Several hours later, at the residence provided by the URA.
Winx was sketching a carefree, cheerful smile as she carefully sealed and stored a certain [training suit] laid out before her.
Even though the Pegasus Kinen champion's trophy was displayed right there on the table in front of her, in Winx's eyes, it seemed this training suit held the most value!
The second one—a training suit previously worn by Platinum!
With her scent still on it!
And the first one Winx had acquired was signed [Centaurea]. This second one, however, was signed [Platinum].
Just like that, she had collected both Miss Platinum's real name and her Uma Musume name. Perfect!
"This way I've not only acquired another of Miss Platinum's victory outfits and a trophy, but I've also successfully won my first overseas G1."
For Winx at this moment, the sense of accomplishment surpassed even her multiple Australian G1 championship victories.
After all, she had already secured over thirty major Australian graded race wins, with G1 races making up more than half of those. She was one of the Uma Musume worldwide with the most G1 victories.
This was her first overseas G1, and what's more, it was the inaugural running of the memorial race related to Platinum, the very Uma Musume she admired!
"No more being teased as a shut-in homebody, and I even get prizes related to Miss Platinum. This is truly wonderful."
After packing away her prizes, Winx's joyful mood gradually settled into calm.
With the first Pegasus Kinen now perfectly concluded, her calm mind began turning towards another race.
She recalled Platinum's post-race interview after her last peak race, where she publicly stated she would challenge the long-distance G1 Goodwood Cup, and then take on a mile G1.
Long-distance races… those were a terrifying length beyond her race range, something Winx simply couldn't participate in.
But mile races… that piqued her interest considerably.
After all, Winx's true specialty wasn't the current 2000 meters; it was actually the mile distance!
"Miss Platinum… her goal is to achieve mastery over all distances, to challenge for that [GOAT] title even in the mile category."
"I… I'm not at that level yet."
Even the proud Winx hidden within had to admit there was a clear gap between herself and the Mile GOAT.
That Mile GOAT, named Frankel, was the supreme crystallization of the Sea family—no, of all European breeding history. The most perfect masterpiece of horse breeding, flawless to the extreme.
If Platinum's aim was to surpass Eclipse, she wouldn't come to challenge Winx in Australia. She would undoubtedly choose… Frankel!
Winx also wanted to see for herself—just how formidable was the legendary Frankel?
Was there any possibility… any chance she could defeat Frankel in her own best distance, the mile, and surpass Miss Platinum in the process?!
Although the likelihood seemed… just a tiny bit small.
But in Uma Musume races, nothing is absolute! Her chance of winning couldn't possibly be 0%, right?!
"Alright, then I'll launch an expedition overseas too, just like Miss Platinum."
Winx had decided. She would follow in the Pegasus Platinum's footsteps, embarking on an expedition to Europe to challenge the strongest mile champion there!!
--+--
Japan, at Tracen Academy.
In the dormitory, a busty, twin-tailed red-haired girl emerged, wrapped in a bath towel that accentuated her very pronounced curves, having just dried her previously soaking wet long hair.
"Whew…"
Daiwa Scarlet couldn't help but let out a sigh.
She… had lost to Winx by five lengths?
It was a subtle, almost ["unbearable"] weight, a defeat she found shameful.
But during the award ceremony, Platinum had offered a word of praise…
"You ran well, Daiwa Scarlet."
"But you did run well, just like… our first meeting."
Platinum… not only remembered her name!
But she also remembered their first meeting, their very first confrontation, clearly?
Just recalling the exchange during the award ceremony, Platinum's two brief responses, made Daiwa Scarlet's heart pound faster, thump-thump-thump, as if she'd just gone through an intense battle.
Platinum remembered her? Had a place for her in her thoughts?!
Without her realizing, much of the regret and frustration from the defeat had faded away.
Daiwa Scarlet straightened her posture, chest out, and solemnly declared her new goal.
She would… continue getting stronger! She would become like Orfevre, possessing the qualifications and the strength to race overseas.
And then, she would face Platinum squarely in a proper race!
A five-length defeat would not shackle her pursuit of Platinum!
"I will… go from being an Uma Musume that Platinum thinks is 'not bad,' to becoming a rival she takes seriously!"
Tomorrow, she'd add more training!
--+--
At the URA office building.
Currently, an atmosphere of almost delirious celebration filled the place, from the upper management down to the regular staff.
Because… the recently concluded [Pegasus Kinen] / [Platinum Cup] had succeeded beyond their wildest imaginations!
Just this single inaugural memorial race for Platinum, also designated as an open [International G1], was currently generating far more attention and discussion, both in Japan and overseas, than the Japan Cup.
You have to understand, the Japan Cup was something the URA had poured immense effort into, hosting it for decades, yet it still remained, at best, a second-tier International G1 event internationally.
But this race named after Platinum, in its very first running, had managed to attract the legendary Australian super-shut-in, the 'Mile Empress' herself!
"Never such a wonderful start! Let's… let's cheer for Platinum, celebrate her!!"
Some executives were so excited their faces were flushed red, feeling profound joy.
"Had the race we hosted not been called the [Pegasus Kinen], had Platinum not attended, the attention would probably have been no different from the Japan Cup, right?"
"But because the Pegasus Platinum came, because she attended as a spectator, and provided the related prizes she designed… everything changed."
"Yes, even though Platinum didn't enter the race herself, she still changed Japanese racing!"
You have to realize, even top European mile G1 events had invited Winx dozens of times over the years, failing every time to get her to embark on an overseas trip!
It was solely because this was Platinum's memorial race, because the Pegasus herself was present, that Winx made her very first expedition.
Consequently, it piqued the interest of many overseas viewers even further—interested in Platinum, and also wanting to see how the Australian shut-in would fare on her first overseas trip.
In the eyes of many executives, Platinum deserved at least half the credit for this race's success!
That licensing fee, that all-in bet on Platinum… was so worth it!!
"Without a doubt, this is a success beyond imagination."
"However… everyone, we mustn't get careless. Under normal circumstances, maintaining even two-thirds of this level of attention for the next edition will be quite difficult."
"Relying solely on novelty, or entirely on Miss Platinum, is very dangerous."
Some sharp executives, already thinking about hosting the second edition next year, suddenly threw cold water on the celebration.
After all, among the champion's prizes this time was one of Platinum's actual training suits, a 'First Edition Limited' specific prize.
They couldn't very well keep making 'Second Edition Limited,' 'Third Edition Limited' prizes afterwards, could they?
And Platinum herself couldn't possibly attend in person every single year.
Take, for example, the dirt GOAT Uma Musume next door, the original Big Red Monster, Man o' War. Her memorial race is the [Turf G1 Man o' War Stakes].
Even Man o' War herself doesn't attend every year, let alone Platinum, who is still an active, and thus busier, Uma Musume.
So it was utterly unrealistic to rely on Platinum forever to drive the popularity of the [Pegasus Kinen].
"If we are unprepared, once the novelty wears off after two or three editions, I'm afraid the [Pegasus Kinen] will likely follow in the Japan Cup's footsteps."
The URA, once riding high and self-proclaimed as the authority, had even attempted to use both carrots and sticks. They planned to present Platinum with an award at the Japanese Uma Musume Annual Awards Ceremony, hoping to make her stay in Japan and run more races to maintain event popularity.
If it were most Japanese Uma Musume, they would probably have remained silent, bowed their heads, and felt compelled to agree.
The very few with the courage to disagree would usually just quietly leave Japan to seek success overseas, like stray dogs chased away from their master's home.
Platinum alone was different. She didn't stay silent. Instead, she coldly delivered a world-shocking response during a live broadcast—"The URA has no right to award me honors!" In the end, it was the URA desperately begging for her forgiveness, hoping she'd return to Japan.
Platinum's ability, her displayed unique character, and the benefits derived from that iconic moment were still paying dividends today!
It made the URA utterly dare not use underhanded tactics or moral pressure to make Platinum return to Japan for races multiple times.
They had been thoroughly tamed!
Now, as they contemplated future Pegasus Kinen events, they still didn't dare revert to their old ways.
Among the staff pondering deeply, one suddenly looked up, a hint of excitement on his face.
"I believe the Pegasus Kinen must, in any case, remain connected to Miss Platinum."
"Everyone knows it's Platinum's memorial race, but we can't possibly invite her forever, right?"
"No, we can approach it from another angle. For example…"
"On the day of the Pegasus Kinen, transform the racecourse as much as possible, recreating and replicating the appearance of Platinum's [Knight Arena] domain."
"It's like how some games change their map skins for April Fool's, Christmas, or the Spring Festival, right? We'll do the same for the Pegasus Kinen."
This idea instantly made most people's eyes light up.
Using this as a unique feature could indeed be a major highlight.
If it were just a single G1 race doing this, the manpower and resource costs might be somewhat high.
But there were two memorial races for Platinum, both held on the same day! Spreading the cost across both made the price seem less steep and well worth trying!
"Not only that…"
"I propose we add Platinum as an option for this year's [Japanese Hall of Fame]. Her voting rate for induction would be unprecedentedly high."
"Then, next year, the racecourse exhibition hall for the Pegasus Kinen could prepare an early exhibition of the Hall of Fame Uma Musume's achievements, taking the opportunity to attract curious foreign Pegasus fans."
"This way, we can both demonstrate how much we value Platinum, generate talking points, and attract her fans from both here and abroad!"
But even though it was a suitable proposal full of potential, after making some executives nod, others frowned slightly, hesitating to speak.
"This… it's risky. Let's drop this particular idea, shall we?"
It wasn't that Platinum was unworthy of the Pegasus peak.
The Pegasus Platinum wouldn't feel honored by being inducted into the Japanese Hall of Fame; rather, the Japanese Hall of Fame would be honored to have her.
No one wanted to see Platinum enter the Hall of Fame more than the URA executives, but… now might not be the right time.
The key point some higher-ups within the URA were concerned about was—Platinum is an active Uma Musume!
Once this precedent was set, the future of the Japanese Hall of Fame would become… complicated.
"If active Uma Musume can participate in the Hall of Fame selection, it could be quite dangerous."
"For example, when some Uma Musume first win the Classic Triple Crown, or act as [Japan's Great General] and defeat a foreign Uma Musume on home turf in the Japan Cup, their popularity will inevitably soar considerably."
"At the very least, their popularity will be extremely high for a year or two, greatly increasing their chances of Hall of Fame induction. This is… absolutely unfair."
In Japan, the Classic Triple Crown, while not the highest in pure racing quality, has an enormous impact on popularity. It's entirely possible for a Triple Crown Uma Musume with just three G1 wins to surpass a non-Triple Crown Uma Musume with six or seven G1 wins in terms of popular appeal.
If the latter takes years to make the Hall of Fame, while the Triple Crown Uma Musume gets in right after winning the Crown… that would be turning the natural order upside down!
Not to mention acting as 'Japan's Great General,' defeating a foreign, battle-hardened Uma Musume King suffering from travel fatigue on home soil—the actual quality of such a win is often lower, yet it can still garner significant popularity.
If active Uma Musume were allowed into the selection process, such situations would inevitably occur!
"Yes, once active Uma Musume can participate, the future value of the immensely important [Hall of Fame] will diminish, and the number of Hall of Fame Uma Musume will skyrocket!"
"At that point, I'm afraid public perception will become: 'The Japanese Hall of Fame? Doesn't seem as good as the Pegasus Hall of Fame!'"
"Actually… many viewers already say that now. We don't need to wait for the future."
The Pegasus Hall of Fame—that super special effect where the second-place Uma Musume, the one closest to defeating Platinum, turns into a sculpture when Platinum surpasses her opponents to win!
The 'victims'… no, the successfully inducted Uma Musume on it so far are: Daiwa Scarlet, Dubai Millennium, Montjeu, Galileo, Sea the Stars, Black Caviar, etc.
Compared to the Japanese Hall of Fame members like Symboli Rudolf, Oguri Cap, Narita Brian…
It really did seem like the Pegasus Hall of Fame had the higher quality!
After being rebutted by many voices, the member who made the proposal thought for a few seconds before responding.
"Then… just like the [Platinum Rule] we custom-made for the Pegasus before."
"What if we tailor a new rule this time as well?"
In many sports, when new public rules or treaties are introduced, but are clearly influenced by a specific athlete… they often earn the nickname 'XX Rule.'
The Platinum Rule was the same.
Back then, after Platinum won the British Epsom Derby, the third leg of her [Irregular Triple Crown], there was no need for her to run the Kikuka Sho (Japanese St. Leger).
To attract Platinum, the URA hastily introduced a new rule… if an Uma Musume wins the fourth classic race after securing the Triple Crown, the prize money for that fourth crown would be doubled!
How could any Uma Musume challenging either the Classic Triple Crown or the Triple Tiara possibly win a fourth classic race?
It was highly unlikely any Uma Musume would achieve that even in the next ten or twenty years.
Therefore, this was practically the URA blatantly trying to attract the Pegasus, shower her with money, but not wanting to pay such high Kikuka Sho prizes every year—a 'money-giving treaty' prepared specifically for Platinum alone.
Heaven and earth, Platinum reigns supreme! Custom-made for her!
Now… crafting a second Platinum Rule for her didn't seem impossible.
"I propose we formulate it as—when an Uma Musume achieves three overseas G1 victories, she can directly enter the Hall of Fame selection early, while still active."
The former strongest Japanese Uma Musume, the Emperor (Symboli Rudolf), secured a total of seven G1 wins, none of which were overseas G1 victories!
This requirement of three overseas wins was plainly designed specifically for Platinum too!
"That… sounds quite appropriate."
"If it's like this, then I vote in favor."
"It both shows our friendliness towards Platinum and doesn't compromise the inherent quality of the Japanese Hall of Fame. Very suitable!"
Finally, during the meeting's vote, the vast majority raised their hands and passed this new [Platinum Rule]!
--+--
The next day.
United States. Inside a clinic.
A young black-haired doctor in a white coat was habitually looking down, reading a newspaper.
After activating the [Margaret Nearl] transformation and also gaining a slight boost in endurance from [Mlynar Nearl]…
Superficially, as a member of the Nearl family in this world, he had unknowingly developed the habit of reading the newspaper.
"Huh?"
When Lin Anran saw a particular news piece, he raised an eyebrow.
[Japan's racing authority, the URA, has introduced a new rule regarding Hall of Fame selection.]
[Upon achieving three overseas G1 victories, the requirement for retirement prior to selection will be waived, allowing active Uma Musume to participate in the Hall of Fame selection.]
"This… isn't this obviously prepared for Platinum?"
"It seems the Pegasus Kinen was quite a success."
After this muttered observation, Lin Anran heard footsteps approaching from outside the clinic.
They were somewhat light and agile footsteps, followed by the appearance of a petite, cute, pink-haired girl in front of him.
That was… Sea the Stars' close friend, the future European turf supernova maiden—Treve!
"Treve? When did you get here?"
"Isn't your physical condition quite good right now?"
Lin Anran was slightly surprised.
He had a temporary training advisory relationship with Treve. Starting a while ago, he had been visiting Treve's training ground almost daily to monitor her condition.
A couple of days prior, they had finalized her training load for the short term, meaning there was no need for adjustments for the next few days.
Thus, their daily meetings could be spaced out to every few days.
So why was Treve here now?
"Do I really need to be in poor health to come see you?"
"Dr. Lin~"
The smiling, petite foreign pink-haired girl Treve gazed with keen interest at the doctor, Lin Anran, before her.
She was here to help her bestie, Little Star, protect Dr. Lin!
But the next second…
Lin Anran's phone buzzed with a text message.
[Secretariat: Dr. Lin, my race is over. I'm coming to find you now.]
——Treve was about to run into Secretariat!
--+--
T/N: A Certain Scientific Railgun Fanfic Up!
--+--
T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
There should be... around 70+ advanced chapters?
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.