Chapter 82. Hokuto Vega's Next year
Three days before the Ballerina Stakes, Shuta An flew from Japan to Saratoga.
The $500,000 winner's purse for the stakes alone would be enough to cover all of Hokuto Vega's expenses in the United States for the year, with a comfortable margin to spare.
With two months remaining until this year's Breeders' Cup, Shuta An had met with Hokuto Vega's trainer, Takayoshi Nakano, outside the Niigata Racecourse shortly after riding in Fuji Kiseki's debut.
Their main topic of discussion had been Hokuto Vega's remaining race schedule for the year. While the Breeders' Cup—and the highly anticipated showdown with Sky Beauty—was undeniably their ultimate goal, Nakano had scrutinized the race intervals and felt they could squeeze in a few more starts.
Shuta An had no objections. After all, her owner, Shigeru Mori, didn't have limitless financial resources, making it perfectly understandable to target more lucrative races. Horse racing, at its core, is a sport sustained by the support of breeders, owners, and the fans; one couldn't simply ignore the needs of any single party.
"After the Ballerina Stakes, Hokuto Vega will be transported to Churchill Downs, so we'll need to find suitable races in that area."
Nakano had said.
"Or we could transport her after a warm-up race." Shuta An countered, shaking his head. "There really aren't any suitable races near Churchill Downs in early October. It makes more sense to transfer her to Belmont Park, about three hundred kilometers away. They have the Beldame Stakes in early October—a Grade 1, 1800-meter dirt race. The prize money isn't quite as high as the Ballerina Stakes, but it's still the best option."
"If that's what you advise, Shuta-kun, then so be it. I'll convince Mori-san to cover the extra transportation costs." Nakano paused before asking tentatively, "By the way, Shuta-kun, have you heard that the JRA and NAR are collaborating to expand the local exchange stakes races?"
"Is that launching next year? Trainer Nakano, are you hoping Hokuto Vega runs in those races?"
Although Shuta An didn't answer the question directly, his rhetorical response made his understanding perfectly clear.
"That is the idea, yes." Nakano nodded. "Compared to racing overseas, it would save a fortune on transportation and allow the staff to return to Japan. Otherwise—well, Stableman Fujii's wife has already started dropping hints about how rarely she sees her husband."
"I have no objections, but what about the owner?" Shuta An tilted his head. "The difference in prize money is bound to be significant, isn't it?"
"Mori-san doesn't mind; he actually hopes Hokuto Vega can make more appearances in front of friends and family back home."
As soon as Nakano presented that reasoning, Shuta An knew for a fact that Hokuto Vega would be racing in Japan next year.
"Then I have no objections either. Besides, to attract top Racehorses, the purses for those exchange stakes can't be too low, right?"
A smile curved Shuta An's lips.
"It's time for the local dirt Racehorses to see just how much stronger Hokuto Vega has become after training on American dirt."
"I think Mori-san is looking forward to it as well."
Seeing Shuta An's agreement, Nakano finally displayed a relieved smile for the first time that day. For the trainer, the primary reason for seeking the young man's approval wasn't the schedule itself—as long as the owner agreed, he could have just informed the jockey. Rather, Nakano desperately wanted to ensure Shuta An remained in Hokuto Vega's saddle in Japan.
Now, back in the present, the lineup for the Ballerina Stakes was even more absurd than the Personal Ensign Stakes she had run previously. Including Hokuto Vega, there were a grand total of three Racehorses competing.
"This is supposed to be an American Grade 1 stakes race? How could a Japanese G1 ever get away with only three runners?"
Shuta An complained to Stableman Fujii when he saw the entry list.
"True, but the atmosphere in the stands isn't any worse than in Japan."
Fujii shrugged. He then voiced a lingering concern.
"However... for the Breeders' Cup, won't Hokuto Vega be thrown off by a sudden, massive increase in opponents?"
"It'll be fine. Don't we still have one more race before then? The Beldame Stakes currently has seven Racehorses confirmed to participate."
Shuta An replied, completely unbothered.
"If you hadn't actively advocated for Hokuto Vega to come to America, she never would have made such incredible progress."
Fujii said, bowing his head slightly in appreciation.
"And it's not just her. Those of us who stayed here in the States have learned so many techniques from our colleagues in the local stables. It's been an infinitely better experience than just staying in Japan."
"Although Trainer Nakano said she'll race locally next year, I promise I'll do my absolute best to advocate for her to run in the Breeders' Cup again."
Shuta An assured him.
Fujii looked up at the young man, who was years his junior yet magnitudes higher in fame and status within the industry.
"If she can achieve a three-peat, Hokuto Vega might actually enter the Hall of Fame."
"The JRA might argue that her domestic achievements aren't enough for their hall." Shuta An grumbled. "But over here in America? It might just be possible."
"If that happens, I'll fully support Hokuto Vega moving to an American ranch after she retires."
Fujii complained.
"If the JRA refuses to cherish such an amazing Racehorse, they'll face retribution down the line."
Shuta An didn't know if the JRA would actually be so short-sighted, but he had more pressing matters to attend to first. On Sunday night, having gone to bed early, Shuta An rode Hokuto Vega in the Ballerina Stakes within the Dream World.
Although the 1,400-meter sprint wasn't entirely within her optimal distance range, they relied on her exceptional adaptability to high-speed rhythms. Shuta An and Hokuto Vega managed to edge out the runner-up, Roamin Rachel, by half a length, narrowly maintaining their winning streak.
"Next time, I definitely won't dare suggest running a dirt sprint. The pace is terrifyingly fast compared to a mile."
Shuta An complained to the groom and training assistant after dismounting.
"I saw you chatting and laughing during the post-race interview just now, so I assumed everything was perfectly fine."
Fujii grinned.
"You always have to appear calm in front of the cameras." Shuta An said, spreading his hands. "But that runner-up, Roamin Rachel, is genuinely incredible."
"Oh? How so?" Fujii, who was close enough to Shuta An to drop the formalities, joked. "Are you planning on scouting brides for Tokai Teio and Sunday Silence?"
"Actually, I just might." Shuta An mused. "I'll have to bring it up with Katsumi-san."