"The Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe… that's a grand ambition. Even in my time, I never managed to get a Racehorse out of the country. Ikezoe, you should try to be more confident with yourself."
A few days later, the group returned to Tracen Academy. It was as if nothing had happened; daily training went on as normal, just like any other day. But only the three Trainers, reunited, knew of each other's troubles.
Imanami and Wada had immediately noticed Ikezoe's worried state, as he couldn't keep things bottled up. Today, during their joint training, the two proactively brought up Ikezoe's concern—the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
This was a race that, even before they transmigrated, had driven many ranches and the JRA themselves to an almost obsessive degree of relentless pursuit. This 2400-meter race held in France had seen countless Japanese Jockeys and famous Racehorses fall short, seeming to be an insurmountable chasm.
And Orfevre, who had once been just a step away from winning the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, was also Ikezoe's biggest regret—of course, his regret wasn't just that Orfevre hadn't won the race, but that he hadn't been able to personally ride Orfevre in it.
"The JRA told me that my qualifications and ability, compared to top-tier international Jockeys… are still far from enough." Ikezoe recalled the events surrounding the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. He, who was usually very optimistic, seemed a bit down, slowly saying:
"I had once canceled all my scheduled events and races to go to the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe early to observe the venue... I asked experienced Jockeys about the important points of the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe because I wanted Orfevre to get familiar with the venue during his time in France, so we could prepare in advance and win the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe—that was what I planned."
"But later, when those guys from Shadai told me that my skill level was too inferior… they replaced me with a stronger Jockey."
Speaking of this, Ikezoe was a bit exasperated. He considered himself to be, if not among the very top Jockeys in Japan, then at least a very capable one. In any GI Races within Japan, who would dare say he wasn't qualified to participate? Even for the international Japan Cup, the Racehorse he rode would definitely be one of the top favorites to win.
But only at the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in France did Ikezoe hit a wall that he had never been able to get over. It was the first time he had ever been judged as "lacking in ability" and unable to compete with Orfevre.
Then, Orfevre narrowly lost, coming in second. To this day, Ikezoe still didn't know how to evaluate the JRA's decision… or perhaps, they thought that if Ikezoe had ridden him, he might not have even placed second?
"Have some confidence, Ikezoe. Since you know why the JRA refused to let you ride Orfevre back then, it's not too late to work harder now."
Imanami and Wada were, of course, aware of this matter. Imanami, who had connections at Shadai, understood the JRA's reasons and so actively comforted him: "I don't want to discourage you, Ikezoe, but you really do need to increase your skills as a Trainer if you want to challenge the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. At the very least, you need to have the capital to participate in international races."
"Look, Wada-kun is also constantly bettering himself every day. I think he, like you, is someone who wants to challenge the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe."
"Huh? Wada, you're also trying to win the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe too?"
This was the first time Ikezoe had heard this news, and he instinctively looked at Wada beside him. Wada, who had kept this goal hidden in his heart, was speechless for a moment before shrugging and saying:
"Yes… though I know it's embarrassing for someone like me to even consider it considering even Ikezoe-kun couldn't participate in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe… but I really want to give it my all at the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe."
"I also want T.M. Opera O to embark on the distant expedition to the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe—although I've never done it before, this time, I want to try."
It must be said that Wada himself was indeed a bit of a poor player who loves to gamble. His technical and theoretical skills were arguably the worst among the trio—although his racing record was indeed good, and he later grew into a Jockey worthy of such honors, this still didn't change the fact that he was indeed not as good as Ikezoe, and certainly not as good as Imanami.
But Wada didn't give up; he was still diligently learning and trying to improve. Even though his actual psychological age was already over 40, he was still incredibly enthusiastic about learning to better himself. He understood the principle of "slow and steady wins the race."
"Wada, have you thought this through? The Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe is no joke."
However, Ikezoe, who had already suffered a setback at the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, also said with a troubled expression: "Many of the top Japanese Racehorses have had bad experiences at the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, and quite a few retired not long after returning home."
"Are you really planning to let T.M. Opera O go all out there? You wouldn't even have much time to prepare... At least Orfevre wouldn't be able to challenge the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe until at the earliest next year…"
"…To be honest, I don't even think I have the qualifications." However, Wada merely shook his head at the remark. He had simply brought up the regret he had wanted to make up for a long time ago, and hadn't had time to think that far ahead.
After all, back then, let alone competing in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, even when riding T.M. Opera O, he hadn't even been qualified to run in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. But this time, if he could successfully win the classic Three Crowns, and a few more GI Races… perhaps he and T.M. Opera O could reach a height comparable to Orfevre.
Wada had a clear understanding of himself. His skill level was definitely not enough to guide T.M. Opera O all the way to the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. He just wanted to make up for those regrets, and the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe… was a race where merely participating counted as a success for him.
More than winning, he preferred T.M. Opera O to safely finish the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe race, just like Gold Ship back then—he absolutely did not want T.M. Opera O to be the next Uma Musume from Japan who retired immediately after returning home from a race in France.
"What about Imanami-senpai? Are you also aiming for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe? Although I remember Mejiro McQueen didn't go on a distant expedition, Gold Ship also had the potential to achieve a better placing, didn't she?" Wada-kun couldn't help but turn to Imanami, the most skilled among them.
"Yes, Imanami-senpai, you definitely have the qualifications to participate in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe! Don't you want to win the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe?" Ikezoe also realized belatedly. Although both he and Wada believed they had drawn the best cards, the two Uma Musume in Imanami's hands were also not weak at all.
Whether it was Mejiro McQueen or Gold Ship, they both had the potential to challenge the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. For the three Trainers who all had future sight, the chance to do it again was enough for them to avoid most difficulties and reach greater heights.
"It's better for young people like you to take the spotlight. An old man like me is more suited to be the vanguard."
Imanami simply smiled and shook his head upon hearing this. He clearly understood the regrets of his two juniors, and their desire to try again was understandable. After all, they were still young, and after an emotional reunion with their beloved Racehorses, it was very normal to want to change past failures.
But he had already come to terms with it. The Racehorses he had once ridden had long been lost in the river of time. Even the people who were considered seniors in this world were merely children in his eyes… with no thoughts other than the affection one would have for a grandchild.
"It's still too early to talk about these things, Ikezoe. Now, focus your attention on guiding Orfevre. Try to take her to a higher level."
"Even if you say so, Imanami-senpai…"
However, for a moment, a troubled expression appeared on Ikezoe's face. His gaze unconsciously drifted towards the track, where Orfevre was currently undergoing parallel running training within the team.
Even with the experience he gained from his previous world… Ikezoe felt that guiding Orfevre this time around would be much more difficult than in his previous world.
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Nothing much to say about this chapter.
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If you spot any errors, feel free to comment about it and I will fix it as soon as I can.