The Mile Championship that King will challenge is a G1 race held at Kyoto Racecourse, with a full field of 18 competitors and a distance of 1,600 meters.
Since it's a short distance for a mile race, it should be an easy one for King to run. However, Taiki Shuttle, who will also be in the race, is a top-class miler who won the Yasuda Kinen.
I thought we might clash with Taiki Shuttle since he's not good at races of medium distance or longer, but since El Condor Pasa isn't showing up, Taiki Shuttle is definitely our biggest obstacle.
Meek from Kiryuin-san's stable is not to be underestimated, but Taiki Shuttle is a greater threat in a mile race.
I wonder if Meek is avoiding the Japan Cup... Not only Rice who's going for the Autumn Senior Triple Crown, but Tokai Teio and Mejiro McQueen will probably be there too. Maybe she thought it would be too tough to compete in the Classic division? Or maybe she was worried that she wouldn't make the cut due to her prize money.
However, I think Special Week, Oguri Cap, Biwa Hayahide, and Seiun Sky will likely want to enter the Japan Cup. I thought Oguri Cap might enter the Mile Championship, but... maybe she'll avoid the Japan Cup as well and go for a G2 or G3 race.
There's also the possibility that she's training to aim for the Arima Kinen. Well, if I think about every possibility, I won't know how much to prepare, so I'll stop here.
Classic division and Senior division. There's at least a year's difference in training and race experience, so the gap in ability is huge. But there are some Uma Musume like Seiun Sky who can set world records, so you can't let your guard down if they appear in a race.
If Rice had run in the Kikuka Sho last year and clashed with Seiun Sky, she would almost certainly have lost. But Rice has grown a lot this past year. When there are many strong rivals, it's hard to choose who to mark, but Rice is the type who gets fired up by that. She can also take the lead without marking and go for a head-on race, but it all depends on each Uma Musume's condition on the day of the race.
But first things first, it's the Mile Championship. It's the 11th race, with a scheduled start time of 3:40 PM. Since it's at Kyoto Racecourse, we'll be staying the night before.
...Actually, we're staying the night before right now. I'm relaxing my body in a Kyoto hot spring, enjoying some delicious Kyoto cuisine, and taking a leisurely break for a short while.
As for King's condition, I've trained her as much as possible. As expected, her rhythm seems a little off due to the interviews, but she's still in good shape.
Before we left for Kyoto, I had her go through a light training session in the morning at the Tracen Academy, and she moved well. All that's left is to have her run a little in Kyoto before the race on the day itself to warm up her body and get ready to compete.
"Trainer, how is it? Does it feel good?"
"Yeah... it feels good..."
Right now, Urara is massaging my body. Urara is giving me a shoulder rub after her bath. It's a moment of pure bliss.
"Customer, you're all stiff. Please feel good with Urara's massage."
"Ahhh, right there... Urara's massage feels so good..."
While we're acting out this little play, I'm letting myself go. Just like during the summer training camp, Urara said she'd give me a massage, so I asked her to. This might become a habit... or rather, I feel like I'm melting...
By the way, the location is my private room. The room next to mine is for Urara and the others, and it's a three-person room. I'm having my shoulders rubbed in my room so that I can just pass out peacefully after the massage, just like before.
"Big brother, next Rice will give you a shoulder rub, okay?"
"Honestly... isn't this a little too relaxing for the day before a race?"
And for some reason, Rice and King are also in my room. It feels a little cramped since it's a single room, but... Ah, King's shoulder rub makes me forget all about it...
And then, the shoulder massage was handed over from Urara to Rice. Rice heard about it and volunteered to do it.
During the summer training camp, we were wearing yukatas, but it's late November in Kyoto and it's getting quite chilly, so we're all in our pajamas. I'm wearing navy blue pajamas, Urara is in pink pajamas, Rice is in blue pajamas, and King is in yellow pajamas. We don't want to catch a cold, so we have to sleep warmly.
"Okay, big brother... I'm going to touch you now, okay?"
Rice says that and places her hands on my shoulders. Her touch is gentle, and for some reason, Rice starts by stroking my shoulders and back, but then the pressure gradually gets stronger.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa... This... works... or rather, Rice, Miss Rice?! Your strength... is... too strong!?"
"Oh no! I'm... I'm sorry, big brother! Rice... I mean, I just... I accidentally put too much strength into it..."
Rice apologizes in a panic, and the strength of her massage weakens instantly. Yep... their physical abilities are different, so their grip and arm strength are strong too... Wait? Does that mean Urara is actually surprisingly thoughtful since she was able to apply a comfortable amount of pressure from the beginning?
I look at Urara, and she tilts her head with a smile. However, she must have found my interaction with Rice amusing, as her tail, which extends from her pajama pants, was wagging from side to side.
"Honestly... what are you doing?"
And King, who saw our interaction, smiles in a way that suggests her tension has been released.
The next day, it's the day of the Mile Championship.
I checked King's condition in the morning and determined that she was in good shape with no problems. She was full of spirit and her motivation was high.
So, after she had a proper lunch, we headed to Kyoto Racecourse, but...
"Ah..."
As we entered the Kyoto Racecourse, we ran into Kiryuin-san and Meek. Kiryuin-san looked embarrassed when she saw me.
"H-hello..."
"Hello, Kiryuin-san. Hello, Meek."
I greeted Kiryuin-san and Meek. Kiryuin-san, unlike Meek, averted her gaze. Hmm? What's with this reaction? Is she worried about us clashing in the race? No, that's probably not it.
As I'm wondering about this, Kiryuin-san takes a few deep breaths and puts on a serious expression.
"We are rivals today... Today, no, today my Meek will win for sure."
"..."
It was an abrupt declaration of rivalry, or rather, a declaration of victory. In response, I turn my gaze to Meek, who is also looking at King and me with a serious expression.
In that case, my answer can only be one thing.
"I see, we're rivals... But my King will win."
I smile, matching Kiryuin-san's spirit. My answer doesn't change whether the opponent is Meek or Taiki Shuttle. My King will win. That's all there is to it.
Kiryuin-san smiles, looking somewhat satisfied with my answer.
"Is that so... Then let's have a good race."
"Yes... Let's have a good race."
Kiryuin-san turns her back to us and walks away. Meek bows her head and then runs after Kiryuin-san.
(Well... I'd better be as careful as I am with Taiki Shuttle.)
I thought Taiki Shuttle was superior in a mile race, but Kiryuin-san and Meek today are not to be underestimated. I never intended to underestimate them in the first place, but I should probably increase my level of caution.
The Mile Championship is a race where many Senior division Uma Musume compete, but I think I should be even more cautious than that.
"Trainer."
"Yeah."
King stands next to me and calls out to me. It's just a single word, but the thoughts behind it are the same.
"We're going to win."
"We're going to win."
With that determined expression, King heads to the waiting room.
And then, Urara, Rice, and I head to the paddock. As usual, we take our place in the front row, lean our elbows on the fence, and wait for the show in the paddock to begin.
『No. 9, 5th gate, King Halo』
The show begins, and after a while, King appears in the paddock. As usual, the crowd cheers at the sight of King, who stands there with a confident and dignified expression... but I can hear voices other than cheers at times.
"King Halo, is she running in the Mile Championship now...?"
"I was surprised when she went from the Sprinters Stakes to the Kikuka Sho, but now from a long-distance race to a mile race... Is she going to be okay?"
"I hope her trainer isn't pushing her too hard... for the prize money or something..."
I think to myself that a mile race is easier for King's distance aptitude, but I don't say anything. The spectators' words are out of concern for King. It's proof that King is loved by her fans.
I mean, if she's running in G1 races in the order of short, long, and mile distances, it's natural for people to be worried. I've checked King's physical condition meticulously, so I can say there's no problem, but the spectators don't know that. And also, give me time, not prize money.
"!"
Oops, Rice's Uma ears and tail stand up straight, and she's about to turn around, so I stop her by placing my hand on her head. Good, good, I'm happy that you're getting angry for me, but I don't mind, so don't you mind either, Rice.
"But, big brother..."
Rice looks at me with a dissatisfied expression. Urara... wait, what? Urara also has her Uma ears folded forward and looks somewhat unhappy. She grips the hem of my clothes tightly and wraps her tail around my thigh. That tickles, Urara. And I'm okay, so don't worry, okay?
"It's nothing, the spectators are saying that because they're worried about King. I believe King will be fine, and I've raised her to be fine, but the people watching the race don't know that... so it's only natural for them to be worried."
If they thought the Uma Musume they were cheering for was being overworked for the sake of prize money, they would be so worried. The fact that they don't directly question me means that the spectators are either well-behaved or they believe that King will be fine no matter what.
When I say that, both Urara and Rice back down, though they still look unhappy. In my previous life... for example, in professional baseball, a passionate fan might yell at the manager at the stadium to stop overworking a player. No, a passionate fan would yell in this life's professional baseball too, yeah.
I nod to myself—and then I see King, who has finished her paddock walk, cross her arms and give up her spot for the next Uma Musume. But while her arms are crossed, she seems to be clenching her hands tightly on her own arms...
(This is bad... King must have heard it too...)
Uma Musume have excellent hearing, so of course she must have heard the spectators' voices. But King doesn't get enraged... However, it looks like a fire of determination has been ignited in her eyes.
『No. 10, 5th gate, Taiki Shuttle』
Following King, Taiki Shuttle appears in the paddock. She's in her racing uniform, but I'm still curious about the holster for her revolver. Is that a real gun...? No, it can't be.
Taiki Shuttle is... wow, as expected of an Uma Musume raised by Tojo-san. Her body is in even better shape than it was during the mock race at the summer training camp.
She seems to be in good condition, and she's captivating the spectators with her cowboy-style midriff-baring look and her big smile.
『No. 14, 7th gate, Happy Meek』
Now, the next one to check is Meek, but...
(She's in great shape... and she seems to be in good condition, too. This is a tough opponent.)
She's on par with, or even surpasses, the Senior division Uma Musume... No, she definitely surpasses them. And besides, it's not even two months until the new year and she'll be in the Senior division, so it's not strange for her to be at a level where she can beat them at this time.
Of course, the Uma Musume who were already in the Senior division have trained bodies too, but... even taking that into account, Meek is superior.
"Trainer."
As I'm observing, King, who has finished her paddock walk, calls out to me. Her expression is the same as usual, but her voice is a little tense.
"K-i-n-g."
I call out King's name. King looks at me with a start. So I deliberately smile.
"Taiki Shuttle and Meek are both strong rivals. Just focus on winning the race. Got it?"
"I see... Yes, that's right. I should do that."
King nods firmly... but hmm, she seems to be a little too tense.
"King, could you come a little closer?"
I smile and wave King over.
"What is it? We're about to... Yikes!"
And then, I mess up King's hair as she comes closer. King flinches in surprise and looks at me with wide eyes.
"Alright, are the unnecessary thoughts gone? Now—go win!"
Next, I lightly pat King on the back. King looks at me with a bewildered expression, and after about ten seconds, she opens her mouth in a huff.
"Honestly, you messed up my hair... You idiot."
Even as she says that, King combs her hair with her fingers. But the corners of her mouth twitch up slightly, and she gives a light wave with her right hand to us before turning her back.
"Well then, I'm off."
"Yeah."
"Good luck, King-chan!"
"We'll be cheering for you."
King waves her hand gently in response to our voices and heads toward the course.
『The winter cold is gradually approaching, here at Kyoto Racecourse. The main race of the day, the 11th race, the G1 Mile Championship on the turf at 1,600 meters, is about to begin. The track condition is good.』
『Excluding the Junior division, this is the last G1 mile race of the year. There will be a full field of 18 competitors, but who will be the winner? We look forward to a good race.』
The sound of the fanfare echoes at Kyoto Racecourse, and the male commentators, both live and for the analysis, begin to speak.
The 1,600-meter turf race at Kyoto Racecourse starts from a straight line that connects to the exit of the second corner.
And it's a slightly irregular course where they aim for the goal on the inner track, running through a straight line of nearly 700 meters up to the third corner, including the Yodo Hill.
The race development will change depending on where they position themselves in the first straight.
『No. 9, 5th gate, King Halo. She's the second favorite.』
『One of the Golden Generation in the turf Classic division, the winner of the Sprinters Stakes has appeared in the Mile Championship. If she hadn't run in the Kikuka Sho in between, this would be a normal entry... but we're keeping a close eye on what kind of race King Halo will run, going from a short-distance to a long-distance, and now to a G1 mile race.』
While they're talking, King enters the gate. I can't see her expression clearly from a distance, but it looks like she's focusing straight ahead without looking at the spectators.
And she's the second favorite, surpassing the Senior division Uma Musume. Since King is the second favorite, the first favorite is probably Taiki Shuttle.
...And there are huge cheers for King, but I can hear some boos as well. Well, the boos are more like "Are you really okay!?" or "Don't push yourself!", voices that show concern for King.
Some voices are mixed in like "What are you thinking, Kitarufa's trainer!", but all I'm thinking about is having King win races at all distances, yeah.
『No. 10, 5th gate, Taiki Shuttle. She's the first favorite.』
『She came in second against El Condor Pasa in the NHK Mile Cup and won the Yasuda Kinen, so she's the undisputed first favorite despite being in the Classic division. She didn't challenge the Classic Triple Crown due to her distance aptitude, but she's still a Golden Generation Uma Musume.』
Next is Taiki Shuttle. As expected, she's the first favorite, and her cheers are even louder than King's, filling the Kyoto Racecourse. Well, this is understandable. Taiki Shuttle is a pure miler. Her second place in the NHK Mile Cup and first place in the Yasuda Kinen aren't just for show.
(Hmm? Taiki Shuttle is talking to King...)
I can see Taiki Shuttle talking to King, who has already entered the gate. She's making a gun shape with her right hand and talking with a smile. King... well, she's smiling while giving off a sense of intensity that I can feel even from this distance.
Given Taiki Shuttle's personality, it's probably not a provocation. She probably said something like, "Let's do our best." But maybe she accidentally said something else.
『No. 14, 7th gate, Happy Meek. She's the third favorite.』
『Following King Halo, one of the Golden Generation has entered the race. She hasn't won a G1 this year, but she was ranked high because she won the G1 Hanshin Juvenile Fillies in the mile in the Junior division. She's also an Uma Musume with great expectations.』
While I'm hoping King doesn't get too tense, it's Meek's turn. She hasn't had a solid record in mile races since the beginning of this year, but the impact of her performance in the Kikuka Sho last month must have been strong. She's the third favorite, and she bows her head to the spectators before entering the gate.
She's still in a pure white racing uniform, and her shoes still look like French bread, but... maybe it's just me, but they look a little bigger than before. It must be my imagination, yeah.
As the Uma Musume continue to enter the gates, the stands gradually become quiet. I really like this moment when the crowd, no matter how much they cheer or heckle, finally becomes well-behaved and silent.
This feeling of tension increasing as the sound gets quieter makes my heart race.
『All Uma Musume are in the gates... And they've started!』
With a clang, the gates open, and the Uma Musume all leap out at once. Who will be the first to break away on the first long straight?
『They've all made a beautiful, clean start. The first to break away is No. 3, Duosvel, followed by No. 8, Up Tree, and No. 17, Reflector. Following them, No. 1, Contest Rival, No. 5, Salsa Step, No. 10, Taiki Shuttle, No. 14, Happy Meek, No. 11, Minimarilygold, and No. 16, Carn Wennan form the leading group.』
『They were all focused. It's a good start. We'll be keeping a close eye on who will try to break away on the first straight.』
『In the middle group are No. 9, King Halo, No. 2, Shout My Name, No. 4, Royal Servant, No. 7, Tokotoko, No. 15, Excite Staff, and No. 13, Ribbon Operetta. At the back are No. 6, Duoshiparoo, No. 12, At One Mile, and No. 18, Tide and Flow.』
King is at the front of the middle group, but it's still early, just after the start. It's longer than a short-distance race, but 1,600 meters is still short for a mile race. The key is where they make their move... but...
『They are running down the long straight on the backstretch, all 18 of them. Oh, King Halo, who was at the front of the middle group, is moving up. She's breaking into the leading group... She's passed two of them and is now running alongside Happy Meek.』
『She's an Uma Musume who came in third in the Kikuka Sho. She has plenty of stamina, so it looks like she's going to make her move early.』
『No. 3, Duosvel, is still pulling away. And No. 8, Up Tree, and No. 17, Reflector, are also hurrying forward. The distance between the leader and the second and third place is about two lengths. But even then, the gap between the third place and the rest of the leading group is less than one length.』
『The pace seems to be fast overall. I wonder if everyone can keep up from the start?』
The winning time for the Mile Championship is often around 1 minute and 32 to 33 seconds. Since the track condition is good today, the time will probably be around that as well.
『They are changing positions as they run through 500 meters and enter the Yodo Hill. This will be the first difficulty... Hmm? King Halo, No. 9, has smoothly moved up and is now passing the Uma Musume on the outside.』
『Just now, she's trying to get to the front. She's currently... in fifth place. But Taiki Shuttle and Happy Meek are following her and moving up as well.』
『They have passed 1,000 meters and climbed the Yodo Hill, now entering the third corner. The leader is still No. 3, Duosvel. She's been flying and is now running alone in the lead. The distance between her and No. 17, Reflector, who has moved into second place, is three lengths, no, about four lengths. About one length behind that is No. 8, Up Tree. The line of Uma Musume is starting to stretch out a bit, with about 10 lengths between the leader and the last place.』
The sound of the Uma Musume's running feet is gradually getting closer to the home straight. The sound of them kicking the ground as they run at a speed of 60 to 70 kilometers per hour gradually raises the excitement of the spectators.
『The leader, No. 3, Duosvel, has passed the third corner and is entering the fourth corner. The other Uma Musume are following one after another... The leader has just passed the 600-meter marker. Duosvel, she's extended her lead to about five lengths ahead of second place.』
『The home straight is about 400 meters long. It's not strange for an Uma Musume to make her move soon... Oh!? They've moved.』
『Now, No. 14, Happy Meek, has moved! She's rapidly increased her speed, passed King Halo and Taiki Shuttle, and is moving up! She's made her move to get to the front! And King Halo has also moved! And so has Taiki Shuttle!』
Meek was the first to make her move with less than 600 meters left. Was King and Taiki Shuttle caught by surprise, or did they decide to make their last spurt at the same position as Meek from the beginning? In any case, they are moving to the front.
600 meters is quite a long distance. Still, Meek must have had a chance to win by making her long spurt so early.
Meek's stamina, which allows her to run any distance without a problem, is among the top class of Uma Musume in the Classic division. And that is also true for King.
『The leader is now on the final straight after passing the fourth corner! But look behind! Happy Meek is moving up! She's passed two of them and is now in second place! She's about three lengths behind the leader, Duosvel! King Halo and Taiki Shuttle are following about one length behind Happy Meek!』
『Two of the Golden Generation and a champion miler have moved up. Who will win? Or will other Uma Musume come from behind and catch up... Oh, this is exciting!』
『Each Uma Musume is now on the home straight! The leader is still Duosvel... Wait, there's a change in the lead! Happy Meek has now taken the lead! The pure white Uma Musume is now leading the race, kicking the ground with her big shoes! But not yet! King Halo and Taiki Shuttle are lining up beside her as if they won't allow that!』
There's less than 300 meters left... but King, Meek, and Taiki Shuttle are now running side by side, not giving an inch.
The three top-class Uma Musume in the Classic division are now fighting for the lead. This sends the spectators into a frenzy, with some clapping, some screaming, and some thrusting their arms into the air.
"Go, go, go, go! Pass her, Kingggggg!"
I scream. I grip the fence that separates the course from the stands with both hands, clenching them with all my might as I yell from the pit of my stomach, as if I'm trying to crush it. I hear a creaking sound, but I don't know if it's the sound of the fence or my hand bones.
"King! King! King! King! King-chan! Do your best!"
"Do your best, King-chan! Do your best!"
Urara and Rice are cheering for King, with Urara joining the King chants with the surrounding spectators, and Rice cheering with all her might.
The spectators are also cheering, screaming the names of King, Meek, Taiki Shuttle, and the other Uma Musume, urging them to get ahead.
『The three Classic division Uma Musume are side by side! They won't give an inch! They won't give in! The final spurt! They won't give in even with less than 200 meters left! The rest of the pack is chasing them, but the gap has widened to three, no, four lengths! Tide and Flow is now charging from the back, but she's still far away!』
King, Meek, and Taiki Shuttle are all running without a break, as if in a test of endurance.
Their top speeds are... equal. But what about their stamina? And more than that, what about their determination?
—There aren't many Uma Musume who can beat my King in determination.
『100 meters left! Who will win the lead... Wait! Taiki Shuttle is slightly falling behind!? Is she at her limit!? Is she at her limit!? The lead is now between King Halo and Happy Meek! They are running side by side, no, they are not!? King Halo is slightly ahead! King Halo has taken the lead and crosses the finish line!』
"Yesssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss!"
I let out a scream of joy and thrust my hands into the air at the sight of King, who managed to overtake them at the very end.
『Second place is Happy Meek, just slightly behind! And third place is Taiki Shuttle, also just slightly behind! Fourth place is Tide and Flow, who charged from the back, with a one-length gap!』
The gaps between King, Meek, and Taiki Shuttle are all less than one length. But by making their move at such an early stage with 600 meters left, they must have taken away each other's stamina.
King, Meek, and Taiki Shuttle, who crossed the finish line, are all heavily panting and trembling as if they're taking a deep breath with their whole body. They must have worn down not only their stamina but also their spirits during the last 600 meters.
『The results are official. First place is No. 9, King Halo. The winning time is 1 minute and 32.1 seconds. Second place is No. 14, Happy Meek, by a neck. Third place is No. 10, Taiki Shuttle, by a neck. Fourth place is No. 18, Tide and Flow, by one length. Fifth place is Tokotoko, by one length.』
But King still won. I blink to hide the tears in the corners of my eyes and squint to look at King.
King is gritting her teeth while still breathing heavily, and then she straightens her chest and faces the stands. She then thrusts her right hand into the air and makes a peace sign, just like Rice did once.
—G1 win number two.
At the sight of King proudly showing off her win, the crowd erupts in a massive cheer.
"King!"
We immediately rush to King as she's walking back from the course. King smiles when she sees our faces—but then she almost collapses forward as if the strength has suddenly left her legs.
"!"
I panic and hold King. I check on her, and I see that her legs are trembling slightly.
"Whew... When I saw your face, all my energy just left me..."
But King says that calmly. She leans on me and relaxes her body as if she's relieved.
"King!? Are you in pain!?"
"I'm not in pain. I guess I just pushed myself a little too hard at the end."
King's face shows no sign of pain. She just smiles wryly and says that she just pushed herself.
"Urara, Rice, hold King up for me."
I give them instructions, then I kneel and examine King's legs.
(The tendons aren't torn... there's no internal bleeding... did her muscles just cramp up from the sudden strain? The inflammation... it's just warm from running, right...?)
I let out a sigh of relief after checking King's condition. At least, it doesn't look like she's sustained an injury.
"I thought my heart was going to stop... Don't make me worry like that, King..."
She was clearly running with a lot of tension, so I thought she might have gone for the win even at the risk of hurting herself. But it looks like King's legs held up just in the nick of time.
"I was worried that you were going to overdo it because you seemed a little tense, or even angry... Ahh... I'm glad..."
I stand up and let out a big sigh. I'm so relieved that I feel like my own legs are trembling. King looks away with a huff.
"You idiot... I am your King. Of course I wouldn't be angry when people say bad things about you, right?"
But her displeased expression quickly disappears. King looks at me and smiles fearlessly.
"That's why I didn't want to lose, and I won."
King moves away from Urara and Rice, puts her weight on her trembling legs, stands up straight, and puffs out her chest as if to say, "How's that?" When I see her, I let out a big sigh.
"Honestly... I'm happy that you feel that way, but you pushed yourself too hard. As punishment, you're not allowed to run in any more races for the rest of this year."
When I tell her that, King just shrugs her shoulders as if to say, "It can't be helped."
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