サラブレッドは、イギリスで18世紀に競走馬用として改良され、育成された純血種の馬です。

その肢体は美しく気性は繊細。走る姿は勇壮で優美。
そして競争馬として優れた資質を持っている馬であればあるほど、その血統ゆえに、多くの試練と宿命を抱えています。

仔馬は春に誕生し、母子で過ごすのも束の間、強い競走馬となるためのトレーニングに励み、2歳になるとデビューし、レースでの戦いの日々が待っています。そして引退後には、その血統存続のための繁殖の役割が長く続くのです。

今夏、そんな強い血統の馬たちを間近で見る機会を北海道の牧場で得ました。牧草を食んだり、母子が厩舎で一緒に居る姿は微笑ましく、そこには、この美しいサラブレッドの血統を育て、見守り、競走馬として調教する人たちがいました。彼らの情熱と血統馬の生まれ持った資質が相まって、競馬競技は人々に夢を与えているのだと感じました。

幼いながらも、その凛々しく勇ましい仔馬の立ち姿からは、走るために生まれてきたことがありありと感じられます。それならば思いきり走って、人々の記憶に残る勇姿を見せてほしい！そんな想いが込み上げて、彼らの晴れ舞台を見る日が待ち遠しくなりました。

The Thoroughbred is a purebred horse that was improved and bred for racing in the UK during the 18th century.

Its physique is elegant and its temperament is delicate, yet its running form is majestic. The more a horse possesses outstanding qualities as a racehorse, the more it carries many challenges and destinies due to its lineage.

Foals are born in the spring, and after only a short time spent with their mothers, they dedicate themselves to training to become strong racehorses. By the age of two, they debut and days of racing await them. And after retirement, they have the long role of breeding for the continuation of their lineage.

This summer, I had the opportunity to see these strong pedigree horses up close at a ranch in Hokkaido. Seeing them grazing on grass or the mother and child together in the stable was heartwarming. There, there were people who nurture, watch over, and train these beautiful animals for racing. I sensed that the combined passion of the trainers and the natural attributes of the pedigree horses inspire dreams for many in horse racing.

From their young yet dignified stance, one can keenly feel that they were born to race. “Run with all your might and show your gallant figure. Let me burn your graceful strides into my eyes!” Such feelings welled up in me, and I became eager for the day to see their moment in the spotlight.