Our next challenge.
We must get a horse at the auction.
Eiji Kurisu is the secretary
for the Sanno Group's Horse Racing Division.
Seeking a new racehorse, he headed to Hokuryo Farm's premier sale.
However, after a bidding war exceeding 300 million yen with Yoshihiro Shiina,
he missed out on the promising new horse.
Kurisu then recommended a 100-million-yen colt,
born at the family home of his ex, Kanako Nozaki.
Do you have the will to win?
- Cut it out, Dad! - Oh, wow, well said.
What seemed like a certain falling out…
I'll win the G1.
For that, I need a Hidaka horse.
Let me join your dream.
Please, I beg you!
Moved by Sanno's passionate sincerity, Takeshi softened his stance.
Kurisu's team acquired the colt,
named him Royal Hope, and aimed for the Arima Kinen, but…
Hope!
See you, Hope.
Oh, three tail wags.
He's in a good mood.
Really?
After building up his body for a year at Nozaki Farm,
Hope moved to a training farm for basic racehorse training,
known as breaking.
Do your best!
Sorry to keep you waiting!
Oh, it's okay.
Sorry for calling you all the way out here.
Where's the president?
He had to go to Maebashi for his main business.
My apologies.
No, maybe it's for the best.
I don't know what he'd say if he saw Hope now.
Let's discuss how to report it later.
Go ahead.
They say he hasn't let his guard down at all.
No matter which staff member tries, he won't run properly.
He's completely uncontrollable.
Looking for a jockey at this stage is virtually unheard of.
If we don't have a breakthrough soon, even his debut is in jeopardy.
I've been looking for a jockey skilled at riding difficult horses,
but no one is interested.
Isn't there one person left?
Ryujiro Saki. What about him?
Oh, he's a candidate, but maybe not realistic.
He's a jockey in the Iwate local racing circuit right now.
Iwate?
Hironaka and Kurisu headed to Iwate to find a jockey
who can handle the wild horse, Hope.
SAKI STABLES
- Ryujiro. - You actually came.
How are things?
Oh, just so-so.
Oh, right. This is Eiji Kurisu, the one I told you about on the phone.
Please, have this.
Thanks.
I'm Kurisu from Royal Human.
I'm Saki.
SAKI STABLE, JOCKEY
I'm a jockey.
Sorry.
- He's like this. - It's fine.
Did you watch the video I sent?
Yeah, he's really giving you trouble.
It was funny.
Hey.
Mr. Saki.
I watched the video of you riding in the Teio Sho.
It may be weird to be telling you this,
but your racing sense and your handling of the reins really impressed me.
- Well, a national horse still overtook me. - That's not…
Since your debut,
you've always ranked high among the Iwate circuit's jockeys.
Which is no surprise.
No, it's nothing, really.
Let me get straight to the point.
Would you consider riding our Royal Hope?
What?
I told him that licenses for local and national racing are different.
- Then you know I can't. - We'll figure it out.
I knew it was a long shot when I told him about you.
But it's not actually impossible, right?
Ryujiro, you were originally…
- Tanaka. - Yes?
- Contact the farrier for tomorrow. - I will.
Would you…
consider transferring to the national circuit?
Hey.
Don't be unreasonable.
If you meet Hope, I'm sure you'll understand his appeal.
Please consider it.
Only if that horse truly has talent.
I want horses that are easy to win with, plain and simple.
But your horse…
seems questionable.
Jockeys.
The JRA,
Japan's national racing authority, currently employs about 150 jockeys.
In addition, licensed foreign jockeys also participate.
To become a jockey,
one must generally graduate from a racing school,
pass rigorous examinations, and obtain a jockey license.
However, local racing operates under a different type of jockey license.
Therefore, jockeys affiliated with local racing
are not permitted to ride in the national races, with some exceptions.
Local and National.
Even though they are all jockeys, they live in different worlds.
ROYAL HOPE
Local racing also has many unique horses.
Jockeys must have the skill to tame them.
I've been in a few interleague races with him,
and his riding technique is genuine.
He has experience with unruly horses,
so Hope should be comfortable running with him.
There are precedents, right?
People who transferred from Local to National.
Only a handful. It's that difficult a choice.
If the person isn't motivated, we can't force him to.
- Did you say, Ryujiro Saki? - Yes.
I see. Not bad.
He's very skilled.
However, he's completely unenthusiastic about transferring.
Oh, I see.
Mr. Taira, if you know anything at all.
Any intel that may help me negotiate.
Could you tell me?
I could, but…
Can I write about it?
What?
"Widely detested, infamous horse owner, Kozo Sanno
appoints troublemaker, Ryujiro Saki.
The full story!"
Troublemaker?
Did you know that Saki was enrolled in the JRA Horseracing School?
No. So his debut was in National Racing?
No, he dropped out.
He got involved in a fight.
What?
Horseracing School students, in their second year,
are assigned to a stable for practical training.
That's when Saki and another student
got in a fight, right in the training center.
Saki, labeled a troublemaker, got isolated at the stable and the school.
Not long after, he dropped out, went back to Morioka, his hometown,
and made his debut as a Local Jockey.
What was the cause of the incident?
Who knows? It was just some kids fighting.
Man, this would make for an interesting article!
What do you think?
Mr. Hironaka recommended him. So I believe he is the right choice.
What?
"The Elites' Future Forecast."
Oh, this is Mr. Shiina's horse.
Valshare.
The problem is that Hope's name…
Is it in there?
It's not.
Those reporters haven't done enough homework.
Those aren't the only horses!
But a horse doesn't run alone.
It depends on the people around it and the passion poured into it.
So I think we can rewrite this forecast if we want to.
You're getting bolder, aren't you?
Oh, my apologies.
So, President, what about Mr. Saki's transfer?
I don't like him.
What?
Why did Hironaka choose such a difficult guy?
Shouldn't he pick one that's won a national race?
It's because…
He is a jockey with that much potential.
President.
To turn the odds,
sometimes we must go off the rails and take a bold strategy.
"A notable jockey transfers from Local, choosing to ride Royal Hope!"
The media would eat it up.
Media attention, huh?
- Yes. - Can you convince him?
I will go to Iwate again.
You're persistent. I already told you it was unreasonable.
All the more reason to. The satisfaction would be immense.
If you transfer and succeed in National,
I believe many racing fans would be delighted.
That was your dream back then, right?
I apologize.
I heard about your time at the Horseracing School from a friend.
I see.
How about this?
If you want me, no matter what, entrust that horse to a stable in Morioka.
If you stable him here, I'll ride him.
Sounds reasonable, right?
I'm afraid we can't.
We are aiming to win a G1,
the Arima Kinen, with Royal Hope.
I see. That's good.
You dream big.
Everyone wants to race nationals.
You're arrogant.
- I'm done here. - Mr. Saki!
Not every jockey can be lured by the national circuit.
RYUJIRO'S FATHER
His old man is a trainer in Morioka.
Indeed, local racing has its own pride.
I acted carelessly.
I thought there was no "local" or "national" in horse racing.
What should we do?
Should I look for another jockey?
You do that, Mr. Hironaka.
I'll try to think on Mr. Saki some more.
I just can't see him as a mere troublemaker.
I've confirmed the facts.
It's quite a serious problem, isn't it?
ROYAL HUMAN HR DIRECTOR
Thank you for notifying me.
I will conduct an internal investigation immediately.
Really?
Then we'll publish this next…
I'll make the payment today.
Thank you.
Actually, I have one more thing. A different story.
Are you interested?
You okay?
Oh, my.
Hello.
Oh, Ryujiro!
- I'll take over. - Thanks.
There, there.
Huh? It hurts, doesn't it?
You want to run full tilt, right?
Let's take our time to heal.
Take it slow.
There, there.
- All yours. - Okay.
How is he?
He's okay.
You can still run.
This is why you left National to come to Iwate!
That was your dream back then, right?
Try saying that again!
- Stop it! - How are we different?
- Hey! - Stop it, Ryujiro!
- Let me go! - What are you doing here?
Sorry.
This horse is too difficult.
I understand you want to stick to Hidaka horses, but…
Thank you. I'll consider it.
Completely hopeless.
The trainers want to give up too.
Mr. Saki is our only hope.
What about his assault case?
I'm trying to find someone who knows what happened.
They all seem to agree Mr. Saki was the aggressor.
You'll have to ask him yourself.
That's impossible.
He's still wary of me.
Just like Hope.
Indeed.
Sorry for burdening you with this.
But please, keep doing your best.
MR. TAIRA
Oh, it's Mr. Taira.
Yes, hello?
I found out who fought with Saki.
What?
A jockey named Matsui.
His father is also a jockey, and he's an up-and-coming rookie.
Mr. Matsui!
No, he attacked me first.
That was years ago.
Everyone who goes to that school has a dream, you know.
- Is it something one simply gives up on? - Leave me alone.
Please. Tell me something, anything.
Excuse me.
I have to go.
Hello.
It's about Ryujiro Saki, isn't it?
What?
You have been asking around about him.
It's become a bit of a rumor.
Oh, I see.
I don't know what to say…
How embarrassing.
- President, your meeting… - I know.
Are you free tonight?
What?
So he rode one of your horses during training?
Yes.
I remember it well.
He worked as hard as a professional.
He was dedicated to building trust with the horses.
Mr. Ogino thought highly of him. It's a shame he got into that fight.
Do you know the cause?
More or less.
That jockey, Matsui, whom you talked to…
It seems he would mock Saki about him being from a local stable.
On that day too.
Hello.
Good morning, sir!
How's our horse doing?
Oh, right.
Looking good.
It's like he knows how to win.
I think he will grow more.
Perhaps we'll work together someday.
Keep up the good work.
Yes, sir.
Thank you!
Sales talk, huh?
It must be tough trying to get ahead.
I was just talking about the horse.
There aren't any…
Horses like that in Morioka.
He's wasted on you.
It's not your own talent.
The horses here are all on a different level.
Compared to your local horses.
Try saying that again!
No one defended Saki.
Matsui is the son of a famous jockey, and besides,
Saki threw the first punch.
It was inexcusable.
Still, he shouldn't have quit.
If you run away, everything's over.
Was this helpful?
Thank you.
It's more than enough.
Valshare debuts next year.
I plan to appoint Matsui as his jockey.
He has grown, too.
It's only natural to want an in-demand jockey.
This is an accusation regarding double dispatching.
I already gave them money.
So this matter…
is handled.
But shady dealings continue.
We need to stop those transactions right away
and reorganize the staff.
Can you leave this to me?
I will handle this.
Father.
I'll make changes. But I won't fire anyone.
This is my responsibility.
You sure talk big.
What?
One more thing I want to talk about…
Oh.
What is it?
Never mind.
Hey!
Why not just leave it to him?
KOZO'S WIFE
It's unseemly…
to always want to get ahead.
Shorten the distance.
Okay.
That's right.
- Don't be scared. - Sorry.
Do you have travel fees to burn?
I heard your story from Mr. Shiina.
Let's talk again.
He must also have been desperate. Go ahead.
I think he just didn't want to lose to someone from Local,
who he thinks is inferior.
But…
I couldn't bear it.
How are we so different?
No matter where you're born, people are people.
Horses are horses.
You're right.
So can you really blame me for giving up?
It's the same with our Hope.
Hope was born in Hidaka, and his breeders had high hopes for him.
But no owner believed in his ability.
"If you go to Hokuryo Farm, you can find sure-win horses."
And so, they dismissed Hope.
But our president declared,
"We will win with a Hidaka horse."
For both horse and rider, where you are born doesn't matter.
Talent is talent.
We will win the Arima Kinen with Royal Hope.
A Hidaka horse from a small farm will beat Hokuryo's ones.
I didn't think you were this passionate, Mr. Kurisu.
We have a week to register you for the JRA jockey license exam.
Please.
Come with us and win the Arima.
I understand how you feel.
But…
those feelings are not enough to win me over.
Is there nothing that can be done with Hope?
We've done everything we can, but nothing is working.
Does Kurisu know about this?
Yes.
He's still working on our last chance.
I apologize for the delayed report.
So?
- Do you want me to give up on Hope? - No.
That's not it.
Then what?
It's true that if you look at Hope now
and say you're aiming for Arima, people will laugh at you.
But I'm captivated by Hope's true strength.
In his refusal to yield,
I feel a fighting spirit and a power that speed alone cannot measure.
Could you please trust us and wait just a little longer?
Can you bet on us?
Mr. Saki.
Are you fine with running away like this?
You don't understand, Mr. Kurisu.
If I leave, what will happen to this place?
I left once before, aiming to go National.
And then, when I turned tail and ran home, they welcomed me back.
They didn't say anything.
So…
Do you think I can just leave again?
I'm sorry for not understanding anything.
Now you know.
What are you doing?
Don't use us as an excuse.
What?
Hey!
Don't mess with me!
Even if you aren't here, this place won't go under.
I'll stand on my own two feet until I die, so…
Stand on your own too!
Hironaka.
I've told you many times, I don't know anything about horses.
So I have no choice but to bet on you two.
Don't give up.
I won't either.
Yes.
I'm betting on me too.
- Oh, thank you. - Hello, President Okabayashi.
It's been a while.
You look well as always.
- Sorry for the sudden call. - It's fine.
- What is it today? - Oh, right.
You're scaring me.
No…
SANNO BUILDING
All 150 people who were dispatched to the port
were transferred to a different industry.
Of course, it was all done legitimately.
No one had to be let go.
Money can be recovered,
but once you sack someone, they won't come back.
I always say this, but people are our greatest asset.
Oh, Chief.
Excuse me.
What is it?
Well…
We've finally found a jockey who will ride Royal Hope.
A hiring? In HR, that's all in a day's work.
I don't see how this is important.
It's me.
Regarding you-know-what,
I will not be involved at all, so do what you want.
Please wait!
They are waiting for your reply.
You do that.
- No, but… - I'm leaving it to you!
At least tell me what business you are…
Ms. Takeda, what's wrong?
Mr. Kurisu, this needs to be finalized today,
but I have a meeting.
Then I'll handle it.
Thank you!
Oh, my.
- Can I pay by card? - Yes.
MAEBASHI GENERAL HOSPITAL
I told you it was just an examination.
I thought it was a surgery.
How are you feeling?
I think I can eat today.
That's good.
Thank you.
ROOM 121 MIKIKO NAKAJO
You're overreacting.
Ryujiro.
He's here.
He's very spirited.
Is that so? There, there.
It's your debut too.
I'm also trying again.
Three times.
What?
Three tail wags.
There, there.
Shall we run together?
Okay. There, there.
One, two.
Okay.
There, there. Let's do our best.
Let's go. Good boy.
Okay. Calm down. Take your time.
Hello.
Even if we're behind schedule, don't panic.
Yes, I understand.
RIDING TECHNIQUES NATIONAL CIRCUIT EXPLAINED
NATIONAL CIRCUIT JOCKEY EXAM
That's good.
VALSHARE
There, there.
Ryujiro.
The exam…
The exam results…
Congratulations.
I thought once he got in the JRA, he would want to start racing immediately.
But he insisted on debuting with Hope.
He's a great person.
I'm sure you will like him.
Let's see him run first.
Ryujiro.
Hey.
Is that him? What a playboy.
His appearance is rather unique.
What?
Who is it?
- Hello! - Ryujiro's parents.
Please follow me.
No, we'll stay here.
Oh, but…
Don't tell him we came. Please.
Understood.
- Please give this to him. - Of course.
For getting him to come all this way…
Thank you so much.
Oh, I didn't do anything…
He's a wonderful manager.
Good job!
Thanks.
- Good job. - Thanks.
What? What is this?
Gomasuri dango!
Nice one, Mr. Kurisu.
When I was at the Horseracing School,
my parents would bring some when they came for the annual meeting.
GOMASURI DANGO
That school's diet restrictions are very strict.
So I looked forward to these.
Yeah.
This is it.
Oh, right. Mr. Kurisu.
Yes?
From now on, call me Ryujiro.
What?
That's my lucky charm.
Then I'll tell the president that.
No, you do it too.
But I'm just his secretary.
We're a team, though.
Oh, my.
Well then…
Ryujiro.
Jeez, you're making it weird!
Don't blush.
I'll get used to it, gradually.
Okay.
How did I do?
On today's run.
Your honest thoughts.
I'll buy one.
A betting ticket.
I'll bet on you.
Okay.
Thank you.
Oh, it hurts!
- Did he bite you again? - Yes!
Tomorrow is his debut. He's probably pumped up.
- Do you get bitten too, Ms. Yasukawa? - Me?
No, I don't.
Why?
What are the odds?
Tenth out of twelve horses, 101.9.
Which is the favorite?
The one we failed to get.
Valshare.
Mr. Shiina's horse.
Thank you for waiting.
- Congrats on your debut race! - Yes!
Gotta show the kid a good race.
Hope!
ROYAL HOPE
Well then, please do your best.
Long time no see.
I apologize for the trouble I caused back then.
I'm excited for our race.
- I'll come by later. - Understood.
I'll teach you the difference in our levels.
A message from the president.
"No matter what, we will not remove you.
Don't focus on immediate wins. I want you to nurture Hope."
I told you before,
it's up to Hope whether I keep riding him.
"Immediate wins"?
- Of course I ride to win. - Stop!
Leading jockey, you say?
But that was in Local, right? I wonder.
And he's on a Royal horse with an unknown pedigree.
A horse from Hidaka.
Yes.
Valshare's a sure win.
I think so too.
But what are these expectations I'm having?
Tokyo Racecourse Fourth Race,
Make Debut Tokyo, Two-Year-Old Newcomer Race.
The 12 runners are entering the track.
On the topic of debuts,
one of the jockeys, Ryujiro Saki, has been active in Iwate racing,
and he will be making his national debut in this race.
Let's look forward to it.
His aggressive riding style is his trademark,
but the JRA circuit is unfamiliar to him.
Let's see what kind of race he'll give us!
Hello.
Hope looks a bit nervous.
TOKYO FOURTH RACE - MAKE DEBUT TOKYO TWO-YEAR-OLDS
Is that our new jockey uniform?
It looks great on the turf.
Tokyo Racecourse, Race Four,
Make Debut Tokyo Two-Year-Old Newcomer Race.
Contested over 1,600 meters on turf with 12 horses.
- Take pictures of Hope. - What?
- Not Valshare? - It's fine, get Hope!
The start is from the backstretch.
Number 11, the favorite, Valshare, heads to the gate.
Oh, no.
Number 12, Royal Hope, is resisting going to the gate.
- Hope… - Number 12 is refusing to enter.
It's okay.
I'm here with you.
We're together.
Let's have fun.
Royal Hope is now entering the gate, guided by the handler.
Now, being urged forward to Gate 12 is Royal Hope.
The handler moves away.
They're off!
- Number 12, Royal Hope, is slow to start. - Oh, no.
- What are you doing? - Jockey Ryujiro Saki is trying to recover!
Now, the battle for the lead!
From the outside, Number 11, Valshare, and Number Nine, Lovely Mood.
- Valshare takes the lead! - Yes!
Second is Number Nine, Lovely Mood,
with Number Four, Classic Issue, right behind.
- Lining up is Kogarashi Lady. - Hope.
The second group is a cluster of three.
Number Eight, Lalatint, joins them from the outside.
- Making a group of four. - Hang on, Ryujiro!
That's it. Rein him in.
A half-length back is Number Seven, Week Will,
and a length back is Number Ten, Zelrid.
Another two lengths back is Number Five, Pioneer Sea.
And Number 12, Royal Hope, is at the very rear.
It's okay.
No need to rush.
Rounding the third corner. Number 11, Valshare, is in the lead.
- A one-length lead. Passing 800 meters. - Okay.
In second is Number Nine, Lovely Mood.
- Do your best! - Kogarashi Lady and Classic Issue!
Fifth is Number Eight, Lalatint.
Behind them is Number Two, Angie Rose, and on the inner rail, Gear Finale.
Rounding the fourth corner, they head into the homestretch!
Can you hear them?
Amazing, right?
Let's go!
Perfect unity.
Now, Number 11, Valshare, is still in the lead.
- Can Valshare do it? - Hope!
- The long straight!
Here, Number 12, Royal Hope, shifted to the outside!
The leader, Valshare, passes the 400-meter mark.
- Do it, Hope! - Surging from the outside is Royal Hope!
- Do it! - Get the pictures!
Hope moves from fourth to third!
Royal Hope's great speed closes in on Valshare!
Hang in there!
- Go! - Faster!
- Hope, come on! - Hope!
Go!
Climbing the hill, Royal Hope caught Valshare!
Royal Hope has overtaken Valshare!
- Go, Hope! - Royal Hope…
- Go! - Leaving the rest behind…
Royal Hope takes the lead!
Royal Hope has an overwhelming margin!
- Goal in! - Yes!
Royal Hope and Jockey Ryujiro Saki both mark a brilliant debut!
- He did it! - Congratulations!
The favorite, Valshare, finishes in second!
- What incredible speed, Royal Hope! - Congratulations!
We won! Hope did it!
- Number Nine, Lovely Mood. - He did it!
Tokyo Racecourse Fourth Race, Make Debut Tokyo.
- Father… - Hope…
We did it!
Thank you!
Father, Hope…
Thank you.
- Thank you. - Hope…
Hope won.
Thank you.
Hey, kid.
Sorry, please look at the camera.
To the victory of the Royal Family.
- Cheers! - Cheers!
Wait. Why are you taking charge?
- We're a family, right? - Family.
Sorry, he fell asleep.
It's okay.
Sleep well, grow well.
President.
Please let me ride that horse until you don't need me anymore.
Please.
I'm counting on you.
Thanks!
Thanks.
President. Hope.
And Ryujiro Saki.
I like that they all have their own struggles.
Let's eat.
- Mr. Kurisu. - Yes?
I think the article will take a bit longer.
I want to see you guys reach the goal,
then tell the fans that a loving family like this exists.
I understand.
By the way, can we change the jockey silks?
They're so tacky, aren't they?
If we're going to win the Arima, that silk's too…
Hey, Ryujiro.
You're going too far.
But, Mr. Hironaka…
All right.
- I'll change them. - What?
- Oh, wow! - You approve?
Here we go!
But no flamboyant stuff!
Come on, President, let's think about this.
Their winning streak starts now.
Without a doubt, Hope will be the center of his generation.
Kurisu and everyone on the team had that feeling.
At least for now.
I get my treatment at ten, okay?
Got it.
Buy me a cream puff as a treat.
You can't eat those.
I want to.
Cake would be fine too.
Got it. I'll go buy one.
I'll buy it, so…
Do your best, Mom.
Thank you, Koichi.
Mr. Kurisu.
Have you read this?
What?
THE PRESIDENT HAS AN ILLEGITIMATE CHILD
Excuse me.
You dropped this.
Thank you.
I'll handle it myself.
I still haven't found the courage to tell him about his father.
I'm cheering for Royal Hope.
You have a mission, to take Hope to Arima.
Subtitle translation by: Nix S.