Chapter 32. One Step Away from Conquering All Eight Major Races in the Dream World
Today, Shuta An achieved a full attendance record at his home track, Kyoto Racecourse—he had riding assignments for all eleven races.
"The treatment here is so much better than when I was in Kansai." The young man was quite satisfied. "And they're all horses with the strength to contend for victory, which is great. I need to work hard today and earn enough for the car."
Recently, under Yutaka Take's persistent persuasion, Shuta An had begun considering changing his car. The Honda NSX's appearance was undeniably appealing, so the young man decided to work diligently and save up during this period.
Yutaka Take, however, knew nothing about Shuta An's thoughts. If he had, he probably wouldn't have driven his Porsche to Shuta An's house to show it off after riding Narita Taishin to victory in the Satsuki Sho. Coincidentally, when Yutaka Take arrived to flaunt his new car, Yuichi Fukunaga happened to be visiting Shuta An's house to seek advice on riding techniques. After seeing the new vehicle purchased by his respected senior, Fukunaga's eyes lit up, further strengthening his determination to study hard and become a great jockey.
The first race at Kyoto Racecourse today was a 1,800-meter dirt maiden race for three-year-olds. Shuta An rode Tanisui Daimyo. He had partnered with Horse Owners using the Tanisui prefix several times before, though all had been class races, and today was no exception.
Despite that, the young man approached the race with complete dedication.
He maintained second position throughout the race, and after entering the final straight, a single strike of the whip was enough to carry him past the front-runner, Tori Umi Madonna, ridden by Hirofumi Shii. Although Yutaka Take urged his mount forward with everything he had, he could only watch Tanisui Daimyo steadily pull away from the field and cross the finish line first.
The second race was also a maiden event, this time a 1,400-meter dirt race.
Riding Chikusa Shinfu, Shuta An abandoned his previous tactics and instead chose to keep his partner slightly behind the leaders. After turning into the final straight, he launched a sweeping move around the outside, successfully overtaking Yutaka Take and eventually finishing a full two seconds ahead of the third-place runner.
However, when Chikusa Shinfu's Trainer suggested continuing their partnership in future races, Shuta An politely declined.
"This race only looked dominant because the competition was relatively weak. In terms of actual ability, this horse isn't particularly strong."
That was his honest assessment.
After failing to win the third race, the fourth race finally shifted onto the turf course.
For this 1,400-meter turf event, Shuta An partnered with Setpoint, a mare owned by Yoshida Katsumi.
Setpoint possessed a highly volatile temperament and was difficult to manage even inside the starting gate. Once the race began, she completely ignored Shuta An's instructions, stubbornly refusing to accelerate and gradually dropping toward the rear of the field. Despite vigorous urging and repeated encouragement, she suffered a crushing defeat and finished twelfth.
"Honestly, I don't think she's suitable for racing."
Shuta An spoke with complete frankness in front of Yoshida Katsumi.
"Perhaps you should consider retiring her and sending her to the breeding shed."
"Well~"
Although Yoshida Katsumi was reluctant, after witnessing Setpoint's performance firsthand, he could not deny that Shuta An's criticism was justified.
"Let her run a few more races. It's a bit late to retire her for breeding now."
Then, as a gesture of goodwill, he added:
"Tokai Teio is retiring at the end of this year. Setpoint can be bred to Tokai Teio for the next few years. That sounds good. Hopefully Teio's temperament can smooth out Setpoint's fiery personality."
Shuta An could only shake his head with a wry smile.
Perhaps it was calm after the storm.
Shuta An went on to win three of the next five races. Carrying that momentum, he arrived at the main event of the day—not only at Kyoto Racecourse, but arguably throughout all of Japan—the Spring Tenno Sho.
This was a race he had never won.
Had he not already captured the Kikuka Sho aboard Tokai Teio and Rice Shower, there would likely still be people claiming that Shuta An lacked ability in long-distance races.
"Japan's traditional Eight Major Races consist of the Classic Triple Crown, the Oka Sho, Japanese Oaks, Spring Tenno Sho, Tenno Sho (Autumn), and Arima Kinen. During his brief jockey career of only a few years, Shuta An has already won seven of these eight races. The only title still missing from his collection is the Spring Tenno Sho!
"If Shuta An and Rice Shower can once again stage an assassination drama here at Kyoto Racecourse today, he will become the youngest jockey in history to complete a sweep of all Eight Major Races!"
As Shuta An reunited with Rice Shower in the parade ring, he heard the commentator's voice carrying across the venue.
The words surprised him slightly.
"I'm really only one race away from completing all Eight Major Races?"
He turned toward Rice Shower's groom, Kawashima.
"Yes, you are."
Kawashima nodded.
"However, facing Mejiro McQueen in this race is an extremely difficult challenge."
"Indeed."
Shuta An agreed as he gently stroked Rice Shower's hindquarters.
"But Trainer Iizuka told me that for this race, he and everyone in the stable poured their heart and soul into the preparation."
Before Kawashima could reply, the young man looked directly at him, his voice unwavering.
"I won't let everyone's efforts go to waste."
"Please do your best, Shuta-kun!"
Kawashima bowed deeply.
Rice Shower, seemingly confused by the gesture, let out a soft snort.
"Besides, this time my opponent is Mejiro McQueen."
Shuta An kept the rest of those words to himself.
"I have a reason I absolutely must win."
Although the real-world Mejiro McQueen was gentle and left him with a favorable impression, things were different in the Dream World.
Just recalling the Mejiro Family's later actions was enough to reignite the resentment buried in his heart.
Rice Shower had drawn gate 3 for the Spring Tenno Sho—a highly favorable inside position.
That also meant Shuta An absolutely could not afford to employ passive tactics.
"Meanwhile, Mejiro McQueen drew the far outside gate 14. Given her running style, Take-san will definitely rush the start and fight for third or fourth position—"
After entering the track, Shuta An allowed Rice Shower to familiarize herself with the condition of Kyoto Racecourse's inner turf while quietly constructing his strategy.
"Today's turf favors leaders and forward-positioned runners. Looks like I'll have to keep a close eye on Mejiro McQueen."
A faint smile appeared at the corner of his lips.
"Then I'm sorry, Take-san."
At that exact moment, Yutaka Take, seated atop Mejiro McQueen, suddenly sneezed for no apparent reason.
"What's going on?"
His gaze swept across the track before eventually settling on Shuta An.
"It must be Ann-san plotting something again."
His expression immediately became vigilant.
"I need to stay alert in this race. Mejiro McQueen's third consecutive Spring Tenno Sho victory would be a historic achievement. No matter what, I can't let Ann-san ruin it."