Chapter 78. Salutations and Future Plans
1:41.97.
After bringing Hokuto Vega to a stop, Shuta An glanced back at the timer displayed beside the giant screen. The numbers shining there were mesmerizing.
His gaze lingered on the result as he reached out to gently rub Hokuto Vega's hind neck. Despite having just finished a race, only a thin layer of white foam clung to her body. More importantly, Shuta An could clearly feel that Hokuto Vega still wanted to keep running.
"A 1700-meter dirt race isn't your limit,"
The young man murmured softly, his voice barely audible to anyone but himself.
As his hand continued to stroke her neck, Hokuto Vega let out a contented snort.
Although they had claimed the Clement L. Hirsch Stakes by an overwhelming margin, Shuta An found it difficult to feel genuine joy.
Just as he turned Hokuto Vega toward the grandstand, the on-site host, mounted on horseback, caught up with him, ready to conduct a post-race interview.
Shuta An gently tightened the reins, allowing Hokuto Vega to slow to a walk so the host could ride alongside them.
"Congratulations, Shuta! This is your long-awaited G1 victory again in America! How do you feel right now?"
Shuta An slowly made the sign of the cross over his chest. He pursed his lips before finally answering,
"I should be overflowing with excitement. But when I remember that Mr. Yoshida, the man who gave me the opportunity to come to America and challenge the Triple Crown, passed away only a few days ago—I truly can't bring myself to celebrate. I only hope this victory can serve as my sincerest expression of gratitude to him."
"This news has also reached America, and we share in your sorrow."
After offering his condolences, the host continued with his next question.
"Hokuto Vega was making her dirt debut today, yet you chose an American G1 as her first race on the surface. What was the reasoning behind that decision?"
"It was my suggestion."
Shuta An answered without hesitation.
"Although I didn't ride Hokuto Vega in her first two G1 races in Japan, I partnered with her in both races immediately after her debut. From those rides, I could already tell that she possessed remarkable dirt aptitude. While she is certainly capable of winning graded races on turf, dirt is the surface that truly allows her ability to shine."
He smiled faintly.
"I'm glad my intuition turned out to be correct."
The host nodded before asking another question.
"Will Hokuto Vega return to Japan after this, or remain in America for more races? After today's performance—winning the Clement L. Hirsch Stakes by five lengths—I believe many American fans would love to see her continue racing here."
Although the host never directly voiced his own preference, his intentions were obvious.
The field assembled for this year's Clement L. Hirsch Stakes belonged to the second tier of America's older mare division.
Sky Beauty, the acknowledged queen of American mares and current challenger for the Filly Triple Crown, had not participated.
Naturally, many American fans—including the interviewer—hoped Hokuto Vega would remain in the United States instead of returning to Japan immediately after a single victory.
"As for her next race, that isn't something I can decide."
Shuta An answered honestly.
"Ultimately, that discussion belongs to her Horse Owner and Trainer. Personally, though, I do hope Hokuto Vega stays in America for one more race. After traveling all this way, returning home after only a single start would feel somewhat wasteful."
"We look forward to Hokuto Vega's future performances and wish her continued success."
With that, the interview concluded as the host accompanied Shuta An and Hokuto Vega toward the grandstand.
—
Watching the interview while a nearby interpreter translated the conversation, Nakano Takayoshi turned toward Mori Shigeru.
"Mr. Horse Owner... regarding Hokuto Vega's next race—"
Mori Shigeru remained fixed on the television screen, still looking completely dazed.
"Mr. Horse Owner?"
Nakano Takayoshi raised his voice slightly.
Only then did Mori Shigeru snap back to reality.
"Trainer Nakano? What is it?"
"I wanted to discuss Hokuto Vega's next race."
Nakano Takayoshi wasn't surprised by the Horse Owner's reaction. To be honest, even he was still stunned by what Hokuto Vega had accomplished.
Making her dirt debut in an American G1 and winning by five lengths. Such a performance was virtually unimaginable from the perspective of Japanese racing.
"I think we should ask Shuta-kun for his opinion." Mori Shigeru answered without the slightest hesitation. "It seems he understands Hokuto Vega better than I do now."
His emotional intelligence was immediately evident.
Rather than saying better than us, he deliberately said better than I do, carefully avoiding placing any responsibility on Trainer Nakano.
The moment Nakano Takayoshi realized this, warmth spread through his heart.
"We definitely should ask Shuta-kun."
He nodded.
"Given how well Hokuto Vega handled American dirt today, I don't think there's much reason to switch back to turf immediately. The Flower Bowl Invitational only offers ninety thousand dollars to the winner, while today's Clement L. Hirsch Stakes paid one hundred thirty thousand."
"That may be true."
Mori Shigeru nodded before adding another condition.
"But if possible, I'd rather avoid sending Hokuto Vega all the way to Saratoga. Shipping from Del Mar across the country is simply too expensive. Even if she won the Flower Bowl Invitational, it wouldn't offset the transportation costs."
He paused briefly.
"I'd prefer her next race to remain on the West Coast."
"I'll relay that to Shuta-kun." Nakano Takayoshi made a mental note. "I don't believe he'll object to the Horse Owner's wishes."
—
After returning to the hotel, Shuta An immediately received a phone call from Nakano Takayoshi.
"Thank you very much, Shuta-kun." The Trainer spoke sincerely. "Because of you, Hokuto Vega was able to display her true talent."
After a brief pause, he continued.
"I'd like to ask whether you have any recommendations for her next race."
Had Hokuto Vega delivered only an ordinary performance today, Shuta An would have maintained his original recommendation.
But after witnessing such a dominant victory, new possibilities had naturally emerged.
Instead of answering directly, he asked,
"Trainer Nakano, would you be willing to let Hokuto Vega challenge the Breeders' Cup Series, America's biggest racing festival?"
"What do you mean?"
Nakano Takayoshi was momentarily caught off guard.
"By winning today's race, Hokuto Vega has already secured automatic qualification for this year's Breeders' Cup Distaff."
Shuta An explained calmly.
"This year's Breeders' Cup will be held at Santa Anita Park in California. I think Hokuto Vega is fully capable of taking on that challenge."
"When is the race?"
Even without extensive knowledge of American racing, Nakano Takayoshi immediately understood that the Breeders' Cup carried enormous prestige—and, naturally, enormous prize money.
"November 6."
Shuta An had already researched the schedule after today's victory, so his answer came instantly.
"That leaves more than two months." Nakano Takayoshi quickly calculated the timetable. "We'll probably need another prep race in between."
He was, as always, mindful of Mori Shigeru's expenses.
"I've already considered that."
Shuta An nodded.
"My recommendation is the Goodwood Stakes on October 11."
"It's a Grade 2 held over 1800 meters at Santa Anita, with a winner's purse of one hundred twenty thousand dollars."
He continued without pause.
"After that, Hokuto Vega can remain at Santa Anita to prepare directly for the Breeders' Cup Distaff. The Distaff offers a winner's purse of five hundred twenty thousand dollars. And I can ride her in both races."
"Then I'll leave everything to you, Shuta-kun."
Although Nakano Takayoshi had yet to consult Mori Shigeru, he was already certain that the Horse Owner would have no objections to such a plan.