Original subtitles

To be honest,

I'm baffled by how much you've lost your will to work over the past year.

I don't even know why.

I'm sorry, sir.

Still, you're talented, Kurisu.

You could still work as a tax accountant anywhere,

but being cut by a large firm like us will leave a mark on you forever.

Get your head in the game.

Yes, sir.

L&U ACCOUNTING FIRM

Our Kurisu is known for his meticulous, error-free work.

I believe he's the ideal candidate for this assignment.

- Mr. Kurisu. - Yes, sir.

I'm not one for beating around the bush, so I'll get straight to the point.

My company is financially in dire straits right now.

That can't be!

When you think of Royal Human,

you think of how Mr. Kozo Sanno made it an industry leader in one generation.

It's no exaggeration to call it a true veteran in the temp industry.

We're under the impression that you're a blue-chip company.

Our president exceedingly favors long-time partners,

so we have fallen behind our competitors in securing IT talent.

As a result, we've been struggling terribly these past few years

to the point where staff layoffs are on the table.

Thus, we're considering eliminating a certain department.

And that is…

HORSE RACING DIVISION

…our Horse Racing Division.

It was originally set up to promote our core business,

but since its founding, it's been in the red for seven straight years.

I may be airing my family's dirty linen,

but I believe my father is using it to embezzle funds for personal gain.

I'd like you to investigate the Horse Racing Division

and see where the money is really going without my father knowing.

That's why I came to see you.

A hundred million?

I hear he owns ten horses.

Just keeping them costs him 100 million yen a year.

Hello!

Unfortunately for him, they've rarely won him any major races.

Without wins you don't get any prize money, meaning no income.

Yet the department sticks around and keeps buying horses every year.

It's the kind of black box common in one-man-run, unlisted companies.

It has to be shut down.

Rather, Yutaro's real goal here is to seize this opportunity

to force a change in leadership.

But they're father and son, right?

Every family is different.

Thanks.

The new president would terminate their current tax accountant.

And who would take over?

You.

Now's your chance to redeem yourself!

NEW CHITOSE AIRPORT TERMINAL 2

BIG SISTER

Hey, will you be coming home?

I made it!

Mr. Kurisu!

I'm Kaneshiro.

Took you long enough.

Sorry to keep you waiting.

HOKURYO FARM AUCTION SITE THIS WAY

You must have had quite a journey.

There's a direct bus, though.

I couldn't think that far ahead.

Is this whole area, Hokuryo Farm?

Yes, today, we're trading racehorses here.

Listing number 108.

Amy's Champ, a 2010 bay filly. Foaled on March 18th.

Sired by Bolero.

Starting at 40 million yen.

- 40 million? - Yes!

We've got our first bid.

- 41 million? - Yes!

- 45 million! - 45!

- 46 million? - Yes!

- 48 million! - 48!

- 49 million? - There, 49!

49 million, going into 50.

- 50 million? - Yes!

- There! - Going into 52 million.

- 52 million? - Isn't it fun?

- Yes! - 54 million.

The owners remain silent,

but the spotters never miss even the slightest hint.

The price just keeps increasing.

62 million?

Yes, 62!

64 million?

- Yes! - 64 million…

90 million. Going from 90 million.

90 million?

- Yes! - 90 million!

92 million?

- Yes! - 92 million.

94 million?

- Yes! - 94!

- Lock it down! - 96 million?

- Yes! - 96 million!

98 million?

- Yes! - 98!

How about 100 million?

- 100? - Yes, 100!

We've got, 100 million!

Any more? Do I hear 110 million?

110 million?

- Yes! - 110!

120 million?

- Yes! - 120!

130 million?

- Yes! - 130!

140 million?

- Yes! - 140!

150 million?

A "horse owner," is someone who owns racehorses.

To become one,

one must earn over 20 million yen a year for two years in a row

and continuously hold assets worth at least 100 million yen

as per today's stringent financial requirements.

Furthermore, there are over 11,000 racehorses competing annually,

with each horse earning a yearly average of about eight million yen.

However, the annual maintenance cost per racehorse

is about 8.5 million yen.

In reality, racing alone does not generate profit.

Even so, many owners are still prepared to take their steeds to the track.

He said we would go to Hokkaido together.

It's hot.

KOZO'S DAUGHTER, COLLEGE STUDENT

SANNO

Welcome home, Miss.

- Mr. Yamada! - Yes?

Welcome home, Miss.

- Hey. - Yes?

Is it true Dad went to Hokkaido again?

- He didn't mean to keep it from you. - Gosh!

Mom!

- Mom? - Yes?

Hey! Dad never seems to learn.

That's what you get from a talentless man.

ROYAL HUMAN F&B DIVISION KOZO'S WIFE

Thank you, Number 51.

Thank you.

Thanks for giving me the chance to bond with the wonderful Amy's Champ.

I'm relieved you bought her, Mr. Shiina.

Isn't that a good deal, sir?

Please don't call me "Sir."

STABLE TRAINER

As long as she wins.

Mr. Shiina's killing it. He earned 900 million just today.

Oh, thank you for having me.

I'm here on behalf of L&U Accounting Firm, I'm Eiji Kurisu.

You're late.

What?

I told you to come before the auction.

You're too late.

I'm terribly sorry!

The bus intervals were…

Excuse me.

You came in five minutes late, so I lost five minutes too.

With Kaneshiro, that makes ten.

If you're an hour late, we'll lose two.

Three hours…

Well, you'll lose six.

That's right!

How much do you think I can make at that rate?

Time is money.

Time is bought with money.

You should've come by taxi.

Yes, I'm terribly sorry about that.

- Thank you very much. - She has a calm temperament.

I see.

So?

What's Yutaro's newly-hired tax accountant doing here?

What?

Right.

I'd like to confirm a few things

about your company's horse racing business.

This is what we call a "second opinion."

I'll conduct a thorough, third-party review

to see how to further benefit…

Where are you going?

The Royal "Grill Master."

Oh, hey, this one's ready.

- Thanks, but I'm… - It's 100 times better than in Tokyo.

You came all the way here with just one bag

to restructure my company, right?

Yes, you can't leave empty-handed.

Excuse me. Can I get an extra serving?

- One extra serving, coming up. - Thanks.

So annoying! They should just bring out five servings.

Excuse me! Want to switch to a shochu highball?

Yes, make it stronger than usual.

Got it!

Is beer alright, Mr. Kurisu?

- No, wait, I… - Excuse me!

You must be one of those.

Being assigned to us means you're on the fast track.

No, not exactly.

Just say yes to that!

That's like saying our company doesn't have that kind of value.

I'm sorry.

So…

What did Yutaro tell you?

I'm not at liberty to say.

Horse racing.

Yes?

Do you watch it?

Not at all.

Well…

Only once when I was a student.

On your own?

No.

- Sorry, my memory fails me. - Thank you for waiting.

Here you go, five servings!

Wait. You haven't finished yours?

All right, cook it nicely.

- Here's a fresh piece. - No, please…

It's… It's too much.

I told you, I'm on a trip for work.

It's a struggle.

It's the first anniversary, though. You should at least show your face.

Sorry. You take care of it.

- I'm hanging up. - Wait, Eiji...

You only need to flip them once, but sometimes on reflex, I do it twice!

Sorry about that.

Are you perhaps a lightweight?

I have a low tolerance.

I'm sorry.

Yet, you're still here with us.

My employees have no problem telling me they can't drink.

You've got guts.

- I feel honored. - I've grilled more.

Here, eat more please.

Hey. Did you do the night feeding?

Not yet. Could you?

I'm going too!

290 million?!

Is it Hokuryo?

NOZAKI FARM

I was curious what they sold for today.

Don't mind them too much.

Go to bed early.

Okay.

- Don't get too messy. - Okay!

NOZAKI FARM

"Don't mind them too much."

TOP-SELLING HORSE AT AUCTION

Switching on.

Okay, now this…

KANAKO'S SON

NOZAKI FARM, RANCH OWNER

Are you all right?

Yes, I am.

Wait. Where is the auction site?

Oh, we're not going to an auction this time.

Hang in there a bit longer.

Hokkaido's Hidaka region

has long flourished as a thoroughbred breeding ground,

dotted with numerous ranches.

Horse owners visit each ranch…

HAYASHIDA RANCH

…to purchase new horses and decide which races to enter them in.

How are they?

Nothing to report.

Their trainer, Tadokoro, just arrived.

- Hello. - Hello.

Hello, sir.

- Tadokoro. - Yes?

Thanks to your lax strategy, they've only done three races this season!

Mr. Kurisu?

I want to see Fight deliver results!

It's too late to change course now.

Stop your rambling and give this guy a taste of victory!

It's in three weeks. We're behind everyone!

Why not give it a shot?

We made the decision together, didn't we?

- We all have our own schedules… - I know that.

Is this helpful to you?

For your second opinion.

Oh, yes.

It must be hard,

going to each place to check them firsthand.

The president is especially passionate about this.

Some people find it hard, but…

This is quite a rare opportunity.

Sir!

Wow! Izana's gotten more beautiful!

She was always beautiful?

The president owns that one too?

Yes.

A bit of a special horse.

- The president's here… - Can you tell?

She has a crooked leg.

Indeed.

That kind of horse usually doesn't sell.

With a leg like that, there's no guarantee they can run.

The president forcibly bought her, along with Royal Fight from this ranch.

- Mr. Accountant! - Yes?

Give her a touch.

What? But I…

It's okay. Go on!

Is a horse's value measured by money or achievements?

To me, it's more than that.

The value of a horse can't be measured with mere numbers.

Go on!

Don't worry, Izana.

Good for you, Izana.

This man is your friend, too.

All right.

Welcome.

Hello, Eiji.

Please come home.

You don't need to help out, just come pay your respects.

No way.

Eiji?

Eiji Kurisu?

Am I wrong?

Kanako.

Yes!

I thought I'd gotten it wrong because you didn't respond.

My place is 30 minutes from here.

Oh, I see.

How long has it been?

I don't know.

Ten years?

Ten years, huh?

Already?

- Long time no see. - It really is.

What a coincidence.

Oh, no. You're still using that.

This one's from Hidaka.

No way!

- Ta-da. - Oh, me too.

So? What are you doing here?

Sorry!

I need to make dinner.

I see.

- Your kid? - Yes. Shohei.

Wow.

Oh, then…

What should I call you now? Your surname.

Right.

I got divorced, so I'm going by Nozaki again.

I see.

Coming!

Bye.

Here you go!

Thanks.

Those were the last ones, we got lucky.

Okay, let's go!

- Why're they out of fried chicken? - It's really too bad.

Hey.

- Hey! - Excuse me.

I believe my father is using it to embezzle funds for personal gain.

PALUT HOLDINGS - 467,000 CASH

Let's now discuss the losses incurred by Horse Racing.

My investigation confirms

that all items of expenditure in racehorse maintenance

are significantly higher than those of the average horse owner.

Furthermore, opaque expenditures have been observed in areas

such as entertainment and transportation.

While the horse racing business

is ostensibly intended to boost the company's profile,

many aspects lack specificity,

making the cost-effectiveness difficult to assess.

Thank you.

- Over to the board now. - Unknown figures, huh?

Well, that's how it is.

What?

We believe

we should expedite our withdrawal from Horse Racing as soon as possible.

Based on mere numbers?

Do you have any idea how hard my horses have fought?

To what extent they have carried the Royal name?

The value you get from that cannot be represented by mere numbers.

Sir.

They may have value, but they're not profitable.

That's your limitation.

Start again from the entrance exam.

Do you have a dream?

Do you have a dream?

What?

Numbers.

You're merely staring right ahead.

Don't you think you're missing the bigger picture?

Let me ask you.

What lies ahead if you take away a horse's ability to run?

Do you know, sir?

What lies ahead…

Are you mistaking horses for cars or something?

- They're not vehicles. - Sir.

- They're not toys! - Sir!

I'd like to discuss the relinquishing of your horses after this.

I'm so sorry for how my father treated you.

Let's hope everything goes well.

We'd greatly appreciate Mr. Kurisu's continued support.

Of course! It would be an honor.

Thank you for your work.

Thank you!

Yes! You've got this!

That's my man!

Sorry for calling you about this.

It's okay.

Relinquishing horses?

Usually, they're handed over to another owner.

- Yes. - But in Royal's case…

They have poor results.

Yes.

Everyone's playing to win, after all.

If no owner can be found to take them in,

they can go to racing schools, riding clubs,

or even petting zoos instead.

- I see. - But…

None of them may have room to spare.

If all of that fails…

Then?

They'll likely be put down.

Put down?

This is a racehorse training facility.

This is where horses undergo training in preparation for their races.

Sorry for the trouble.

What's up?

May I see them?

Royal Fight and Royal Izana.

Where are they now?

What for?

I'm curious.

I'm sorry you had to come all the way to Miho,

but you shouldn't get too fond of them.

Or you won't let go.

Actually, the president came by earlier.

What?

I thought he came to tell me about quitting horse racing.

Instead, he left them to me to make winners out of them.

What should I do?

- Hey! - Yes?

Look what we got.

Have you seen Kurisu?

No?

He's in Hokkaido.

Hokkaido?

I'm amazed you'd come all the way to Hidaka.

It's also my fault.

Is this about the withdrawal?

I'm very sorry.

Want to see them?

Fight has gone back to the training center,

but Izana is still with me.

Izana!

The President met her in the fall, three years ago.

How did the sire do?

He's won four major races.

- Not bad. - Yes.

Hey. Is that a new horse?

- Yes. - Is it sold?

No, not yet.

It's…

It's…

What?

That was Izana.

She was far weaker than she is now, with a distinctive gait.

She was an awkward-looking horse that clearly no one wanted to touch.

I think she'll grow to be as dapple-grey as her mother.

But as you can see,

there's no telling how well she can run.

So you'll care for her here till the end?

Is it a she?

Yes.

What's the dam's name?

It's Izana.

What does it mean?

A place in Spain.

My son, who died nine years ago, named her.

It's not exactly auspicious, but…

I think that's most likely Izana's very final foal.

"Royal Izana."

Exactly nine characters. Not bad.

Mr. President.

Her and that colt for 30 million.

If you agree to that price, I'll take them right away.

But they aren't worth that high a price…

I'm the one who decides.

I'm not doing this out of goodwill.

I'll train her to run as often as possible.

No matter how little I can get out of her,

I'll take responsibility and find a good stud for her.

Izana's lineage…

Is the work your son started, which I'll preserve.

I'm counting on you two!

That's how he is.

I owe him a debt of gratitude.

Good work, ma'am.

Good work, ma'am.

I left the horse relinquishment entirely to the broker,

so I expect everything to be settled within the next month.

I see.

- I'll be going. Take care. - Yes. Thank you.

It's smooth sailing here too.

Thanks to you.

Be it a dream or a fantasy,

gambling is downright stupid, if I'm being honest.

He ought to make money the right way.

Just like you, Mom.

Is he competent?

What?

Our current tax accountant.

Right.

Well…

He's nothing out of the ordinary.

Hey!

Sorry for coming this late.

It's okay. We're in the same industry.

How did it go?

Let me help out.

Okay, right over there.

Put on the boots.

It's hard to carry on for ranchers and horse owners in the long term.

The family farm would have gone under if I hadn't moved back.

I just knew I couldn't let that happen.

I had to keep it going.

Why?

Did I ever tell you?

A thoroughbred's sire line can be traced back to only three horses.

Really?

Yes, in the beginning, there were three.

Only three in the world.

And to make them stronger and faster, and push their abilities to the limit,

humans have bred them through generations of crossbreeding

to create today's racehorses.

Of course, some don't pass muster.

But among them, an amazing blossom will come out of nowhere.

- Put it in here. - Okay.

A truly incredible horse.

A horse for a new era, one that will redefine evolution itself.

Having reached that point, at last that horse,

it's ancestors, the humans who raised it,

will all be rewarded.

Only then does value emerge from what has been built up over time.

I just couldn't bring myself to stop it.

The value you get from that cannot be represented by mere numbers.

Eiji.

A tax accountant's job isn't just about crunching numbers.

Go out there and learn all kinds of things.

Study the world, study the people,

and someday do work that will earn gratitude.

If all of that fails, they'll likely be put down.

Izana…

Yes?

Mr. Kurisu is here, sir.

Excuse me.

I was about to make my case to push back against you.

But look at this mess.

So? What brings you here?

I'm seeking a new place for your horses.

I cannot do anything about the future of your company.

As for the fate of the horses you currently have,

please allow me to assist you.

I'm sorry.

Even I don't know what I'm getting myself into, but…

Please allow me.

Do you know what makes a horse good or bad?

I don't.

For instance,

suppose there are two horses with all their info hidden.

One costs 200 million yen. The other, two million.

I'm not confident I could pick out the 200 million-yen one.

Besides, it's not like I have to choose such a horse.

One that will fetch me 200 million…

How the hell should I know?

So if I see that the person behind the horse

is someone I can trust

and they come to me with real conviction, I'll invest in it.

I bet on trusting people.

Can you do that?

No.

Then stay out of this.

Rather…

You can bet on me.

Please provide me with all the ledgers, contracts, receipts,

and other records here pertaining to Horse Racing.

I'll peruse every document,

payee, supplier, associate, and business partner.

I'll examine all possibilities to help your horses live on as racehorses.

Why do you have to go so far?

"I don't want them to end here."

That's how I feel.

Hello? I need your help.

I need an urgent appraisal.

SANNO BUILDING

Arrangements have been finalized for the disposal of all horses.

All we need now is the president's approval.

What's your decision?

Excuse me!

- Mr. Kurisu! - Sorry for interrupting.

Can I have just a moment of your time?

Now?

I've brought seven years' worth of transactions.

Upon meticulously examining these,

I've discovered over 300 suspicious receipts

and unnatural invoices.

These receipts…

They were all issued using the same commercially available receipt forms.

Upon verification, I discovered that

most of the recipients do not actually exist!

I've also confirmed invoices from a consulting firm

dealing with the Horse Racing Division since its inception

that contain items lacking substance and charges that appear excessive.

These were made using fictitious receipts and kickbacks from a consulting firm.

An act of embezzlement!

Mr. President, what does this mean?

- I want an explanation! - Sir.

The President is not involved.

What?

Could you explain it to me?

Mr. Kaneshiro?

I got a research firm I work closely with

to examine the handwriting on the receipts.

The consultants have also completed their investigation.

Mr. Kaneshiro.

Your embezzlement is clear for all to see.

This embezzlement

has been occurring regularly for at least the past five years.

If the total amount were to be returned,

it would be enough to finance the training costs for the President's current horses.

Sir.

I request that the investigation report I submitted be withdrawn.

I hereby certify that President Sanno was not at fault in this matter.

The Horse Racing Division still has a shot at...

Wait a minute!

It still has a shot?

Wait!

I have a proposal.

Royal Human runs side businesses alongside the main temp company,

Horse Racing and Food and Drinks,

which I'll reevaluate.

If the situation calls for it,

I'll close them.

But…

Of course, I won't abandon the employees who'll be affected.

I'll move them all back to HQ.

But, sir, your Food and Drinks Division…

We are a temp company.

Better a good workforce than some good restaurants, right?

Yutaro.

I'm so sorry.

After that, Eiji Kurisu resigned from his accounting firm.

While it appeared he was taking responsibility for losing a major client,

the resignation was at his own request.

Kurisu…

Saved Kozo Sanno and his ten horses, yet he lost his job.

Yes, Hayashida speaking.

Yes?

ROYAL FIGHT

Do you have a dream?

Yes?

Mr. Accountant, it's me.

Welcome.

- Welcome. - Mr. Accountant!

Actually, I'm no longer…

Welcome to Niigata.

This way.

There's a vacant horse owner seat, left by Kaneshiro.

You take it.

Welcome.

Thank you. Welcome.

NIIGATA RACECOURSE

What is it that draws people in so much?

Both those who bet and those who are bet on,

most people end up in the red.

Even if they don't lose, they don't gain either.

Very rarely do some horse owners break even overall.

They are the chosen few.

It's all the more reason why we can't make it without money.

For the slightest boost to your win rate,

you need a lot of horses with good pedigrees.

But you know,

it takes a ton of money to buy a lot of horses with good pedigrees.

Just like him.

But horse racing is more than just that.

The amount of money you bet doesn't determine the outcome.

Rather,

there's a fleeting moment when both horse and jockey…

I mean, when every single person involved with the horse

becomes one with the horse.

What I call perfect unity.

Sometimes that can turn everything upside down.

Once you taste that, you just can't stop.

You'd forget having lost millions.

Forgetting that is majorly problematic.

You truly are a tax accountant.

Hello.

Let's see how the favorite fares on the straight.

About race distances, going forward…

Tadokoro.

Hello.

Congrats.

Are you a new staffer here?

- What? - For Royal.

No, I was just called out here.

FREELANCE WRITER

Well, I've heard rumors that there was quite a bit of drama,

where all his horses were almost put down.

It's a small world.

Hang on.

Here. I'm Taira.

I wondered if someone new stepped in to shore up the company.

Personally,

I'd like Mr. Sanno to stay in the horse racing world.

Why would you like him to stay?

He's interesting.

It needs a guy like him.

Mr. Kurisu.

Thank you very much.

What?

The owner said it's thanks to you that Fight could run today.

Therefore, I'm really grateful.

I knew it!

- No, I really didn't… - I'll see you.

- Thank you again. - I didn't…

Why not come work here now?

Any others that might try to run away?

No. Don't worry about it.

Enjoy the show.

Race Seven, jockeys.

Thank you.

Thank you.

WING DOYLE

- Be careful of drifting on corners. - Okay.

All right, Fight.

Show everyone what you can do.

ROYAL FIGHT

Third Niigata Race Meeting, Day Eight.

2,000 meters, 12 horses, good weather, excellent turf.

- Announcing the horses… - Let's cheer for them.

Number One, Tomoya Prime, 432 kilograms.

Minus six kilograms. Ridden by Koki Minamikawa.

Number Two, Lively Mine, 448 kilograms.

No difference. Ridden by Yoshiro Shiraishi.

Number Three, Velvet Dance, 492 kilograms.

- Mr. Goto. - Plus two kilograms.

- Congrats on the Takarazuka Kinen. - Thank you.

Number Four, Royal Fight. 482 kilograms, plus two kilograms.

- Thank you. - Ridden by Ryuichi Sugahara.

Number Five, Garland Tact, 462 kilograms.

Plus eight kilograms. Ridden by Kyosuke Maruta.

Number Six, Phantos, 462 kilograms.

Plus two kilograms. Ridden by Keiji Abe.

Number Seven, Elysion Middle, 476 kilograms.

Plus two kilograms.

- Hope he doesn't get hurt. - Ridden by Hiroyuki Minami.

Number Eight, Stevie Moon, 478 kilograms.

At last, it's Fight's turn. Keep a close eye on him.

Number Nine, With My Friend. 510 kilograms, plus eight kilograms.

Ridden by Ryuji Hikawa.

Number Ten, Enji Dome, 494 kilograms.

- Plus two kilograms… - Fight.

- It's okay. Don't get too excited. - Number 11, Wing Doyle, 462 kilograms.

Plus four kilograms. Ridden by Yutaka Take.

Number 12, Cosmos Blaze, 470 kilograms.

Plus two kilograms. Ridden by Naohiro Togawa.

And that's all.

Niigata Racecourse Race Seven. This is a maiden race for three-year-olds.

A 2,000-meter inner turf course with 12 horses on the tracks.

First, the favorite, Number 11, Wing Doyle,

has now smoothly entered the gate.

- He seems a bit agitated… - The odds are 2.3 to 1.

Number Five, Garland Tact, listening to the jockey again, moves into the gate.

The Niigata Racecourse turf is set to Course A.

The running rail is not in use, excellent track conditions.

From the fourth corner to the straight…

"Wing Doyle, no blind spots."

Number Six, Phantos.

Number Two, Lively Mine.

- Number Four, Royal Fight… - I'm counting on you, Sugahara.

- Wasn't his entry smooth? - Yes.

Enji Dome has safely entered the gate.

All the horses are in position.

The red light is on and they're off!

All 12 have begun the race!

They're vying to lead the pack!

In the lead right now is Number 11.

- All right. Come on. - Wing Doyle has taken the lead!

Wing Doyle, dashing ahead!

With the pink helmet, the favorite, Wing Doyle takes the lead!

Next is Number Ten, Enji Dome.

Then Number Two, Lively Mine. Wing Doyle is in the lead, followed by…

- Which place? - Mine's in fourth place.

- All right, that's a good spot. - Cosmos Blaze in third, then Lively Mine!

- Royal Fight remains in fourth… - Fight.

- He's followed by Velvet Dance. - Fight!

- All twelve are entering a curve. - Fight!

Fight!

As they go through the first turn, they are moving as one.

In the lead is number 11, Wing Doyle, with the pink helmet.

In second place is Number Ten, Enji Dome.

In third place is Number Two, Lively Mine, entering the backstretch!

Trying to overtake is Number 12, Cosmos Blaze.

In fifth place is Royal Fight with the blue helmet, finding a gap!

- By a small margin is Velvet Dance… - What a great sound.

Tomoya Prime is bunched up in the middle!

PHANTOS

With Elysion Middle setting the pace,

the 1,000-meter mark was cleared in one minute, one second!

Second place is Enji Dome. Third place is Lively Mine!

Followed by number 12, Cosmos Blaze!

Keep it up!

- Keep it up! - Wing Doyle is keeping the lead!

Number 11, Wing Doyle, is in the front. Next is Number Ten.

That's some skilled riding.

- You can still make it. - They head to the third curve!

Can Number 11, Wing Doyle, keep the lead?

The midfield pack, including Number Four Royal Fight is lagging behind a little.

Don't get boxed in!

- In the lead, Number 11, Wing Doyle. - Come on, Fight!

- Come on! - Between the third and fourth corners!

They are now heading to the final straight track!

Go!

Go for it!

Now is the run that decides it all!

Only 400 meters left!

After the 400-meter mark, Number Four, Royal Fight has gained speed!

- In the lead is a pink helmet. - Go!

- Go! - It's Wing Doyle!

They've maintained the lead. Royal Fight…

Goes from sixth to fifth, now fourth place!

Third place now!

Number Four, Royal Fight, with the blue helmet!

- Go. - The outer lane…

- Royal Fight charges straight ahead! - Come on!

- Come on! - Royal Fight and Wing Doyle.

Which will it be?

Fight is breaking through!

- Fight! - In the blue helmet, Royal Fight is…

- Come on! Fight! - He's in second place!

Good!

- Go! - Go!

Will Royal Fight make it? He's gaining ground!

Hold on!

Go!

Go!

Go!

Royal Fight's burst of speed!

Hold on!

- Go! - Will it be Wing Doyle?

Or Royal Fight? It's impossible to call a winner!

- They are now neck and neck! - Go!

- Will it be Wing Doyle or Royal Fight? - Go!

Go!

Wing Doyle and Royal Fight pass the finish line neck and neck!

A side-by-side finish!

Is it Wing Doyle or Royal Fight?

Niigata Racecourse Race Seven.

Please wait a moment for the results.

- Race Seven. - You did your best.

- First and second place. - Well played.

First place is…

- Number 11. - Oh, man!

In second place…

Is Number Four.

It has been decided.

- First place is Number 11, Wing Doyle. - Yes!

In second place is Number Four, Royal Fight.

- Congratulations. - Thank you.

- Number 11, Wing Doyle, was the favorite. - Thank you.

That concludes Race Seven at the Niigata Racecourse.

Number Four, Royal Fight, ran a strong race for second.

First place goes to Wing Doyle, Number 11.

The odds were 2.3 to 1.

Royal Fight coming in second place,

resulted in a high payout on the Exacta of 4,910 yen.

Next is Race Eight of the Niigata Racecourse.

It will begin at exactly 2:00 p.m.

Hello?

Mr. Kurisu? I'm down here!

What?

Oh, it's you, Mr. Hayashida.

Thank you very much.

But…

Really.

Thank you very much.

Thank you very much!

Last year,

my father passed away.

He was solely devoted to tax accounting.

He wanted me to take over his trade,

so he sent me to college in Tokyo.

I followed his advice and earned my tax accountant license,

and as part of my training, I joined a large firm.

Then, a few years ago…

My dad asked me to come and work with him.

At that time, I couldn't bring myself

to abandon the position and reputation I had acquired.

I thought I'd join him one day.

Yet, I kept running away from him.

And then, he suddenly collapsed and died.

I'm sure that when he told me to return…

He already had an inkling.

And yet…

I…

I ended up betraying him!

If only I could go back to that time…

Since then, for the past year,

I've always regretted that very moment.

But…

Today, I realized…

It's thanks to him that I am where I am now.

For the first time…

As my dad said, I became of service.

I've done something that earned someone's gratitude.

Don't say that to me.

Say it to your dad.

But I'm glad you told me.

I don't dislike people who can't get over their dad dying.

What's your name again?

Kurisu.

Eiji Kurisu.

"Chris," huh?

Nice, Chris.

Okay, Chris.

- What is that? - Want to work for me?

Want to come over to my place?

You've got no place to go, right?

Then come on over.

But before that, go pay your respects to your dad.

You have a lot to tell him.

- Congratulations. - Thank you.

Hey.

I wonder if horses know when they win.

Once they cross the finish line,

"I've won! I got first place!"

Do you think they understand that?

I don't know.

If you ask trainers or jockeys,

some will say they do and some will say they don't.

It depends on the horse, but…

I think they do.

When no one is running ahead,

and when no one has crossed the finish line yet,

you'll be the first to sprint through.

Even horses must feel great.

I want to let them experience that.

I'm dreaming of the peak.

I want to win the nation's top Grade I race

and make our horse the best in Japan.

At the Arima Kinen.

It's not just about skill.

You can't get there without the fans' vote.

It's the toughest dream.

Want to give it a try?

In exchange, promise me one thing.

You must never betray me.

Never.

Understood.

Did Dad win?

I'll call you back.

Second place.

- That's lame. He should've won. - I'm sorry.

The tax accountant acted unexpectedly.

Think about what to do next.

You have to protect that company.

All right. Let's go.

- Good work. - See you.

- Yes. - Good job.

"Narrowly defeated, Royal Fight

won second place overall."

August 7th, 2011.

That was the day he'd later recount to me.

"Before I knew it, I was running. I couldn't help but run."

If I reached out, I could surely grasp a brand-new dream.

"That's how I felt at that moment."

Win one central race within the year.

Reevaluate. We need a trainer who can win.

Do you hate horse racing?

I loathe it.

I want Fight to win.

You can win this way!

Subtitle translation by: Nix S.