Chapter 25. Post-Race Interview Reveals
"1:36.8"—the display board lit up, showing Mejiro Dober's finishing time for this year's Oka Sho.
She had pulled one and a half lengths clear of Kyoei March, maintaining positions of 10-10-9 throughout the race, before unleashing a furious charge in the final straight—less than 500 meters—sweeping past every opponent from the far outside.
"An estimated final 3F of 36.9 seconds— it's hard to imagine such a time on a track like this!" the commentator exclaimed, unable to hide his amazement. "Last year's rookie queen has now firmly claimed her place as the heroine of this year's Triple Tiara Route! The upcoming Japanese Oaks is something to look forward to as well!"
Kitahara turned toward Fujimasa March.
"March, let's go pick up Sabuno Hana Park."
"Mhm!" Fujimasa March nodded repeatedly. "And after that, don't forget to congratulate Shuta Trainer too."
"Of course, I know," Kitahara pouted slightly.
—
Shuta An had already left the VIP box ahead of them.
Since Mejiro Dober still needed to prepare for the Winning Live, he didn't head to the trackside immediately. Instead, he made his way to the media area, ready to handle the routine post-race interviews.
His gaze swept across the reporters who had been waiting there for some time, and his brows lifted slightly.
There were no reporters from Shukan Bunshun.
"Interesting."
Earlier that week, Bungeishunju Publishing had released an article hinting at certain media outlets abusing their influence for personal gain and attempting to interfere with athletes. Although no names had been explicitly mentioned, the clues were more than enough for readers to piece together the likely target.
Given Shukan Bunshun's reputation, they had naturally become the prime suspect. Over the past few days, subtle criticism directed at them had already begun circulating on social media.
"They really handled this quite cleverly," Shuta An muttered inwardly. "Even if Shukan Bunshun knows it's about them, they can't respond directly."
Their absence today was, in itself, an answer.
"If they still showed up… and I casually confirmed those hints during an interview…" He let out a faint breath. "that would've escalated into something troublesome."
Shuta An cleared his throat lightly.
"Looks like it's all familiar faces today. Same rules as usual—no problem?"
The reporters nodded.
A journalist from Twinkle magazine stepped forward first.
"First of all, congratulations to Trainer Shuta and Miss Mejiro Dober for winning the Oka Sho. How would you evaluate her performance in this race?"
"Very good—better than I expected," Shuta An replied without hesitation. "To be honest, there was a moment in the final straight where I was already thinking about how to handle a second-place interview."
The reporters chuckled along. Mejiro Dober's unbeaten record remained intact, and Shuta An's relaxed demeanor naturally eased the atmosphere.
The next question followed quickly.
"What is Trainer Shuta's current mood?"
"Very happy," he answered, the corners of his lips lifting slightly. "After all, this is the first Japanese Classic Race I've won. 'First times' are always memorable, aren't they?"
He paused briefly before continuing.
"Of course, I hope I'll win enough in the future to grow accustomed to this feeling."
"This Oka Sho was run on a heavy track, and it was also Mejiro Dober's first race under such conditions. Did you make any special preparations beforehand?"
"After checking the weather, I had her switch to shoes and horseshoes suited for this kind of poor condition" Shuta An replied calmly, then added with a faint smile, "And while we're on the topic—a quick note. Mejiro Dober, like Silence Suzuka, currently doesn't have a running shoe endorsement. Any interested manufacturers are welcome to reach out."
A few reporters exchanged amused glances.
"Of course," he continued smoothly, "Dober's endorsement discussions will probably take place after the Shuka Sho. As for Suzuka—we can talk much sooner."
The implication was clear.
An Oka Sho winner and a potential Triple Tiara champion were valued very differently. There was no reason to rush.
"The next race will be the Japanese Oaks—that's already decided, correct?"
"That's right," Shuta An nodded. "After that, depending on the result, we may consider an overseas campaign."
"Then what would be the goal of that campaign?"
"The target has already been decided," he said, shrugging slightly. "Although we haven't formally registered yet—there's no alternative."
He looked directly at the reporter.
"The Yorkshire Oaks."
A brief stir ran through the group.
"England?"
"I didn't expect that…" someone muttered. "I thought they would choose France again."
Seizing the moment, another reporter followed up.
"Then what are your thoughts on Team Rigil's Miss El Condor Pasa and her plan to challenge the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe?"
"I think it's a very courageous decision," Shuta An replied seriously. "The Arc is Europe's pinnacle race—it's extremely challenging. I sincerely hope she achieves a satisfying result."
His answer was measured.
But privately, he wasn't optimistic.
He had already reviewed several European races that year. Names like Montjeu, Tiger Hill, Daylami, even Fantastic Light—none of them were easy opponents as it shown in their international rating.
El Condor Pasa was undoubtedly strong. But whether she could perform at her peak overseas—
Especially under Tojo Hana's limited expedition experience and overseas resources—
Remained a question.
—
The interview was quickly published.
By the time Mejiro Dober finished her Winning Live and met her Trainer outside Hanshin Racecourse, Shuta An was already scrolling through reports on his phone—articles praising her performance.
As her Trainer, reading those words filled him with a quiet, overflowing satisfaction.
"So this is what it feels like."
Once you've tasted victory—The bitterness of defeat becomes unbearable.
Dober didn't need to ask to know what he was looking at. She simply walked quietly behind him, saying nothing.
He had already booked the hotel until the next day. With the weather being what it was, his only concern now was her recovery. If she were to fall ill after such exertion, it would only complicate the preparations ahead.
Walking a few steps ahead, Shuta An finally put his phone back into his pocket and he spoke—
"Congratulations, Dober." His voice was calm, but unmistakably warm. "You're one step closer to Miss Mejiro Ramonu's level."
—
The next day at noon, after a simple celebration with Kurofune and Tokai Teio at a family restaurant outside Central Tracen Academy, Shuta An returned home to pack his luggage. In less than two weeks, Silence Suzuka would be challenging the Queen Elizabeth II Cup (Hong Kong), and he needed to head there early to prepare alongside her.
As for Mejiro Dober, Shuta An gave her a two-week break, with training set to resume on May 1st. By then, there would still be three weeks remaining before the Japanese Oaks—more than enough time to prepare.
As for next week's Satsuki Sho, Mejiro Ryan was scheduled to compete. Having won the Yayoi Sho, a key preparatory race, she was highly regarded by analysts. However, Shuta An had already "seen ahead" in the Dream World—he knew that Mejiro Ryan's Classic campaign would ultimately be filled with regret.
Even so, Mejiro Ryan belonged to another Trainer.
And Shuta An had no intention of interfering.
He was only vaguely acquainted with her Trainer, Akazono Dou—at most, they exchanged nods in passing.
"In the end, I should just focus on my own team," Shuta An thought to himself. "What happens to others isn't something I need to worry about."
—
By the time Shuta An arrived in Hong Kong, it was exactly five in the afternoon.
After taking the hotel's car to his destination, he had barely stepped out when he saw Silence Suzuka already waiting at the entrance.
With people coming and going around them, the Uma Musume restrained herself, suppressing the impulse to run straight into his arms. Instead, she simply stood there, smiling brightly.
Shuta An walked over to her.
"Suzuka, why aren't you resting in your room? It should be about time for dinner, isn't it?"
"Not yet," Silence Suzuka lifted her gaze to meet his. "Didn't Ann tell me your schedule?"
She tilted her head slightly, her tone soft but expectant.
"So I thought… we could go out to eat together after you arrived. Consider it a small celebration for Dober-chan winning the Oka Sho."
"Alright." Shuta An nodded.
He didn't bother asking Grace to arrange anything at the last minute. After taking a quick shower, he left the hotel with Silence Suzuka, and the two of them found a nearby restaurant on their own.
After ordering, Shuta An naturally brought up the race.
"The entry list for the Queen Elizabeth II Cup (Hong Kong) has already been finalized," he said, looking at the Uma Musume seated across from him. "Including you, there are eleven runners."
"I hope we can draw an inside gate again," Silence Suzuka rested her chin on her hand, her eyes bright with anticipation. "Last time, at the Hong Kong International Cup, we didn't win. This time… same track, same course—"
Her gaze dropped slightly to the table.
"I want to take it back."
"Even though the opponents are completely different this time."
"It doesn't matter," Shuta An shrugged lightly. "We're here to compete for honor, aren't we?"
He took a sip of water before continuing.
"Last year, the Hong Kong URA Association worked hard to upgrade several of their G1 races. It just so happens that this gives us a suitable secondary race arrangement."
"Speaking of which… why are they in such a hurry?" Silence Suzuka asked, her brows knitting slightly in confusion.
"It's probably related to the sovereignty handover," Shuta An replied calmly. "This July, Hong Kong will be returned. Racing in China is very different from the rest of the world—given its conditions, it should be able to sustain itself even without external systems. But for Hong Kong—"
He paused briefly.
"There's uncertainty. They don't want to lose their position within the Twinkle Series, so they're upgrading their races in advance. It's a way of securing their future."
"I think they're overthinking it," Silence Suzuka shook her head. "The newspapers said there wouldn't be any major changes, didn't they?"
"That's not something we need to worry about."
At that moment, the waiter brought their drinks. Shuta An picked up his herbal tea and took a sip.
Then, suddenly, Silence Suzuka spoke again—
"The sovereignty hasn't been handed over yet… so technically, this still counts as Britain, right?"
"That's right," Shuta An blinked. "Why? Do you have something in mind?"
"Then…" Silence Suzuka's eyes lit up slightly. "If I win the Queen Elizabeth II Cup here, and then win a race in Britain… would that count as winning in the same country?"
"I've never thought about that," Shuta An's mouth twitched slightly. "But now that you mention Britain—"
He narrowed his eyes slightly. "You have a plan, don't you?"
"Something like that." Silence Suzuka blinked. "Didn't you announce yesterday that you'd take Dober-chan to the Yorkshire Oaks? I looked into it—on the same day, York Racecourse also hosts a G1 race, about 2000 meters. I think that race suits me."
"August 18th."
Shuta An thought it through carefully.
"After that, we'd have more than a month to rest, adjust condition, and then return for the Australian Spring Carnival in October—"
He looked up at her.
"If your condition holds after this race—"
He paused briefly.
"Then we'll enter that race."
Although York's turf was still British, its conditions were relatively more manageable compared to courses like Ascot or Epsom. Silence Suzuka's proposal remained within what he considered acceptable.
If she had suggested something like the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe outright—
He would have refused immediately.
—
That night, Shuta An lay in bed, staring quietly at the ceiling.
Silence Suzuka wasn't in the room.
"I ate while watching Ann… I think I overdid it a little," she had said earlier, before heading downstairs to jog a few laps at the training ground.
Shuta An took out his phone, hesitated for a moment, but ultimately didn't send out her summer race plans.
Instead, he opened Twitter and selected a few photos he had taken of Hong Kong's night streets.
"Arrived in Hong Kong! Preparing for the Queen Elizabeth II Cup (Hong Kong) starting tomorrow!
#SilenceSuzuka #SadalsuudTeam #QueenElizabethIICup"
After typing the simple caption, he posted it.
—
In the Dream World the previous night, Shuta An had once again lost the Oka Sho to Nishino Flower.
After the race, Yoshida Zenya had arranged to meet him today at a restaurant near the Ritto Training Center.
Although Shuta An didn't expect any bad news—He still couldn't help but feel a faint sense of tension.
Unmistakably so.
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