Chapter 127: Goodwood Is Non-Negotiable (Part 1)

――First week of August, the Goodwood Cup.

A G1 race held at Goodwood Racecourse in England, and the second leg of the Stayers’ Million series—a long-distance race. Apparently, the first Goodwood Cup held centuries ago was run on turf over 24 furlongs, or 4800 meters, but it has since settled into the current distance of 3200 meters.

In the heyday of stayers, it held great prestige and was even considered the “Summer Championship for Stayers,” but in recent years, the quality of participating Uma Musume and the race’s overall prestige have declined significantly.

In fact, it was only relatively recently that the race was promoted to G1 status; it originally started out as a G3. You can clearly see the effort to elevate not just the traditional prestige of long-distance races but also their official standing.

So, having returned once again to England, Tomio and I were stunned as we laid eyes on the Goodwood Racecourse, which was packed to the brim with a crowd so large it seemed like it might catch fire from the sheer heat of their presence. Though I didn’t count exactly, the number of spectators looked on par with—or possibly even surpassing—the Gold Cup.

The decline of the Goodwood Cup had been quite serious, with its viewing numbers on video sites ranking among the lowest of the long-distance graded races. It’s often said that numbers don’t lie, and in this case, it wasn’t unusual for the view count to be less than one-tenth of something like the Epsom Derby. And yet… this kind of dramatic rebound?

People are, well, straightforward… or maybe just predictable. No, I mean, I am happy about it. It’s a great thing. But… my brain just can’t keep up. I just can’t believe what I’m seeing.

"This race is gonna be hype today too, huh?"

Tomio said that casually beside me. Well, it is a G1, I thought—but then he dropped a bombshell.

"Apparently, there’s a crowd of five hundred thousand people~."

"Yeah, for sure—… Huh?"

Five hundred thousand? ……? ……?? That’s more than double the attendance of Royal Ascot? Even at the Gold Cup, it was a record-breaking crowd for me, and now there are even more people today? I don’t… I don’t get it.

I mean, it’s not like Goodwood Racecourse is small, but I can’t imagine that many people are actually gathered here. I think it’s perfectly reasonable that I’m doubting Tomio’s words.

"……150,000. Got it. It was 150,000, right? You just, like, misheard ‘fifty’ and ‘fifteen’ or something."

"Nope, 500,000. They’ve broken the record for attendance, and by a huge margin."

"…………"

"Ah, look—Goodwood Racecourse has a limit on how many people they can let in, but they’re saying the rest are gathering outside the racecourse. A lot of racecourses in Europe are designed so you can watch from outside, and some people don’t mind not seeing the race as long as they can feel the energy."

"Hiee~……"

I-I see… It’s true the Gold Cup had a massive impact, so maybe it’s not that strange for this many fans to show up. On top of that, Goodwood Racecourse is said to be “one of the most beautiful racecourses in the world,” and today marks the start of the five-day Glorious Goodwood Festival. Like Royal Ascot, it also has a strong presence as a high society event, so it’s clear that the people from that world are also part of this crowd.

Of course, they’re probably in shock at how many families and young people are here. There’s really nothing around Goodwood Racecourse. Compared to places like Ascot, access is a lot worse. I heard that locals used to make up the bulk of the audience, so those regulars are probably the ones most surprised right now.

We passed through a back route meant for staff and arrived at the waiting room. I quickly changed into my racing outfit and did my makeup. It was a clear, cloudless day with perfect turf conditions. Kayf Tara-san prefers heavy ground, and I’m more of a firm-ground runner myself… so, emotionally speaking, I’d say I’ve got a slight advantage.

When it comes down to it, the best counter to Kayf Tara-san is summed up in one phrase: "crush the field behind me." Today again, there’s no option but to bolt straight to the front and leave them all behind.

――During the five days of Glorious Goodwood, there are three G1 races, five G2 races, and five G3 races held. With Uma Musume flags flying everywhere and the scenic beauty of Goodwood enhancing the view, it’s safe to say this is one of the most glamorous racing festivals in all of England.

Naturally, the main event on Day One is the G1 Goodwood Cup. Kayf Tara-san and I are the top two favorites for this race, and people have been calling it a de facto match race—at least, that’s what I’ve been hearing.

"It's hotter than usual today..."

"Stamina consumption might be a little higher."

"Haha, it's just 3200 meters, so I’m not really worried about running out of steam. Go out there and give it everything you’ve got."

After Tomio patted my head, wrapping my ears in the motion, I steeled myself and thumped my chest. The Goodwood Cup is essentially the “second crown” in the Stayers’ Million. True, the distance is shorter, and there’s little concern about stamina depletion, but compared to Kayf Tara-san, my top speed falls short, so this might actually be my riskiest race yet.

To become the world’s strongest—no, the strongest stayer in history, I have to accomplish the unprecedented feat of a complete sweep of the Stayers’ Million. Only with that achievement can I claim to be the undisputed strongest. I can’t afford to lose here.

"Alright… Let’s do this."

"Yeah."

With fire in our hearts, my trainer and I strode confidently toward the Goodwood paddock.

There were 14 Uma Musume gathered in the paddock, surrounded by a vivid green lawn. Among them were five familiar faces from the Gold Cup: Kaif Tara-san, Switch On-san, Choco Fondue-san, Busto Arsizio-san, and JJ the Jet Bicycle-san. The rest were new competitors.

White tents that popped against the blue sky lined the paddock. With people packed in shoulder to shoulder, all eyes were fixed on the showcase platform and the Uma Musume.

『Under this cloudless, sunny sky, the paddock for the Goodwood Cup—the main race of the Glorious Goodwood Festival—is about to begin. Astonishingly, the number of spectators at Goodwood today is said to be 500,000! With people still gathering outside the venue, the exact number is unclear, but… this turnout is nothing short of phenomenal!』

『It all began with the buzz from the Gold Cup, and now, the Twinkle Series boom has finally erupted. Centered on the long-distance races, no less. It’s truly incredible.』

The excited race commentators fired up the crowd even more, raising the energy to a fever pitch. And at the moment that excitement hit its peak, the innermost Uma Musume dashed up onto the showcase platform.

『――Number 1, Busto Arsizio. fifth favored.』

『In her last race, the Gold Cup, she was thoroughly defeated by Kayf Tara and Apollo Rainbow, but considering her innate strength, there's still a solid chance she could place high. Will she be able to bounce back? Let's keep our eyes on her.』

Busto Arsizio twirls in place and salutes the crowd. Her condition looks solid, and her complexion is good... but she doesn’t seem to be in peak form. Likely, she’s just in decent shape—no more, no less.

She too had burned out in the intense Gold Cup, and likely couldn’t complete her training as intended. Given the Twinkle Series schedule, it might actually be a decent tactic to completely wear down your rivals in a particular race. Not only does it give you a strong position in that race, but if you can leave them fatigued for the next races... there might be some long-term advantages. Of course, that sword cuts both ways, since you'd be pushing yourself to the limit too.

One by one, the other horse girls are introduced, each receiving loud cheers.

My gate number is six—not bad—and now, it's finally my turn. Called by the staff, I step up onto the stage. I shrug off the coat I was wearing and toss it toward my trainer standing behind me. The move triggers cheers from all directions, and the paddock erupts with excitement. The roar is so loud, even part of the announcer’s commentary gets drowned out.

『――Number 6, Apollo—Bo—Ranked num—one—』

『The loudest cheer of the day so far greets the arrival of the “Silver-Haired Fairy.” She lived up to her status as favorite in the previous Gold Cup with a dramatic, record-breaking win, and has since become one of the most famous horse girls in the world. She and her rival Kayf Tara are currently one win each. No doubt, she’ll be looking to settle the score here.』

No nerves. No pressure. But I haven’t forgotten my thirst for victory. My brain was locked in muscle-head mode: Just run like I always do and power through with grit. By now, my muscles should be fully adjusted to European racing. I can afford to be even more brute-force in how I approach this race.

Stretching the hem of my race outfit, I step aside to let Kayf Tara take the stage for gate number seven. As we pass each other, Kayf Tara casts a brief glance my way. Then, standing on stage, she swishes her cape and reveals her blue racing attire. Looking as if she might dissolve into the sky, her outfit radiates a refreshing air. She places a fist to her chest and slowly breathes in and out, deliberately.

『――Number 7, Kayf—Tara. Ranked se—ond—』

『Now entering her second year at the senior level, the genius stayer makes her appearance. In her last race, she fought hard and placed second behind Apollo Rainbow, only running out of stamina near the end. But in the Goodwood Cup, which is 800 meters shorter than the Gold Cup, stamina shouldn’t be an issue. Apollo Rainbow’s bold breakaway is well within her reach. She’s my top pick for this race.』

Even though her outfit didn’t reveal much, it was obvious—she was in perfect shape. Not only did she have the endurance to get through a full season, but her condition management was spot-on, likely thanks to a mix of experience and smart planning.

After the Gold Cup, the only ones who hadn’t fallen apart were her and me. Angely and See-You-Later both withdrew from the Goodwood Cup due to health issues. Jet Bicycle and Busto Arsizio entered the race, but clearly weren’t in top form.

From what I observed, the core fatigue still hadn’t left their bodies. Kayf Tara, however, possessed a body strong enough to handle consecutive races. She really is the strongest opponent standing in my way—I can say that with full confidence.

Kayf Tara’s golden eyes were fixed on one spot around the paddock. There stood the crowned horse girl—Opera House—and beside her, a tiny horse girl I didn’t recognize. About the same height as Yeats, probably not even in middle school yet.

That might be Kayf Tara’s little sister, ZZ Top. I couldn’t tell during the Gold Cup due to the poor visibility, but it’s likely she was there then too.

That aside... something about the three sisters reuniting right before the race felt like a bad omen.

Horse girls run carrying emotions. If Kayf Tara, beyond my knowledge, had fueled her heart with emotion and channels that into the race—that’s the worst possible scenario for me. It's definitely something I’d prefer to avoid.

After the paddock ends, Kayf Tara and I pass each other in silence, locked in a staring match. Her stern expression shows a different kind of resolve from what she had at the Gold Cup.

…At last, the glorious Goodwood Cup is about to begin.

Just like always, I’ll nail the start, withstand Kayf Tara’s fierce pursuit, and power through to victory.

『The paddock’s over, and the horse girls are dashing out onto the turf one after another! You won’t get weather this perfect very often—everyone looks thrilled to be running!』

『The turf is in excellent condition, with no signs of wear from previous races. The footing should be ideal, allowing them to run without concern.』

After the paddock, the warm-up gallops begin. Seen from afar, the course resembles a hill—so uneven that there are parts you can’t even see. On the outermost edge of the course stands a mound that looks like a small mountain—Goodwood was originally carved directly out of natural terrain—and many of the spectators who couldn’t get into the racecourse had gathered there instead.

Goodwood’s course has a unique shape, with a figure-eight loop laid over a straight track. Since the Goodwood Cup involves circling the figure-eight before dashing down the straight, it doesn’t really fit into the typical Japanese categories of “right-turn” or “left-turn” tracks. That’s one of the fun quirks about it.

With a natural elevation difference of nearly ten meters, the course promised a constant struggle throughout. The final straight, however, had little to no slope—once you turned onto the home stretch, you could likely charge straight through with your momentum intact.

After warming up by running across the wide-open hills, we gathered at the gate. One by one, all fourteen of us completed gate-in. In no time at all, everyone was in position. I placed a hand on my chest and took a deep breath.

『All fourteen are in the gate. The starting preparations are complete, and the Goodwood Cup is about to begin.』

Time waited for no one. It ticked on mercilessly, second by second, dragging me forward whether I was ready or not. With a strange, unsettled feeling in my chest, I dug my horseshoes into the turf and gripped the ground.

My spirit was soaring, but part of me still couldn’t believe it was really starting. It had been a long time since I felt like this. Maybe not since my first G1—the Hopeful Stakes.

But in my mind, the formula for victory was already complete.

I pressed my hooves firmly into the ground, ready to launch.

『The Stayers’ Million qualifying race, G1 Goodwood Cup is now—』

The commentator’s voice came through in slow motion. For a front-runner like me, a fast start was vital. There was no room for delay—none. The pressure and pride of that truth pushed my mind into a state of razor-sharp focus.

In a flash, I sensed the moment the gates would open. Trusting the instincts that had never failed me, I launched with everything I had—

『—And they’re off!』

Right at the start, a scream echoed across the Goodwood Racecourse.

My body failed to produce its usual burst of speed. From the moment the race began, I sank straight to the back of the pack.

『Wha—!? Apollo Rainbow has a poor start!! That’s a rare one! We’re already seeing signs of a major upset!』

The venue erupted—not in cheers, but in gasps and murmurs of disbelief that refused to settle.

And that wasn’t the only unexpected twist.

『Let’s get ourselves back on track and check the front! In the lead is number seven, Kayf Tara! —Wait, Kayf Tara…?』

『K-Kayf Tara is leading the race…!?』

Kayf Tara, having smoothly slipped out from a good position, was now charging forward at a speed that looked like one of my wild sprints.

While I remained in the rear, Kayf Tara held the lead in a bizarre turn of events. The race pressed on without pause. Amid the chaos surrounding Goodwood, one thing was clear as day—this was going to be a storm no one had foreseen.