Getting off at Higashi-Fuchu and walking a short distance. After passing through a narrow corridor, what appeared before the two was today's destination.
Tokyo Racecourse, also known as Fuchu Racecourse.
The gigantic canopy and the huge display board at the entrance led to "Tokyo Race Course" at the end of the bridge.
Here, fans and Horse Racing enthusiasts from all directions gathered, and standing here, one could feel the strong Horse Racing culture and the shock brought by the mature competition mechanism.
And this is also Japan's largest Horse Racing venue, where races like the Tokyo Yushun of the Classic Triple Crown are held.
The path in front of the main gate of the venue connects to the street on one side, ending in a grand architectural hall, while the other side leads to a place called "Hiyoshiyama Hills Park."
According to Hayakawa, this park contains the previously mentioned Hachimangu Shrine and various garden landscapes.
When there are no races, adults also like to bring their children here to play.
As for that building, it is the Horse Racing Museum specially established by JRA. Besides various records of past races and the Hall of Fame, it also houses various Uma Musume's winning uniforms and Horse Racing boots. This museum can be said to have preserved the entire history of Japanese Horse Racing without reservation, showcasing it to friends from all over the world who come to watch Central races.
Standing here, there is a sense of solemnity and reverence. Just as otaku regard Tokyo Exhibition Hall's C comimarket as a sacred pilgrimage, this place is also a pilgrimage site for Horse Racing enthusiasts.
Watching everyone orderly walk inside, Kazuo immediately noticed the golden statue next to the main gate, which was a giant horseshoe, and at this moment, many people were gathered there, making gestures as if praying.
"Oh, that place is called the Golden Horseshoe statue. People usually use it as a meeting point, and of course, some, like now, pray for victory in the upcoming race."
Hayakawa, seeing Kazuo looking around like a curious child, simply became his guide and introduced it to him with a smile.
Indeed, in Japan, Horse Racing horseshoes are often collected as a good luck charm.
Even super mini pendants have been released... just like the pendant Aoi received from Symboli Rudolf yesterday.
"So that's what it is?" Kazuo walked closer curiously and saw the katakana written on the plaque under the statue. Kazuo tried to spell it out.
"Aje...jiel, Akhal..."
"It's called Akhal-Teke," Hayakawa added thoughtfully, "Because it's a form never seen by the world, merely built from human imagination based on legends. It generally refers to a mythical beast from legends, the Akhal-Teke. The horseshoe is used to represent its image."
Hayakawa was indeed knowledgeable. As a regular here, she was adept at recalling these legends and stories.
With her as a guide, Kazuo quickly gained a general understanding of Fuchu Racecourse.
"Oh, so that's what it means..."
Kazuo also looked enlightened. After she explained it, he remembered the origin of this name.
A mythical beast symbolizing victory, enshrined at Fuchu Racecourse, was honestly not surprising.
Kazuo thought while looking around.
Soon, his gaze was drawn again to the giant poster of Symboli Rudolf on the display board.
May 25th, Fuchu Racecourse, Tokyo Yushun (Japan Derby), Symboli Rudolf.
The information above was written like this.
"Symboli Rudolf will participate in this race in half a month, aiming for the second crown of the Classic Triple Crown."
"The second crown… It feels like only a few days ago she won the first crown of the Classic Triple Crown, and now Symboli Rudolf is preparing for the Derby…."
Kazuo sighed, and just as he said, the two races are only half a month apart. Such a tight schedule is actually a test for Symboli Rudolf.
"Indeed, the Satsuki Sho was postponed this year. Previously, there was at least a month between the two crown races, but this year, due to special circumstances, it's less than fifteen days. It's a challenge for Symboli Rudolf."
Hayakawa-san clearly saw further. After speaking, she thought for a moment and said, "As long as she gets through this, it will be fine. The Kikka Sho will be in the autumn, so before that, Symboli Rudolf will have plenty of time to adjust."
That's right, facing such a devilish schedule, all they can do now is grit their teeth and persevere.
However, mentioning this reminded Kazuo of Tojo-san again.
"Speaking of which, why haven't I seen Tojo-san these past few days? I even ran into the Chairman yesterday. Where is Tojo-san?"
Hayakawa-san was slightly taken aback, then showed a subtle smile and prevaricated, "Hmm… how to put it, she might not be in the best state recently. She's probably out relaxing with the Chairman and the others?"
Kazuo also found it a bit strange. Shouldn't she be happy after winning a championship? Or perhaps… Tojo-san is staying humble, treating the race with a normal mindset alongside Symboli Rudolf, and pursuing even greater goals?
At least, that's what Kazuo thought.
But thinking about these things was useless. He would only truly understand when he had the chance to touch a championship himself.
Just as he was thinking, the screen changed, displaying the interface for this afternoon's races.
"Ah, there it is. We booked the 4 PM NHK Mile Cup 1600m turf Mile Race today."
"Oh… I remember, isn't that a G1 race?"
"Yes, it's a Slope race sponsored by NHK TV, and it has invited many international competitors."
Hayakawa-san paused, then continued, "Asama-kun should know about the new foreign public school established in the past two years, right?"
"I remember… it seemed to be an academy set up in Central for foreign athletes to study and train in Japan? What was it called… Hmm… Yussass Academy?"
Kazuo thought for a long time, remembering that a promotional advertisement he had seen on TV before seemed to call it that.
"Excuse me, it's Sa-Yu-Su Academy!"
Suddenly, a playful and teasing voice sounded. A woman he had never seen before appeared in front of Hayakawa-san and Kazuo at some unknown moment.
She was earnestly correcting Kazuo's misuse of words.
With naturally curly silver hair, she had that ice-fairy-like face unique to foreigners and a model-like, perfect figure.
She was watching the two chatting with great interest.
And her appearance suddenly made the situation delicate.
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