"Welcome to the American Triple Crown."
"Don't get the positions wrong; you're the challenger here!"
The golden-haired maiden knight spoke her reply.
Nearl gazed calmly at the composed Easy Goer before her, and with her words, Easy Goer's expression froze completely.
Familiar, all too familiar. It was as if these words had once been spoken by...
They had been spoken by Easy Goer herself! (Note: Chapter 166)
Back then, Easy Goer had entered the Kentucky Derby as the overwhelming favorite, the top contender expected to dominate Nearl.
At that time, as the host—or rather, the number one favorite—she had confidently addressed the Radiant Knight from the obscure Nearl family of Poland with her "welcome."
Or perhaps, it was a declaration of war.
"Welcome to America..."
After Nearl calmly delivered her brief retort, it spurred Easy Goer into launching her pursuit!
"You're the challenger!"
And then—her pursuit ended in a crash.
Not only that, but now the situation had completely reversed.
In the final and most crucial leg of the Triple Crown, Nearl had seized the position of top favorite with a vote count nearly equivalent to the combined support of Easy Goer and Sunday Silence—two of the three top stars.
That massive gap in votes made it clear that the current Miss Radiant Knight wasn't just a favorite—she was the only favorite!
The top three? No, that was a thing of the past. Underdogs had no right to stand alongside the brightest star.
Even Sham, the former runner-up in the first two legs of the American Triple Crown and the one who had always been closest to Secretariat, had been utterly overshadowed in popularity by Secretariat herself.
In comparison, Easy Goer, who had skipped the Preakness Stakes and finished third in the Kentucky Derby, now had popularity on par with Sunday Silence—far below Nearl's.
Thus, Margaret Nearl had every right to echo Easy Goer's words.
The favorite for the Triple Crown, the host—had changed hands!
Such a dramatic reversal, all stemming from Nearl's calm, not vicious but utterly devastating "copy-paste"...
It was enough to make this esteemed third-generation Big Red blush with frustration.
Her face flushed, not from shyness but from shame and sheer anger.
Damn it!
Nearl, I'll surpass you a thousand times, and it still won't be enough!
Easy Goer recalled her intense training from the past few months and the customized regimen provided by the legendary Secretariat...
Soon, she regained her composure.
'I've been trained by the strongest—Secretariat herself! I'm not the same as before!'
'She's a national treasure-level Uma Musume. With her help, I've completely transformed!'
Legends were akin to national treasures, perhaps even rarer and more precious than most.
Take Eclipse, for example—once the pinnacle of British breeding glory, a symbol of British horse racing for the past century.
Or Frankel, now and for the next hundred years, regarded as the highest achievement of European breeding, upholding the prestige of the Juddmonte lineage and European racing as a whole.
Within British racing circles, there was some regret that Platinum had debuted in Japan rather than the UK.
But it didn't matter—the Pegasus Platinum had won the British Epsom Derby and the King George VI Stakes, so she could be considered half-British!
Great Britain was willing to claim Platinum as half their own! Even the highest halls of fame were discussing adding her to the ballot.
It had to be said, Britain's foundation was almost too rich. Though European racing was diverse, nearly half of the top-tier monsters hailed from the UK.
Meanwhile, the US was practically synonymous with dirt tracks, rivaling—if not surpassing—Europe in breeding and influence.
First, there was Man o' War, who dominated dirt racing and nearly caught up to Eclipse. Then, Seabiscuit became an inspirational and hugely influential legend, sparking widespread love for dirt racing and greatly boosting its popularity.
And now, Secretariat and Nearl had emerged in consecutive years, astounding racing fans worldwide!
Trained personally by the latest legendary Uma Musume, and blessed with extraordinary innate talent, Easy Goer was poised to unleash her full power here.
'This is my last chance... the best opportunity of my career to defeat a future legend!'
Among active dirt track legends, only Secretariat remained.
And the one most likely to become a legend, soon to face off against her, was none other than the Radiant Knight before her!
As for her idol Secretariat, Easy Goer felt no desire to challenge or surpass her—not even a flicker.
Because not long ago, during a training match with Secretariat, Easy Goer had been brimming with ambition.
Her plan was to lose to her idol for now, defeat the Radiant Knight Nearl to grow stronger, and then face Secretariat in the Breeders' Cup for a decisive showdown.
She could be replaced!
But the training match ended with her suffering a horrifying, crushing defeat at the hands of a not-even-serious Secretariat...
In that moment, Easy Goer's vision cleared, much like a Doctor who'd lost their W, or a one-trick player whose only hero was banned in ranked matches—she became acutely aware of her own limitations.
Her innate potential couldn't match Secretariat's, and she was younger and less experienced. How could she hope to surpass the strongest of the present era, a historical top-two?
The gap between the first and second generations might be tiny, almost within reach, but as a young third-generation whose Big Red title might not even hold, she was far behind.
Accepting reality, Easy Goer set her sights squarely on the Radiant Knight Nearl.
If she couldn't surpass her predecessor, she could still seek revenge against her peer!
If she couldn't defeat the active legend, she would defeat the future legend—Nearl!
Easy Goer believed that Nearl's potential might not be inferior to Secretariat's, but...
The Radiant Knight was too young. At least for now, before fully maturing, she shouldn't be able to match Secretariat!
"Just wait, this time I won't lose again."
The third-generation Big Red declared her resolve with cold determination!
--+--
A short while later.
They both stepped into the Uma Musume preparation area.
Belmont Stakes, preparation area.
The total number of participants was...
Eight!
Surprisingly fewer than the Preakness Stakes, an almost unbelievable situation.
It was clear that in the eyes of many Uma Musume, this final showdown of the top three was an absolute forbidden zone, its intensity potentially surpassing last year's climax between Sham and Secretariat!
When Easy Goer and Nearl entered together, they overheard the astonished discussions of several other American elite young ladies present.
"This... is strange. Why would a Pegasus take on such a schedule?"
"Right? Her invincible deeds in dominating middle distances are already enough to be remembered for a century. Why take such a risk?"
"I don't get it. The risk is way too high."
"I thought she'd challenge other European G1s, but she went to Australia instead?"
"Miss Pegasus... could she be aiming to conquer all distances? Does she really want to surpass Eclipse?"
Rather than focusing on the two powerful newcomers, these American Uma Musume were mostly looking down at their phones, as if they'd just seen something utterly shocking.
"Well, the Pegasus's movements have always been beyond imagination. Who would've thought a Japanese Uma Musume would blitz the British Derby in the first place?"
"After the blitz, she immediately returned to Japan, achieved an unprecedented irregular triple crown, and then went to Dubai for a same-day double crown."
"Now she's off to Australia to 'educate' those homebodies. It's surprising, but totally something the Pegasus would do!"
There were only two Pegasus in the world.
The latter had just arrived before them, but the Japanese Pegasus they referred to was clearly...
The Silver-White Pegasus: Platinum!
These American Uma Musume had all just stumbled upon a heavy news story that was shaking racing circles worldwide.
[Breaking News! Pegasus Platinum announces entry into The Everest in Australia!]
[Unbelievable! The strongest middle-distance Pegasus in history vs. the strongest sprinters, Black Caviar and Winx?]
[The strongest in middle distance taking on the strongest in sprinting?]
Such news briefly captivated them, even as their own race was about to begin.
No doubt, hordes of Platinum fans would fanatically speculate whether her goal was to "win G1s in every country worldwide!"
After a moment of surprised discussion, these exceptionally talented dirt track prodigies quickly refocused.
Even if Platinum were to conquer the world, leaving her victorious hoofprints in every racing jurisdiction...
If she came to the US, she'd most likely aim for turf G1s, maybe try dirt again, but the chance of encountering them in America's packed stakes schedule was minuscule, almost nonexistent.
Even the dark-haired girl Sunday Silence, lurking in the corner, believed that compared to the world's first Pegasus...
The second Pegasus before them was far more terrifying!!
After all, Platinum was unlikely to become their opponent.
But the Radiant Knight right here could truly surpass them all, devouring the entire field!
"Tsk..."
"Not just Nearl, but even Easy Goer seems completely different?"
"Family intel says Secretariat-senpai gave her special secret training. Looks like it was incredibly effective..."
Some Uma Musume watched Easy Goer's return with heightened vigilance.
Even if some fans outside thought Easy Goer didn't deserve the "third-generation Big Red" title due to her performances in the first two crowns...
Outsiders were outsiders. These elite Uma Musume who had faced Easy Goer before knew her true strength.
It wasn't that Easy Goer was weak—it was that Nearl was overwhelmingly strong, overshadowing her.
Eclipse First, The Rest Nowhere—that phrase described it perfectly.
And now, perhaps it was Easy Goer's time for revenge, a formidable enemy to be wary of!
Even Sunday Silence, who had placed second in the Kentucky Derby—one spot above Easy Goer—and had mastered her domain earlier, felt multiple surges of astonishing, surging aura.
Undoubtedly, they came from Nearl, and even Easy Goer.
'It seems... the intensity of this race will be higher than I imagined.'
The dark-haired girl frowned slightly but ultimately fixed her gaze on Nearl.
'But the strongest is undoubtedly still her!'
Yet, she wasn't without a chance.
This was the final, grandest leg of the Triple Crown. If she didn't win here, she'd truly end up empty-handed!
'No matter what, I must win this victory and dedicate it to 'Dr. Lin'!'
As the Uma Musume wore varied expressions, the preparation room door swung open again.
Staff entered and began giving instructions with earnest focus.
"Time's up. Please, first-popularity contestant Nearl..."
--+--
A short while later.
The golden-haired girl, draped in a pure white coat, reached her starting gate.
Now, she could feel her strong heart beating faster in anticipation of the grand race about to begin.
From the spectator stands beside the track, fervent cheers erupted at Nearl's appearance.
"Nearl! Nearl! Don't fall here!"
"Two years, two Triple Crown winners? Could it really happen?"
"Why is the Radiant Knight divine? First, let's start with the arrogant sin of Easy Goer..."
"Secretariat did it. If it's Nearl, she can definitely do it too!"
"Sorry, Easy Goer, you're my second favorite Uma Musume, but... my number one is a Pegasus!!"
Before the race, many spectators had supported the third-generation Big Red Easy Goer, hoping to see the possibility of three successive Big Reds, three legends.
It could be said that Easy Goer enjoyed the super-elite status bestowed by her predecessors' glory, while the Radiant Knight from the Nearl family was seen as a fallen, humble house.
When Nearl won her first crown, she gained some support and began climbing the popularity ranks.
When Nearl secured her second crown, she reigned supreme on the dirt, becoming the only favorite, far surpassing Sunday Silence and Easy Goer.
The top three? No, now there was only one top!
And now, under the watchful eyes of all, the Radiant Knight was launching her assault on the American Triple Crown, the pinnacle of triple crown events worldwide!
--+--
In the spectator stands.
A girl named Ruffian stared intently at gate number eight.
It was the gate of her most anticipated, most desired opponent—Nearl.
"Ruffian, do you want to challenge Nearl one-on-one, or take on both classic race champions?"
Beside Ruffian sat her familiar friend Flightline, who smiled slightly as she posed the question.
Both were little foreign fillies once cared for by Lin Anran, each showing remarkable talent.
But Ruffian was too young back then, a generation behind Secretariat and Flightline.
Flightline had been the monster closest to Secretariat in dirt training matches, capable of putting up a fight, but her body was somewhat frail, requiring more than double the rest time of other Uma Musume after high-intensity races.
Thus, although Flightline was the senior, her physique was weaker. Coupled with her gentle, literary image off the track and her mild personality, she got along well with every Uma Musume.
Even Ruffian was no exception. Now, they were both here as spectators.
"Taking on one opponent one-on-one is more interesting," Ruffian stated her view frankly, her eyes on the calm golden-haired knight in the gate before it opened.
"Winning against a potential legend in a solo duel is obviously more exciting than beating conventional world-class or historical Uma Musume."
"Flightline sis, you think so too, right?"
Though phrased as a question, it was more a statement of fact.
This pair of senior and junior—the senior Flightline appeared more delicate and petite, a gentle girl with her head bowed, holding a book.
The junior Ruffian, meanwhile, had a tall, graceful, mature figure.
Despite the contrast, both were incredibly strong, not lacking due to age or appearance.
Hearing Ruffian's question, Flightline smiled without speaking, tacitly agreeing.
Ruffian turned back to her friendly senior Flightline and announced her decision.
"Flightline sis, I've decided."
"Hm?"
"After this race, I'll issue a challenge to Nearl. Once I defeat her..."
"Then what?"
The somewhat petite, gentle literary girl tilted her head cutely, curious.
Ruffian calmly stated her decision.
"I'll publicly pursue Dr. Lin."
After winning her next race, she'd find a way to marry Dr. Lin!
As these words fell, Flightline was as if struck by lightning, her adorable, gentle face filled with astonishment.
"Eh..."
"Eh?!!"
"N-no, you can't! You're still in your classic year, with plenty of prime time ahead. Don't waste it on things outside racing."
"Little Ruffian, you're not experienced in matters of the heart. Wait until your older horse years."
Faced with her petite senior's anxious reaction, Ruffian remained composed, saying nothing more.
Flightline almost threw herself at Ruffian, tugging at her arm.
But Ruffian didn't even turn her head, blocking the petite girl who was both friend and senior.
"Stop clinging. I need to watch the race..."
The next second, the petite literary girl let out a soft whimper.
"Wah..."
"Then I'll have to make my move too."
Their extremely close relationship meant they hid nothing from each other.
In a way, this frankness was almost a declared showdown.
If things got dire... an alliance wasn't out of the question.
But for now, it probably hadn't reached that point.
The Lin Anran Cup probably didn't have any sneak attackers or runaway winners yet, right?
Finally, Ruffian gave a firm response.
"Mm, but whether it's one-on-one or the Lin Anran Cup, I won't lose."
[We're honored to have Miss Secretariat as a guest commentator for this heavyweight race.]
[This is an unprecedented spectacle in American Triple Crown history—every race of the series features a legendary Uma Musume as commentator, providing insights and observations on the race and the current talents.]
[This is a race not to be missed.]
Meanwhile, the crowd was stunned by Secretariat's presence.
Three races, each commented by one of America's three most famous legends, all focused on Nearl's performances.
Such treatment was unheard of!
The professional commentator's pre-race report continued.
[After drawing the inner gate advantage last time, it seems the Radiant Knight's luck has run out. In the Belmont Stakes with eight contestants, her gate position is the outermost—gate 8!]
[Her opponents include the returning third-generation Big Red Easy Goer and the dark noble Sunday Silence!]
[All Uma Musume are in the gates. The countdown begins. Let's wait and see!]
[10! 9! 8!]
--+--
As the countdown progressed.
All competing Uma Musume focused intently, eyes locked on the gates about to open.
Even Easy Goer felt her hair stand on end, her body trembling slightly.
In Japan, there was a saying: pre-race trembling in strong competitors wasn't fear but self-adjustment before facing a powerful foe.
But if asked now, Easy Goer would admit.
She... wasn't just adjusting. She was afraid!
And fear didn't necessarily breed cowardice—it could also ignite madness!
'This time, I won't lose again. Let the legend of the Pegasus end here!'
The next moment, the aura Easy Goer unleashed far exceeded the expectations of those around her—like a monarch dominating her realm, seemingly capable of hunting all enemies before her.
In terms of aura intensity, she had once been surpassed by Sunday Silence but had now overtaken her, becoming even stronger!
This was the final leg of the Triple Crown. To defeat Secretariat, she would give everything—spare no cost!
[5!]
[4!]
[3!]
As contestant number "8," Nearl, her sharp orange eyes held a seriousness surpassing any previous race.
She never underestimated opponents, never slacked off, and never delayed starts or veered off course like certain famous [Gold Family] Uma Musume in Japan.
To the Radiant Knight, disrespecting opponents meant disrespecting herself.
As for gate positions, drawing an inner gate was good luck, but an outer gate held no fear for Nearl.
Last race inner gate, this race outer gate—so what? Consider it building pity before pulling the gacha!
True strength wouldn't be affected by external factors.
What excited Nearl now was... the third-generation Big Red, trained by the acknowledged strongest on dirt, promised to be a worthy opponent!
'My third Zone... it's time to unleash it.'
'This time, it will be a race without worrying about my opponents.'
The golden-haired girl exhaled a long, steady breath, adopting a charging stance, listening for the final countdown.
[2!]
[1!]
As the countdown ended, all Uma Musume burst forth.
In the outermost gate, Nearl—the tall, golden-haired knight—even from the farthest position, with only eight competitors, the disadvantage wasn't severe.
Multiple figures surged forward, but within seconds, gaps appeared, and an unusual situation erupted.
[The race begins! The much-anticipated top favorite Nearl, from gate 8, unexpectedly…]
[In that far outside position, she accelerates with incredible speed right out of the gate?!]
[Unbelievable! The Radiant Knight just demonstrated her versatile running style last race, proving she can master multiple strategies.]
[In this final crown, not only does she maintain her signature Great Escaping style, but her acceleration out of the gate... is more fierce than in any previous race?!]
The commentator's voice spread across the vast venue as the gates opened and the race began.
On the dirt track, the powerful sound of galloping hooves echoed continuously.
Under the astonished gazes of numerous elite Uma Musume, the figure in the far outside lane—whom they expected to gradually angle inward, perhaps taking the lead by the first turn or halfway point—instead launched into a more aggressive Great Escape than in the Kentucky Derby! An acceleration beyond common understanding, more insane and extreme than any typical Great Escape!
What stunned Easy Goer and Sunday Silence even more was that the supreme Zone formed by the overwhelming aura rising around them... was activated the moment the gates opened!
From the outermost gate, the golden-haired knight charging forward with righteous strides had unleashed her mysterious, never-before-seen third domain!
--+--
[Domain: Blazing Sun's Obeisance]
[Passive: Under this domain, injuries sustained by oneself or opponents during the race are reduced by one level—in the name of the Radiant Knight, sheltering all!]
[While active, slightly reduces stamina consumption, slightly increases acceleration, power, and burst strength. A small portion of stamina consumed by sheltered Uma Musume is transferred to the Radiant Knight.]
--+--
Not only that!
Under the watchful eyes of tens of thousands in the stands and countless live streaming viewers worldwide, before the blazing sun, an immensely grand hall materialized!
"Guh... wh-what is this??"
"Am I seeing things? Nearl has a hall too?"
"Wait, could it be that Nearl is Platinum's sister? Sharing the same bloodline, so she can also summon the [Pegasus Hall of Fame]?"
"So cool!! What happens next? What happens next?!"
"Yea! So intense! Don't stop there!"
"Seeing the dirt-track Pegasus Nearl's hall is worth the price of admission, even if I die!"
Under the gaze of all—
Nearl's Unique Hall of Fame was revealed to the world!
--+--
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.