Chapter 73. Temporarily Maintained Regulations
An hour later, Mejiro Dober, as the Uma Musume departing from Gate 1, was the first to step out of the underground tunnel and head to the parade ring. Without needing a reminder from the staff, Mejiro Dober consciously walked onto the display stage.
Today, the sky above Goodwood Racecourse was clear.
Although the changeable British summer weather might bring a sudden rain shower later, seeing that the track had already been declared 'Good,' Shuta felt that even if it rained temporarily, it wouldn't affect the race too much.
"Even if the track becomes slightly wet and heavy, Dober can still win easily."
The young man looked at Mejiro Dober waving on the display stage not far away and thought to himself.
"Japan's Undefeated Triple Crown, consecutive Yorkshire Oaks champion, Mejiro Dober, who set an astonishing record in Japan in her previous race! She is undoubtedly the most dazzling star at Goodwood Racecourse today."
The live commentator began to introduce her.
Then the commentary guest followed up.
"Indeed, it is said that the number of spectators at Goodwood Racecourse today is tens of thousands higher than in previous days. Everyone must have come for Mejiro Dober."
"Because, barring any unforeseen circumstances, this will be Mejiro Dober's last overseas expedition. For many spectators, today is the last chance to see this contemporary legend of the Triple Tiara Route in person."
"Dober-senpai is being called a legend." Teio hugged her lover's arm and exclaimed. "When will I be called that?"
"Teio is already a legend, isn't she?" Shuta An turned his head and glanced at her. "The achievements you've made so far are already very impressive."
"After all, Ann started training me so early, so it would be too embarrassing if I didn't achieve anything."
Teio stuck out her tongue.
After all eight Uma Musumes had finished their parade, Shuta pulled Teio towards the grandstand.
"The race starts in less than half an hour. Teio, if you need to use the restroom, go as soon as possible."
The young man, walking ahead, reminded her.
"I know, what about you, Ann?"
Tokai Teio asked back.
"I'm fine." Shuta An looked back at Tokai Teio, then continued. "Today's race will most likely be a win. After the winning live, we'll return to Ascot, rest for a night, and go back to Japan tomorrow."
Teio had known about these arrangements early on. Although she couldn't stay in England for a few more days, there wasn't anything specific she wanted to do anyway, so she didn't mind.
"It's a pity about the URA Association's regulations; both Dober-senpai and I have to return to Japan. If it were in the past, wouldn't I have just gone directly to Longchamp to wait?"
Teio complained about Japan's URA Association, then suddenly thought of this question and simply asked.
"Yes, I would have chosen to let Teio rest directly at Longchamp, and then I would go to France in September to meet you and prepare for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. But with the current regulations, that's certainly not possible."
Shuta An's answer made Tokai Teio's ears droop.
"Will Ann consider challenging this regulation in the future?"
Teio lowered her head and asked softly.
"I don't know. At least for the next two years, it shouldn't be necessary."
The young man gave a negative but not absolute answer.
Teio's ears twitched.
"Not necessary" doesn't mean "won't do it."
It just means that, in the eyes of the man in front of her, neither she nor Rice Shower had a reason to stay overseas for an extended period.
So who would make her lover consider challenging this URA Association regulation?
Teio's gaze fell on the steps of Goodwood Racecourse, and a name flashed through her mind.
"Indeed, Kurofune-chan is the most likely, right? If challenging American dirt races, constantly traveling back and forth between America and Japan would definitely affect her condition, and Ann wouldn't overlook that."
Teio unconsciously began to think from Shuta An's perspective about how she would make decisions.
Although there was still over a year until she left the Twinkle Series stage, Teio, who knew that Mejiro Dober had decided to pursue painting last year, sometimes began to think about what she should do after she had run enough in the Dream Trophy Series.
"Should I try to get a Trainer's license and become a Trainer like Ann?"
This thought occasionally flashed through Tokai Teio's mind.
—
Mejiro Dober, as the Uma Musume starting from Gate 1, was the first to enter the gate.
However, she didn't immediately prepare for the start.
"It seems Gai Bulga from Gate 6 is not in great condition, showing some resistance to entering thegate."
Mejiro Dober, experienced in races, noticed Gai Bulga trembling non-stop. Having made her judgment, she relaxed slightly. Keeping her nerves constantly taut was not a wise choice.
Gussy Marlowe, from gate number 2, won the Falmouth Stakes, which is currently a G2 but will become a G1 next year. She should have been considered a strong contender—but the Falmouth Stakes is a mile race, while this race is a 2000-meter middle-distance race, a distance Gussy Marlowe is challenging for the first time. Therefore, Shuta had not listed Gussy Marlowe as an opponent to watch out for.
Before the race, Mejiro Dober also didn't greet GussynMarlowe. However, after GussynMarlowe entered the gate, Mejiro Dober heard Gussy Marlowe muttering about Gai Bulga.
"She doesn't have the strength to compete in a G1 but insists on participating. Now she's so scared her legs are soft and she doesn't dare to enter the gate. Isn't she just here to waste everyone's time?"
Fortunately, Gussy Marlowe's accent was relatively standard, and Mejiro Dober heard her very clearly. If it had been an Uma Musume with a Liverpool accent, Mejiro Dober might have thought she was speaking some obscure minor language.
After a good while of fussing, Gai Bulga finally settled down and prepared to enter the gate obediently.
Seeing this, Mejiro Dober also began to prepare for her own start. Since she planned to run a senko tactic in this Nassau Stakes, even if Gussy Marlowe next to her was an Uma Musume who habitually ran from the back, Mejiro Dober would not lower her standards for her own start.
"If possible, shouldn't I really decide the outcome as early as possible?"
Mejiro Dober mused, striking a starting pose.
"This year's Nassau Stakes is about to begin. As Mejiro Dober's final race in her European expedition, can she show us the brilliant light of a legend? All eight Uma Musumes have entered the gates, and the race is about to start!"