It had now turned half past twelve, as a catering group of people had set out a large buffet of food in either Hungarian or Japanese cuisine. With enough to go around everyone at least twice. Even being able to feed not one but two Oguri Cap's at the same time.
Several rows of tables were orientated, with the main party seated in the centre. A photographer was placed on the side to take photo's, presumably being a certain Uma Musume detective with a camera and clad in black clothing.
A loud chatter of groups made their rounds in the large cafeteria. With around fifty people eating at once. Some were eating well maintained portions whereas some had designed large towers of food to fit their needs. Ones that'd make outsiders presume it was an eating competition.
Yet the mood present was very mellow. With them all happily discussing amongst one another. Either about races they are planning to participate in, or of current events such as today. Kincsem herself was content as she ate in a formal manner.
Some time had passed, and the tables were cleared of plates and other items. With the main group resumed their discussion of what to do, as others decided to part ways and have their own fun, such as racing around the building.
"Urara-san, do you have any idea of what we shall do before the main event?" A prideful brunette haired Uma Musume had asked, as Haru Urara pondered before ending up with no ideas for what to do on this eventful day.
"Sorry, but I have none. I've been having so much fun that I simply do not have any thoughts other than to simply enjoy today! Sorry King Halo!~" as she replied in a sorrowful tone, being disappointed at herself for not being of help. As another Uma Musume proudly shouted aloud.
"Ha haha! How about we go out on the track?" As multiple stares came from others at the culprit for the question. "…Didn't your mother tell you not to bring your cousin out to race?" With several people facepalming at TM Opera O's idea contradicted her mothers own words.
"Ah, well, that is true." She said, scratching her herd in disappointment at the realisation of how dumb it was, before a lightbulb sparked in her head. "If she can't race fully, why not just have one amongst the rest of us! It will be fun regardless of whether we win or lose, however I shall obviously win as the empress! Ah-ha, Hahahaa!"
As the egotistical Uma Musume nodded at her own intelligence and skill on the track. Silence ensued as the others began to ponder the feasibility. The weather was good, sure. But as they thought over it, the idea of having a reason actually made, as the group agreed to the idea.
"I think we should, but shouldn't let both Kincsem's and Opera O-san's mothers be the final decision makers!" As Meisho Doto blurted out, TM Opera O laying her arm over Meisho Doto. "Sure we can, Meisho!~"
As TM Opera O skipped over to find her mother, pleading on her knees to race, as a sigh came from her. "I knew you'd ask me to let you race.. Fine, but don't let me hear that someone overworked themselves and got injured. Alright?"
With TM Opera O insistent to the one rule she had provided, she bowed sincerely before returning to the group two minutes later. giving them a thumbs up. With everyone in joy, they were jumping up and down internally, before piling up and out of the building and onto the racecourse.
On it stood around thirty or so Uma Musume. From non-debuted or rookie Uma's such as Special Week and Silence Suzuka, to seasoned members like Sakura Laurel and even weathered veterans from the previous generations. Who would have suspected that this was a race for fun?
As Oguri Cap grinded her feet against the turf grass, she looked up at the sky. "It's been seven years since I've been on this track. Though I hope we get to eat something after, I'm still not fully stuffed yet." She mumbled to herself, before staring around at the competition.
"If only Tamamo Cross was here, then maybe I'd truly race at my full speed." With a low sigh coming from between her teeth. Yet meanwhile Special Week was internally screaming in her head. "EH???? IS THIS EVEN A FAIR RACE! I HAVEN'T DEBUTED YET AND I'M GOING AGAINST TWELVE G1 WINNERS! THIS IS LIKE TRYING TO FIGHT THE FINAL BOSS BEFORE EVEN FINISHING THE TUTORIAL!"
With her brain in overdrive, she was in a meltdown at whether this was fair matchmaking, kneeling down onto the ground. Kincsem herself chuckled internally. "Considering practically everyone here has or will win a G1 in the future, whether their wins be national or international races. I for one truly do want to see this race between the best of the best.."
TM Opera O peered at the competition around herself. Yet even though not having debuted herself, her chest was pumped up, However, it had seem as though she had bitten off more than she could chew. Yet no worries, even if she lost, she will rebound and take reigns over the kingdom that will eventually be hers.
Looking over, she noticed her cousin, standing around. "Seems like you are not planning to participate today?~ What a shame, however it is understandable since you haven't reached the maturation stage yet, so your body hasn't fully developed. Perhaps next year we all can race together again!~"
As a chuckle came from her mouth, she conjured an idea. "Seeing as how you won't join in, how about you start the race?" She asked Kincsem, with her beginning to think it over. "Shall I do a countdown? Or do we have any equipment to aid in this?"
As TM Opera O shook her head, "Sadly none. But I think everyone is content with a simple countdown, isn't that right?" As an array of agreements came from the crowd of participants, all now lined up. Their bodies flexed and roaring to race.
"Then that settles it! Well it's your time to announce the Birthday Stakes!" TM Opera O cackled aloud, chuckling at her own naming style. "...Birthday Stakes? I mean, it makes sense, I'll allow that name." As Kincsem calmed herself down.
"Alright then! The 1997 Birthday Stakes shall officially begin! Being one thousand and twelve hundred metres with good weather today, I wish you all good luck!" With her beginning to count down.
"On your marks. Get set. Go!"