Satono Diamond sensed something was off right away!
This official notice from the Eclipse Stakes committee about their investigation and ruling felt way too rushed, way too light!
Logically, something like this should take time to look into properly.
But if they were trying to look efficient and decisive by wrapping it up quickly, then you'd expect them to come down hard with the penalties, right? To really show they're being fair and just.
Sure, it was fast, but… wasn't the punishment kind of weak?
No, not just kind of weak—it was way too lenient!
Coming from a prestigious family herself, Satono Diamond had heard a thing or two about how these things worked.
And now, as she was about to debut as a proper Uma Musume, she understood the rules of racing and violations far better than the average person.
"This… the influence of the Coolmore Group is even scarier than I thought."
"To think they could reach and affect even a high-level event like the Eclipse Stakes?"
Satono Diamond couldn't help but frown slightly, feeling a pang of frustration for the Pegasus, Platinum, whom she admired so much.
After all, normally, an Uma Musume needs at least a month of rest after a race.
For high-intensity Grade I races, taking two months off is pretty common—even in martial, competition-rich Europe.
So, what kind of punishment was a two-month suspension, really? At most, it meant those infamous cheaters who took part in the blockade would just race half a month later. It might not even affect them at all.
Among those four Uma Musume, the ones with poorer constitutions might've already planned to rest for two or three months after a tough race anyway!
Challenging Platinum in the Eclipse Stakes meant the competition was fierce—they'd already collectively given up on the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes a month later. They weren't missing any crucial, must-run events.
Calling this two-month suspension severe? Hardly. The penalty was practically negligible.
The fact that the report and punishment were decided so quickly just showed how far the Coolmore Group's influence reached—way beyond that of many famous Uma Musume families!
Facing a behemoth like that, even well-known Japanese families like the Satono, Mejiro, and Symboli clans would pale in comparison, falling short by more than a margin.
So, Satono Diamond couldn't think of any way to help Platinum.
"Ugh… what do we do?"
"Are we just going to sit back and watch Coolmore bully Platinum-san?"
Satono Diamond clenched her small pink fists, her heart filled with frustration and regret.
"There's nothing I can do!"
Eager to help Platinum, hoping the punishment would be fair, Satono Diamond felt utterly powerless.
Beside her, the ever-calm Kitasan Black, who always kept her cool in critical moments, patted her shoulder.
Kitasan Black shook her head and spoke in a serious, earnest tone.
"Diamond, I know you're worried, but don't panic just yet."
"You're… underestimating Platinum-san a little, treating her like some ordinary, everyday Uma Musume."
"Think about it—how are so-called 'Prestigious Families' even established?"
Kitasan Black's words made Satono Diamond's eyes widen instantly.
Prestigious families—when you break it down, it's just about reputation and lineage, right?
First, someone has to make a name and build influence, then establish a family. That's what makes a true prestigious family.
The most classic example is the [Sea Family], top among Europe's new-era prestigious families, founded by Urban Sea after her stunning upset victory in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
For a long time after its founding, the family wasn't well-known—it was all held up by Urban Sea's title as "Arc winner."
That all changed… until the sisters, Galileo and Sea the Stars, officially debuted and achieved success, catapulting the obscure Sea Family to fame across Europe.
And what about the Pegasus, Platinum?
She's the one who defeated Galileo three times!
If those twin sisters could do it, couldn't Platinum do the same?
"So I was the one underestimating Platinum-san… you're right. When you think about it, she alone far surpasses any prestigious family in Japan today."
"Probably even rivals Europe's top families!"
"First, there's Europe's [Sea Family], and then there's Poland and America's [Nearl Family]."
Satono Diamond clapped her hands lightly, relieved and cheerful, as she named two prestigious families.
The Sea Family! That went without saying.
The other fresh example that came to mind was—the Nearl Family!
The current dirt super rookie, Margaret Nearl, according to public records, came from an obscure, down-and-out family in Poland.
"That monster Margaret Nearl, the latest to win a Grade 1 as a freshman on dirt—her uncle is probably Dr. Lin, who left Japan not long ago and was very well-regarded at Tracen Academy!"
"How long have that uncle-niece duo been making waves? Less than two months!"
"And they've already turned the [Nearl Family], which had zero global recognition and was truly down on its luck, into a name known across America and somewhat famous worldwide."
With America's considerable influence in the global Uma Musume scene, even if they dominate dirt and aren't as keen on turf, their impact still spreads far.
So, Nearl's top-tier debut race and that dazzling "Stellar Meteor" gate break in the Hopeful Stakes had already achieved significant success.
Plus, a certain Dr. Lin, after returning to America, was gradually getting his career back on track.
That mysterious [Nearl Family] could already be considered a preliminarily qualified prestigious family in America!
And currently, Margaret Nearl's record was just two races, two wins, with one Grade 1 victory.
Platinum, who debuted a year earlier, had already built influence across Asia and was reaching the world!
So, from Kitasan Black's perspective, even if Platinum was the only one in her bloodline family, she was still truly a noble Prestigious Family.
In the future, if Platinum had any blood-related descendants, they'd definitely be in the spotlight, anticipated by the whole world, earning titles like "Second Generation Pegasus" or "Platinum Returns"!
If this didn't count as a prestigious family, then did the blocking Coolmore Group qualify? That made no sense!
"Yeah, so don't worry too much, Diamond."
"Maybe after a good night's sleep, you'll wake up to find the situation turned around."
Having undergone her growth spurt earlier, Kitasan Black was already slightly taller than Satono Diamond, almost rivaling their idol Platinum in height. She was full of confidence.
The influence of the Pegasus Platinum would surely give the Coolmore Group an extreme surprise.
"Yah—! Platinum, smash them! Smash the Coolmore Group!!"
--+--
At the same time, inside the Japan URA building.
The URA was currently holding an extremely serious and important discussion.
At this moment, the most influential organization in Japan's Uma Musume world, far surpassing any so-called Japanese prestigious family, was dedicating a special session entirely for the Pegasus Platinum alone!
"First, for the race named after Platinum, what grade should it be? And should it be one race or two?"
"Then, equally important… no, possibly even more important than commemorating Platinum—how should we act regarding the [Eclipse Stakes] scandal?"
One high-ranking member cut straight to the point.
In the past, even the race commemorating the former strongest Uma Musume in Japanese history, Shinzan, was only a lower-tier Grade 3 Shinzan Kinen.
Even Symboli Rudolf, years after retirement, hadn't gotten a single commemorative race…
But now, the URA was discussing commemorating Platinum, who'd only debuted a year ago and was far from retirement—and considering whether to have two races!
This kind of treatment wasn't just "preferential"—it was unprecedented.
"Of course it should be Grade 1! And we should have two grand events: a turf G1 and a dirt G1, matching Platinum's achievement as the [Strongest Dual Threat in History]."
"Plus, it'll send a signal to the outside world, showing how much the URA values and protects Platinum."
"If we create new races in her name but do nothing while Coolmore Group blocks her…"
"Then Platinum's fans all over Japan will definitely tear us apart and start another boycott!"
One executive didn't hesitate to share his view.
That was… to make Platinum' commemorative races the highest grade and to support Platinum by expressing dissatisfaction with the Eclipse Stakes organizers.
"That's not enough though."
"Don't forget, it's not just us Japanese event organizers who have eyes on the Pegasus—there's also… damn Dubai!!"
Some conservative executives thought this was too cautious.
Earlier in the year, Platinum's statement at the awards ceremony—"The URA has no right to award me"—had once shocked them.
And the way Dubai event organizers tried to snatch her, coupled with the Osaka Hai's popularity hitting rock bottom after losing Platinum, made the URA finally understand who really mattered.
And now, wasn't this the perfect chance to show their stance, protect the Pegasus, and win back Platinum's favor for Japanese races and the URA?
If they hesitated over some Coolmore Group and let the Dubai event association beat them to it, that would be terrible.
The first to "confess" and the second to "confess"—there was a world of difference.
If it ended up with Platinum participating in the next Dubai World Cup but skipping other Japanese races… the countless loyal Japanese fans of the Pegasus would make the URA pay.
So, emotionally and logically, they believed the association had to act!
But the extent of their action varied—that was the main point of the URA's discussion.
The first option was simply issuing a statement condemning the unfair blockade.
This… was the most perfunctory approach and wouldn't offend the Coolmore Group.
But anyone with eyes could see it was basically staying on the sidelines.
The second option was to name the Coolmore Group directly for the blockade, demanding the Eclipse Stakes organizers handle it seriously—clearly taking Platinum's side and tearing off the gloves.
The third option… was to go all out regardless of cost, using all the URA's resources to force the Coolmore Group to back down, fully showcasing their role as "Platinum's family."
For a long time, the URA, focused on development and expanding overseas, had never even been in a situation where they had to choose the second option and break with external parties, let alone the third!
But now…
"I think we should not only name the Coolmore Group directly, expressing doubt and dissatisfaction with the suspension length."
"But also fully mobilize our resources… and make a move with the [Japan Cup]."
Some conservatives went even further, slamming the table the next second and proposing a stance so radical it stunned everyone.
"If the Coolmore Group doesn't publicly apologize to Platinum, then from now on, the Japan Cup will no longer extend invitations to Uma Musume from the Coolmore Group."
"If they don't come, there are plenty of European Uma Musume who will!"
Even if the Coolmore Group was a top-tier alliance of prestigious families in Europe, so what? In the URA's eyes, they were just "foreign" prestigious families.
It might take Coolmore ten or even twenty years to nurture an Uma Musume of Platinum's caliber. Pleasing the losers instead of the winners—what kind of fool would do that?
On the surface, the Japan Cup didn't have high overseas ratings or influence, so theoretically, a victory there might be dispensable for the Coolmore Group…
But that wasn't entirely true. The Japan Cup's timing was special—it happened during a period with very few European races, so European Uma Musume were either resting or running in less important events at that time.
In comparison, the Japan Cup's prize money was several times higher than non-major European races, and unlike European races, it didn't require entry fees—the prizes for top placements were very generous.
To some extent, the Japan Cup was indeed a valuable race, and its prestige was growing year by year!
Not apologizing and then barring Coolmore Group Uma Musume from participating… that took guts.
The URA wasn't in a smooth-sailing position where they could afford mistakes.
In tough times—go all in!
Wasn't this the perfect moment to go all in and fully support Platinum?
"Anyway—our overseas channels have been stuck at a bottleneck for years. The Japan Cup has been offering huge prizes, letting European Uma Musume come and take the money for so long, and it hasn't helped development much…"
"Instead of counting on them, we might as well invest fully in Platinum."
"It's simple—Platinum is one of our own. Her identity, achievements, and influence are far greater than all current Coolmore Uma Musume combined!"
"As long as she comes back to run one or two races in Japan each year, it'll do more for Japanese racing than any [European Horse of the Year visiting the Japan Cup]!"
After hearing this, the other executives thought for a moment.
Soon, the vast majority raised their hands in agreement.
After all… counting on foreign Uma Musume to quickly boost Japanese racing did sound like a pipe dream.
They hadn't seen any super Uma Musume from Europe or America coming to Japan and significantly increasing the overseas influence of Japanese races.
But they had all witnessed Platinum's races firsthand, which dramatically boosted the Japan Cup and Arima Kinen, breaking domestic and even overseas records!
Hesitating for more than three seconds would be disrespectful to the Pegasus!
"Good, since we're all in agreement, then… draft the URA report later and start a live press conference on all platforms."
"At that time, we'll express our doubts about the punishment and our demands to the Coolmore Group."
The URA association chairman made the final call.
"Send specialists to investigate the Eclipse Stakes blockade incident and check on the Pegasus Platinum."
"Let the whole world, let Platinum know, that the URA… will never let her suffer!"
"As for the races commemorating Platinum, announce them too."
"First, the G1 turf [Platinum Kinen], then the G1 dirt [Pegasus Stakes], both established as top-tier races!"
"Whether we create new races or modify existing ones… we'll discuss that later. For now, hurry up and show our stance."
The chairman, busy preparing for the press conference, didn't want to be a step behind and let the Dubai event association beat them to it.
This was the impact of internal competition—making the usually stubborn, arrogant, and slow-moving URA decisive and resolute!
Without the pressure from the Dubai event association, discussions might've dragged on for ten days or even half a month!
After the chairman left first and the meeting adjourned, some executives breathed a sigh of relief.
"With unprecedented support—the highest racing authority of a whole country backing her completely…"
"With this… hopefully our dear little superstar won't hold a grudge against us anymore and will focus it on the Coolmore Group instead, right?"
"Will we get to see Platinum back for this year's Japan Cup and Arima Kinen?"
"This year, we might have two Japanese Triple Crown Uma Musume. They must be eager to challenge the Pegasus too, right?"
Currently, a young lady named Orfevre had already won the first two legs of the Classic Triple Crown, only missing the Kikuka Shō!
And in the Classic Triple Tiara, the world-famous Daiwa Scarlet had won the Oka Shō and Yushun Himba with five-length margins, securing two crowns—she was seen as holding back, likely only going all out against Platinum!
Both Orfevre and Daiwa Scarlet had the potential to achieve Triple Crown status and challenge the throne of the Pegasus Platinum!
Classic Triple Crown VS Classic Triple Tiara VS Irregular Quadruple Crown!
At that time, all of Japan and even the world would focus on the future Japan Cup or Arima Kinen, right?
"Hopefully… Platinum will see our sincerity and come back to run a race or two!"
--+--
A few hours later.
United States, inside a clinic.
A young black-haired doctor was seeing a little American filly out after she picked up her medication.
"This cycle of medicine should be enough to complete the treatment. Make sure not to resume regular training for the next half month."
Lin Anran didn't forget to show his kindness and seriousness, repeating the reminder.
The young filly he escorted to the door turned to look at him, nodding repeatedly in thanks.
"Thank you, Dr. Lin. I understand!"
"Phew…"
After the young filly left the clinic, she seemed somewhat reluctant to go, her breathing, initially hurried, gradually calming.
"Dr. Lin's clinic… doesn't have any weird smell of medicine or herbs at all."
"Instead… it's fragrant! He smells really nice."
"Next time I get injured, I'll come back to him for treatment! Maybe I'll ask if he's willing to be my personal doctor!"
--+--
Meanwhile, Lin Anran walked quickly back into the clinic and took his seat.
Lately, he'd been treating more and more Uma Musume. The number of young fillies coming for treatment was increasing at a pace that surprised even him.
Most of this current wave came from prestigious families, so they had the connections and intel to quickly figure out that Lin Anran was Nearl's uncle and Platinum's exclusive contracted doctor.
So, they might send one or two Uma Musume under their banner for treatment. If the results were great… word would spread, ten from one, hundred from ten.
Eventually, it might lead to offers from prestigious families or individual Uma Musume for exclusive contracts, trying to recruit him into a family or become a personal doctor for a specific Uma Musume.
And that level didn't seem too far off now.
Then, Lin Anran looked up at the laptop screen in front of him.
It was a live broadcast of the Japan URA press conference. First, they announced plans to establish races in the coming years: the G1 turf [Platinum Kinen] and G1 dirt [Pegasus Stakes].
That was already massive!
It was almost like an active Uma Musume being directly inducted into a National Hall of Fame—maybe even more!
After all, those were two G1 races!
Even someone as great on dirt as Man o' War had only one turf G2 race named after her, not one for turf and one for dirt.
The URA actually had that kind of guts? It was somewhat unexpected for Lin Anran.
"Is there more? Looks like the conference isn't over yet."
As Lin Anran kept watching, soon after, his eyes widened as if he'd heard something unbelievable.
Huh??
The URA was… questioning the Eclipse Stakes punishment as too lenient, sending specialists to understand and check on the "Victim Platinum's" condition.
And demanding an apology from the Coolmore Group, otherwise, from this year onward, no invitations would be extended to Uma Musume from the Coolmore Group?
"That's… rare."
"The URA's most useful moment ever, here it comes!"
Lin Anran was quite shocked.
When he switched to an English platform live stream to see how European and American viewers were reacting to the broadcast.
The comments flooding in were all praising the URA's bold stance or marveling at Platinum breaking through the blockade in that race.
[I'm a fan of the Pegasus from France, waiting for her to conquer the Arc… didn't expect her to get blocked in the Eclipse Stakes. Thought it'd be swept under the rug, glad it wasn't!]
[This is how it should be! If a great undefeated Uma Musume like the Pegasus lost to scheming, it'd be a tragedy for all turf racing history.]
[My friend who only watches dirt races has said more than once how sorry he is that Man o' War faced unfair races, why she lost that one race, couldn't retire undefeated… Thankfully, the Pegasus overcame injustice and plots!]
[Even though I've supported a few Coolmore Uma Musume as idols before… now I only support Platinum. URA, you did good!]
[Platinum Kinen? Interesting, isn't this the first race named after an Uma Musume in Japanese history?]
Seeing this, the young doctor closed the website, fully understanding now.
From widespread public opinion to the URA and global viewers—this level of pressure was something the Coolmore Group couldn't just downplay or brush off!
Coolmore, in danger!
"This is getting interesting."
Quite satisfied, Lin Anran had just closed the website.
Then he heard footsteps outside the clinic.
Not only that, but his phone coincidentally buzzed almost at the same time with a message notification.
Lin Anran deftly glanced at the door while picking up his phone to check the message.
The next second—
Standing before him was the young lady known as [Sham], who'd once been pulled until her leg broke by a certain Big Red horse and treated by him.
And the message was—
[Secretariat: Dr. Lin, heard your clinic hasn't moved?]
[Secretariat: Then, I'm coming to see you.]
Lin Anran: ??
Sham and Secretariat, both coming at once?
This… wouldn't lead to a fight, would it?
--+--
T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
There should be... around 70+ advanced chapters?
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.