why is the upper part of her thigh completely exposed? This old man doesn't know where to look.
But she's a very strong Uma Musume. She has a good physique.
"Gate 5, post 10, Happy Meek."
The next one I saw was Meek. She was wearing a light blue vest and a pleated skirt, and a white long coat that went down to her knees. It's a cute racing uniform that suits Meek's vibe.
"Meek-chan, how is she?"
"She seems to be in good condition... As expected of Kiryuuin-san."
I think she'll put up a good fight. She's that well-prepared.
"Gate 6, post 12, Winning Ticket."
The next one I focused on was Winning Ticket. She has short black hair and seems to be a very energetic Uma Musume... But just like Biwa Hayahide, why does her racing uniform have a slit on the side? No, it's not even a slit; her side and abdomen are completely exposed. And she's wearing a tank top... No, to be honest, it looks like a bra.
(Hmm... I don't get the fashion sense of young girls...)
I've been thinking that a lot lately, even with Rice. But don't Biwa Hayahide and Winning Ticket show too much skin? It's unladylike for a girl her age, you know?
"Gate 7, post 13, Narita Taishin."
The last of the Uma Musume I was interested in appeared. She was a petite chestnut-haired Uma Musume, wearing a yellow shirt cinched below her chest, ripped jeans on her left leg, and a red checkered shirt tied around her waist.
Better than Biwa Hayahide and Winning Ticket... better? Her belly button is showing... I hope she doesn't catch a cold.
Her condition... it doesn't seem bad, but it doesn't seem great either.
As I watched the paddock parade with Urara, I joined the flow of people and left the area.
And then, the Japanese Derby, or Tokyo Yushun, began.
It's the most special and grandest stage among the many Uma Musume races. It's not an exaggeration to say that the Japanese Derby is synonymous with Uma Musume races, and it gets all the Uma Musume fans in Japan excited.
The Takarazuka Kinen and Arima Kinen, where popular Uma Musume are chosen by vote to run, are also like festivals, but the Japanese Derby surpasses them.
It's a dream stage that many Uma Musume aspire to, and a stage that many pass by without ever getting the chance to run in.
The great race was sending the nearly 200,000 spectators gathered at the Tokyo Racecourse into a frenzy.
The Japanese Derby starts from the home stretch of the turf course, which is easy for the spectators to see. As the Uma Musume entered the gates and were introduced, a thunderous roar of cheers shook the racecourse.
Perhaps due to her past record, Oguri Cap was the favorite. She was the first to be introduced since she was in gate 1, post 1, but Oguri Cap entered the gate without reacting to the cheers. The other top contenders also entered the gates looking calm, to varying degrees.
The other Uma Musume who got to run after winning the lottery seemed a bit nervous. And it's no wonder. Not only is it a huge G1 race, but it's a race with 200,000 people watching.
Some of them may have run in G2 or G3 races, but even I, just watching from the stands, felt the heat of the racecourse so much that it made me nervous.
It's the end of May, so the temperature is quite high. It doesn't seem to be 30°C, but it's a sunny day, and the sun is strong. I took out a sports drink from my bag and handed it to Urara, and took a sip of my own.
(From now on, I have to be careful not only with training but also with their physical condition before a race...)
Because of the heat, I told Rice that she didn't have to meet up with me. The waiting room would be cool, so she wouldn't have to worry about getting sick before the race.
I was thinking about that as I watched the Japanese Derby...
"Oh! Seiun Sky, who was leading the pack, has been caught here! It's the favorite, Oguri Cap, who has taken over!"
The race was turning into a fierce battle between the top Uma Musume.
Seiun Sky had taken the lead right from the start and had been running away with it. However, perhaps she was nervous on this big stage and misjudged her pace, as Oguri Cap caught up to her at the third corner on the left.
"Oguri Cap is in the lead! But post 3 Special Week, post 6 King Halo, post 8 Biwa Hayahide, post 10 Happy Meek, and post 12 Winning Ticket are also coming up! Oh, and post 13 Narita Taishin, who was at the back, is starting to make her move!"
"We're at the 800-meter mark, but it seems a little early to make a move. I wonder if the Uma Musume have the stamina for this?"
Excluding Narita Taishin, who was at the back, there was already a gap of over 5 lengths between the leading pack and the other Uma Musume. But led by Oguri Cap, they kept accelerating, passing each other without a care in the world about what was happening behind them.
"Now, they're turning the fourth corner and entering the final straight! Oguri Cap is still in the lead! The gap between her and second place Special Week is 2 lengths! Fighting for third place a length behind them are King Halo, Biwa Hayahide, Happy Meek, and Winning Ticket! But Narita Taishin is coming up from the back at a rapid pace!?"
"The straight is about 500 meters long, but there's a slope from here. It'll be interesting to see who makes their move and pulls away and when."
"The leading Oguri Cap and the others... the cheers... are getting louder..."
The moment the classic-class fillies came out of the corner and entered the home stretch, a massive cheer from the spectators was so loud that the voices of the commentators and announcers were cut off.
I put my hands on Urara's head and covered her horse ears before the cheers got too loud. But Urara didn't seem to notice my actions and was just staring intently at Oguri Cap and the others.
"With 400 meters to go, they've reached the slope! Oguri Cap is still in the lead—no, here comes Special Week! She's closing the gap with Oguri Cap as she runs up the slope! 1 length! Half a body length! And now, they're side by side!"
The commentator raised his voice to compete with the loud cheers. Special Week was side by side with Oguri Cap as if the cheers were pushing her forward, trying to pass her.
But then, Oguri Cap's aura changed. She lowered her stance, put more power into her legs as she kicked the turf, and shot forward.
Oguri Cap's legs, which accelerated even more after already making a move, were a sight to behold, and she pulled away from Special Week—
"Urara, watch Special Week closely."
I leaned my face toward Urara's horse ears and whispered.
Even after seeing Oguri Cap's second burst of speed, Special Week wasn't in despair. On the contrary, she put more power into her legs and chased after Oguri Cap.
"Oguri Cap can't get away from Special Week!? Special Week! She's picked up even more speed to chase after Oguri Cap! Right behind them, Winning Ticket and Happy Meek are also gaining ground! 200 meters to go! 200 meters to the goal! Can Special Week reach her?! Or will Oguri Cap hold on?! Or will the others from behind overtake them!?"
—Ah, this is great.
I couldn't help but mumble to myself as I watched Special Week desperately trying to keep up with Oguri Cap.
It was an intense back-and-forth battle between Oguri Cap and Special Week, where it was impossible to tell who would win. The spectators who were witnessing this were already on their feet, their voices hoarse from cheering as they stared intently at the race in front of them.
This heat, this atmosphere, this is the true charm of an Uma Musume race. It's a thrilling race that you can't experience just by watching on TV.
"They're past the 100-meter mark! Who's in the lead!? Oguri Cap and Special Week, neither of them is giving an inch! What about the others?! Third place—is it Winning Ticket!? Happy Meek is struggling to keep up! King Halo, Biwa Hayahide, and Narita Taishin are also closing the gap!"
100 meters is nothing for an Uma Musume at full speed; it doesn't even take 5 seconds. As the commentator's voice echoed, there were already two shadows near the goal.
"And now! Oguri Cap and Special Week cross the finish line side by side! Who is it!? Special Week seems to have the advantage!"
After crossing the finish line side by side, Oguri Cap and Special Week slowed down and stopped, breathing heavily. Large beads of sweat ran down their foreheads, dripped down their chins, and fell onto the turf.
"The third-place battle goes to Winning Ticket! No complaints there! Fourth place is Biwa Hayahide! Fifth place is a tie between Narita Taishin and Happy Meek! It's impossible to tell who won that one either!?"
Unfortunately, Meek had fallen out of the top 3 spots. But still, she ran desperately to the very end and was fighting for a placing.
Following Meek, King-chan crossed the finish line. Seiun Sky, who had led the pack in the middle of the race... perhaps due to competing with Oguri Cap, she ran out of stamina and fell back, crossing the finish line with the other Uma Musume in the back.
I glanced at the results board. The third place was already confirmed to be Winning Ticket, and the fourth place was Biwa Hayahide, but the word "PHOTO" was glowing on the results board.
"T-trainer, who won, Spe-chan or Oguri-chan?"
Urara looked up at me nervously. For Urara, Special Week is her friend, and Oguri Cap is someone she lost to before. She must be curious.
I patted Urara's head and turned my gaze to Special Week and Oguri Cap at the finish line.
"The winner is—Special Week."
"The results have been confirmed. First place is post 3, Special Week. Second place is post 1, Oguri Cap, by a nose. Third place is post 12, Winning Ticket, by 2 lengths. Fourth place is post 8, Biwa Hayahide, by 1 length. Fifth place is post 10, Happy Meek, by 1 length."
With the announcement of the results, a massive cheer erupted from the 200,000 spectators gathered at the Tokyo Racecourse. At that moment, I covered Urara's horse ears with both hands and checked on Special Week and Oguri Cap.
Special Week looked left and right as if she couldn't believe she had won, but when the crowd started chanting her name, it seemed to sink in. She eventually started waving at the crowd with a smile on her face, even though there were tears in her eyes.
Oguri Cap was still spaced out... No, she was just stunned. She was looking at the results board and confirming her rank.
"Special Week has done it! She's avenged her loss to Oguri Cap at the Satsuki Sho in the Japanese Derby!"
"That last battle was breathtaking. Oguri Cap's undefeated streak since she transferred to the Central has stopped at 5... I thought we were going to see the birth of an undefeated classic triple crown Uma Musume, but just like Mihono Bourbon last year, it seems the classic triple crown is a difficult thing to achieve."
The excited commentator and the announcer, who was trying his best to stay calm, gave their thoughts. I listened to their words and applauded Special Week.
I have to go to the paddock for Rice's race soon, but it would be rude to turn my back on Special Week, who won this intense battle, without giving her at least a round of applause.
And at the same time, I was grateful to Special Week.
(Oguri Cap made her move too early... If she had waited until after the fourth corner, she would have been able to pull away in the final battle.)
Or maybe Special Week would have won anyway. It's no use thinking about what-ifs now. Then, I leaned my face toward Urara's horse ears, which I was still covering, and said.
"Did you see that, Urara... Even Oguri Cap loses. Even against someone like her, a girl who can win, will win. I'm not saying you should underestimate her. What I'm saying is that there's no such thing as an opponent you can never beat."
Special Week's running style taught me that. I want to thank her for that.
Even Symboli Rudolf has experienced three losses. There is no such thing as an opponent you can never beat, and in that case, my job is to find a way to make you win.
Of course, I said there's no opponent you can never beat, but that naturally requires a lot of effort. If you told me to make Urara win against Oguri Cap a year ago, I'm confident I would have handed in my resignation.
(That's right... Whether it's Oguri Cap or Smart Falcon, Urara can win. No, I'll make her win... Urara and I can do it.)
If I pushed her to her limits without thinking about the future and without fearing injury, she might be able to win one race right now. But a single victory isn't what determines an Uma Musume's entire career.
Of course, that first victory is the hardest.
And that doesn't just apply to Urara and Rice. The other Uma Musume are also getting stronger. You might suddenly lose to someone you used to be able to beat.
It's a trainer's job to train their Uma Musume so they don't lose and don't get caught up.
"Yeah... Just watch me, Trainer. I'll become a strong Uma Musume who won't lose to Oguri-chan."
Urara nodded at my words. Hearing that, I smiled and patted her head.
"Yeah. Well then, next is Rice's race. Let's go to the paddock."
"Okay!"
I gave one last look at Special Week, who was still waving at the crowd, and Oguri Cap, who was still staring at the results board without moving, and then left the area with Urara.
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