Chapter 40
After asking the question, Kitajima Saburo didn't wait for Yasui Makoto's answer. He suddenly let out a sigh.
"Sorry, that question was a bit too much. After all… how could anyone just say they'll win a G1 race?"
The old man then continued in a rambling tone.
"Hahaha, to be honest with you, Mr. Yasui, I've been a long-time fan of the Shining Series.
"When I was young and tired from practicing, I would often listen to race broadcasts or read old newspapers someone had thrown away to look at race recaps.
"Later, when I could afford tickets, I went to watch in person quite often.
"After that, I gradually had less and less free time.
"Some of my siblings' children, as well as the children of friends, disciples, and students, have already debuted and run quite a few races.
"But as their elder, I haven't been able to watch many of them in person. I often only found out long after the races ended.
"That's exactly why I understand how difficult it is for the kids to win a G1…
"No, even winning a single graded stakes race is an extremely difficult thing."
Hearing this, Yasui Makoto couldn't help but nod.
In the Shining Series, the top five finishers in a race receive prize money, with higher placements earning more.
For example, in Kitasan Black's debut race, she earned 6 million yen as champion.
This race offered even more 7.2 million yen for the winner.
But these were not graded stakes races.
Taking Daiwa Scarlet and Vodka, who had just left, as examples:
Daiwa Scarlet's retirement race was the G1 Arima Memorial, with a champion prize of over 180 million yen.
Vodka's most famous victory was in the Japanese Derby, one of the Classic Triple Crown races, with a champion prize of over 190 million yen.
Races with prize money at this level are called graded stakes (重賞).
Accordingly, the higher the prize money, the stronger the competitors, and the higher the level of racing displayed.
Races qualified as graded stakes are simply the G1, G2, and G3 levels.
Across Japan, tens of thousands of races are held each year, but there are only around 300 graded stakes races.
Simply being able to participate in a graded stakes race already marks a horse girl as one in a hundred.
And if she wins one, even the lowest level G3, the prize money alone is enough to change everything for the horse girl and her trainer, not to mention the fame and prestige that follow.
But precisely because of this, winning a graded stakes race is never something that can be achieved just by talking about it.
Let alone the highest tier G1 races.
"So when I mentioned G1 earlier, please just treat it as this old man being senile."
After saying that, Kitajima Saburo gave a self-mocking yet comforting smile and waved a hand behind him.
"I'm not very good at giving encouragement, but I really admire energetic young people like you, Mr. Yasui."
As he spoke, a middle-aged man in a black suit stepped forward and took out a sleek black card from his breast pocket, handing it to Yasui Makoto with both hands.
Seeing Yasui Makoto accept the card, Kitajima Saburo explained:
"This is my business card.
"If you encounter any problems during training that you can't solve, you can take this card to Ohno Trading.
"The people there will do their best to meet your needs."
Accepting the card with both hands, Yasui Makoto looked a little puzzled.
He vaguely remembered some information about Ohno Trading.
This trading company had only gotten involved in the Shining Series in recent decades and had supported some horse girls in racing.
However, whether due to bad luck or an inexperienced person in charge of racing affairs, none of the horse girls they supported seemed to have won a single graded stakes race over the years.
From what he was hearing now, Kitajima Saburo had some connection with Ohno Trading, perhaps he was one of the investors.
This wasn't uncommon in the music industry; many musicians had their own businesses.
What puzzled Yasui Makoto was that if there was such a company and Kitajima Saburo supported his granddaughter so much, why hadn't he heard Kitasan Black mention it before?
However, he didn't ask. After accepting the card, he simply nodded.
"Please rest assured, Kitajima-sensei. I will do my best to guide Kitasan Black and will not let you down."
"If you can say that, then I'm relieved."
Smiling with relief, Kitajima Saburo waved his hand.
"Sorry, this old man can't stand for too long.
"And I'm sure you still have work to do, Mr. Yasui, so I'll take my leave now."
Nodding, Kitajima Saburo headed toward the Winner's Stage area, with the black-suited security personnel quickly following behind.
After walking a short distance, the middle-aged man in the black suit who had handed over the card stepped forward quickly.
"Father, what do you think of that trainer…?"
Kitajima Saburo paused for a moment, then continued walking.
"He's very steady. That really surprised me."
After pondering for a while, the old man said slowly:
"At first, when I learned that such a young trainer would be in charge of Kitasan Black's training, to be honest, I was worried.
"First, because it's a training matter, we outsiders who aren't professionals shouldn't interfere too much.
"Second, the academy's student council president spoke very highly of him and even called me personally. I had to give her that face, and I trust the judgment of a horse girl like her.
"Third…"
He sighed.
"You've also seen how the other children in the family are doing. We tried to find outstanding trainers for them too, but the results…
"Sigh… we can only say that it's already good enough if the children in our family can even run races. How well they do…
"It all comes down to luck.
"Besides, the famous trainers are all getting older, and they're all as old-fashioned as I am. Their training methods are also extremely strict.
"Kitasan Black is so lively. How could I bear to let her spend her youth doing nothing but running every day?
"It's enough for her to grow up happy and cheerful.
"As for racing… as I said, it's up to luck.
"Also, being young has its advantages. He and Kitasan Black should have things in common, so the child won't become prematurely old and serious from training at such a young age.
"Moreover, even though he's young, his results in the trainer exam were real.
"He's also much steadier than most young people. He didn't become flustered or try to flatter me when he saw me.
"When he heard 'G1' and 'graded stakes,' his eyes didn't even blink. Even if it's youthful vigor, it's far better than being overly cautious.
"He's good.
"Let Kitasan Black stay with him. We'll talk about the future when the time comes."
"I understand. Everything will be done as you say, Father."
The middle-aged man in the black suit, Kitajima Saburo's son, nodded, then said with some concern:
"Then if he takes Kitasan Black to the hot springs again… and the commotion caused by that song…?"
Kitajima Saburo paused again. This time, he stood still for a while.
"It's fine.
"His parents are proper, upright people, and his upbringing is good.
"He has been steady and hardworking since he was young, with no bad habits.
"If I had to point out a flaw, it would probably be that he doesn't like interacting much with children his own age.
"That's not really a problem. Talented people often have a bit of temperament, it's normal.
"As for that hot spring resort, didn't I already have you arrange people there?
"There's no need to worry too much or do too much, or we might scare Kitasan Black, which isn't what we want.
"As for that song, issue a warning where necessary and handle it carefully. Just make sure the association and the academy aren't put in a difficult position.
"As for the rest…
"I didn't expect him to have that kind of musical talent.
"Sigh… it's a bit of a shame… but let him focus on guiding Kitasan Black for now."
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