Sanei Thank You successfully won her makeup debut.
It was the ideal outcome: a clean break from the front, a steady lead, and a win without exhausting her full potential. A textbook race.
"Congratulations. You've now set your course."
"Well, I guess."
Thank You is aiming for the Tiara route, but she's taking it step by step.
First: win a major prize—a top-tier achievement. We're planning several entries with that in mind. Next: qualify for a GI race. Competing in GI earns you a competition uniform—one of Uma Musume's dreams. We're targeting the Hanshin Junior Stakes. Finally: aim for the Tiara Triple Crown. But with rivals like Nishino Flower and Shinko Lovely, it won't be easy.
Still, we'll give it everything we got.
"First, I have to do my best in the Sapporo Junior Stakes."
"Well, I guess."
"That being said, let's celebrate today's victory for Thank You!"
We'd earned a decent prize purse. I suggested a little extravagance—a visit to a famous conveyor belt sushi spot in Hokkaido.
"No, sorry. I'm a little tired…"
"Oh, right. Racing live must be exhausting. We'll go next time. Want a massage instead?"
"I'll just thank you for the offer."
"Rice will massage you!"
"Thank you, Rice."
"Viola looks tired too. You should rest. You don't look so good."
"Eh, really?"
I rubbed my cheeks, surprised. I hadn't noticed. But yes—between the paperwork, travel, and stress—I was worn out.
"Hmm, maybe I should go to the hospital or something."
"Will Rice accompany me tomorrow?"
"Yeah, sorry, but please. I'll stop by the medical room first."
Thankfully, every race track and training center has a staffed medical room. Anyone involved can use it. I'd go tomorrow, just to be safe.
No symptoms, but my pale complexion had others worried. Now I was starting to worry too.
"I'll buy rice later and head home."
"Then I want something delicious from Hakodate!"
Maybe I didn't feel tired because my appetite was still going strong.
I'd been hungrier lately. As long as I could eat, I figured I'd be fine.
And thanks to everyone's care, I slept soundly that night.