The Takarazuka Memorial arrived as scheduled. As a summer festival, it had always been immensely popular. After "The Ominous Festival," two Mejiros had lifted the curse lingering over the race with their outstanding performances.
In this era dominated by the Mejiro Family, the Takarazuka Memorial should have been the most anticipated race of the year.
Yet today, Hanshin Racecourse was eerily quiet. The stands, usually sold out, were only half-full—an unbelievable sight for a G1 race, especially one featuring a Mejiro. Even if that Mejiro's name was Palmer.
Dressed in her personal racing outfit, Palmer waited quietly on the turf for the gates to open. Her popularity was at rock bottom, and she was the last to be introduced. She was only here because she had secured a Mejiro recommendation slot. Kashimoto Riko had once again opted not to intervene in this Takarazuka Memorial, despite both Little Cocon and Bitter Glasse possessing excellent adaptability.
Compared to the frenzy stirred by her two stablemates in the previous two years, Palmer's race was noticeably subdued. In terms of quality, this year's Takarazuka Memorial was indeed weaker, with only one G1 competitor participating.
Most of the spectators present had come for her—Dai Yusaku, the "assassin" who had defeated the reigning strongest competitor in last year's Arima Kinen with a near-miraculous performance, preventing McQueen from breaking through the "Wall of Symboli Rudolf."
McQueen's defeat had sparked less discussion than expected. No one could fully grasp the true significance of her loss in the Arima Kinen. Symboli Rudolf's monumental achievements had loomed over the Central circuit for so long. On one hand, people hoped McQueen would shatter the so-called "Seven Crowns Wall." The industry widely believed that Rudolf's accomplishments represented the absolute limit for a Central competitor. Rudolf was synonymous with that barrier; even the most perfect performance could only place a horse alongside her, never above.
On the other hand, people didn't want McQueen to break through. Not only was she the greatest Mejiro of all time, but Grass Wonder's achievements were already breathtaking enough.
Spring and Autumn Dominance, consecutive Tenno Sho (Spring) victories, Strongest in History... In terms of honors and fame, McQueen was incredibly decorated. Even if she retired now, Mejiro McQueen would still be considered an equal to the Emperor.
If she were to truly shatter the so-called "Emperor's Wall," her status would ascend to unprecedented heights. Would there ever be a competitor more excellent than McQueen in the future?
This conflicting sentiment brewed in people's hearts, leading them to tacitly avoid the discussion.
Returning to the Takarazuka Memorial, nearly everyone at Hanshin Racecourse had come for Dai Yusaku. The active runners had all chosen to skip this race, and the anticipated scene of Kashimoto Riko sending someone to block Mejiro Palmer never materialized. The runners who had chosen self-preservation in the face of this rivalry now felt a pang of regret. If I had entered this race, they thought, I might have snatched a G1 victory.
Although Dai Yusaku had shown overwhelming strength in the Arima Kinen, people didn't consider him a top-tier runner. Comparing his past results, the Arima Kinen was clearly a fluke—a miracle that wouldn't strike the same person twice.
As for Mejiro Palmer? What was there to say about a competitor who'd fled back from an exhibition race?
Attendance plummeted to a new low, as if this wasn't a G1 race at all.
Palmer's gaze swept across the stands, searching, until her expression suddenly lit up with overjoyed surprise. She saw Ryan. She saw the Mejiros. They hadn't missed it—they had come here for her.
McQueen... was here too.
On the other side, Kousei led the Foreigners into the venue with confident strides. Speedstar was practically bouncing with excitement, her pace much quicker than usual.
"Palmer!" Speedstar called out loudly.
Palmer turned to see Speedstar's best friend, Daitaku Helios, standing beside her.
"Will!!! Go for it, Palmer!"
It wasn't just the Foreigners; the entire Gyaru Group had shown up.
"Everyone..." A warm current flowed through Palmer's heart. Even if no one believed in her, her family and friends were still by her side.
With them here, there's nothing to fear, Palmer thought, her eyes fixed on the starting gate. She took a deep breath and strode forward.
Time to regroup and start anew.
Dai Yusaku watched Palmer charge into the starting gate and muttered to himself, "Another Mejiro?"
The trumpet sounded, a signal urging the Umamusume to enter their gates.
"Perfect! Let me defeat a Mejiro once more and prove myself again!"
Dai Yusaku's fighting spirit blazed. Suppressing the turmoil in his heart, he strode quickly onto the track. The Umamusume sensed a subtle connection between them—Palmer and Dai Yusaku were in peak condition, their auras radiating an intensity completely different from the others.
Without a doubt, the protagonist of this Takarazuka Kinen would emerge from one of these two. It wasn't a matter of ability, but of sheer determination.
Three—
Two—
One—
The Takarazuka Kinen officially began