The four-week summer training camp ended in success.
It had been a meaningful, fulfilling experience—physically demanding, emotionally rich, and full of growth for everyone involved.
Now, it was time to shift gears.
"This meeting is more of a confirmation—about the future of you two."
""Yes.""
"You're both planning to debut next year, right?"
"Yeah."
"I'm going too."
Before I knew it, our team had grown into two distinct units. That meant adjusting schedules, managing race entries, and planning ahead.
Most horse girls make their major debut in their second year of junior high. It can be delayed, but that shortens their active racing window. Both Rice-chan and Thank You seemed determined to debut on time.
"Rice-chan will take the classic route. Thank You will aim for the tiara route. That works well."
"It's okay."
"It's okay."
I was relieved. If they'd ended up on the same path, it could've led to tension or rivalry. But in this way, they could support each other without clashing.
"So, debut timing…"
"What's the first major prize?"
"Sapporo Junior Stakes. It'll be held at the end of July next year."
"Then I'll aim for it."
Thank You's voice was firm—full of resolve. It felt like she was reclaiming something.
Given her current progress, the schedule looked solid. Both girls had shown excellent results and were ready to shine early.
"What's next?"
"Niigata and Kokura Junior Stakes in September."
"Let's have Rice in Niigata. Rice-producing."
"That's… fine, I guess."
Rice-chan's debut in Niigata felt symbolic. It was the same starting point as Symboli Rudolf—a good omen, perhaps.
"If things go well, Thank You will aim for the Hanshin Junior Stakes. Rice-chan will target the Hopeful Stakes."
"It's okay."
"Yeah."
"If either of you wins a major prize, we'll go straight. If not, we'll aim for an open race in Tokyo or Kyoto."
"No problem."
"It's okay."
They were confident. And rightly so. Their prospects were strong enough to aim high. Of course, we couldn't predict future rivals, but they'd be ready.
With this plan, there wouldn't be a direct confrontation between the two—at least not until their senior year. Maybe the Arima Kinen would be their final showdown.
"Then we've got less than a year. Let's do our best until your makeup debut."
"Oh!"
"O-O!"
Rice-chan raised her hand with a bright smile. Thank You followed, a little shy but determined.
The race life was just beginning.
And we were ready to run.