HLM – Chapter 923 Choosing the Jockey

Seeing this, Marlon felt gratified from the bottom of his heart. “Tuhao Jin is an extremely outstanding lead stallion. It was born with a powerful commanding presence. If it steps onto the racetrack, it will shock everyone.”

Wang Bo understood what Marlon meant and asked, “You want to take Tuhao Jin to compete in horse racing?”

Marlon looked deeply at Tuhao Jin and said from the side, “It should go and show the world what speed and explosive power truly are… and what it means to never judge a horse by its appearance.”

Tuhao Jin played around with the group of ponies for a while, getting bits of loose fur stuck on its body. Marlon walked over and picked up a soft brush to clean it.

Wang Bo said thoughtfully, “I feel like… Marlon really wants to compete again? But at his age, that’s impossible. Am I mistaken?”

Peterson stood up and said, “No, you’re not mistaken. He does want to compete—he’s wanted to for a long time.”

Horse tamers were different from equestrian performers. In Olympic equestrian competitions, it wasn’t rare to see older riders. But racing pursued speed and explosive power—horse jockeys ate from the bowl of youth. At Marlon’s age, he should have long stepped off this stage.

“Then why does he still want to race? Don’t tell me he’ll die if he stops.”

Peterson replied, “Because he wants to prove to certain people that he is still the best trainer. That even if he returns to the track, he can still win the crown.”

“Why? What’s the point?”

“It’s a long story. Everyone carries a past. You see how Marlon always smiles kindly now? When he was younger, he was a wild and unrestrained guy.”

“Marlon beat many people. His temper wasn’t good back then, and he said some unpleasant things to his opponents. You once taught me a Chinese saying—the wheel of fortune turns.”

“Back then, his opponents rarely won against him. But later they all got married and had kids. Most of their children inherited the family business and are now active on the racetrack.”

“Marlon lived his life single. He has no children. When those people’s kids stepped onto the track, all he could do was watch from the sidelines.”

“That should’ve been fine. But those people—who used to lose to him—began mocking him for it. Marlon couldn’t stand it, so he meticulously trained a student.”

“But that student was easily bought off and turned against him. It was the greatest humiliation of Marlon’s life. So he dreams of returning to the racetrack to win a championship again—just to shut up those who humiliated him.”

Wang Bo didn’t expect such a story. He looked at Marlon’s back—the smiling old man suddenly seemed pitiful.

Marlon gently groomed Tuhao Jin, who enjoyed being at his side, occasionally snorting affectionately and leaning against him like a child.

When the brushing was done, Tuhao Jin nudged Marlon’s thin face with its head, then galloped off joyfully.

Wang Bo asked Marlon, “You really like Tuhao Jin.”

“I like horses. Tuhao Jin is the best horse—so of course I like it,” Marlon smiled.

“We all like horses…”

“No. We like them, but the meaning is different.” Marlon interrupted. “I am willing to live with horses as my companions, not live with people.”

“Why?” Wang Bo asked, puzzled.

Marlon chuckled softly. “Because horses are always horses. But people… are sometimes not human.”

Wang Bo guessed he was thinking of his traitorous student. He asked, “If Tuhao Jin goes to the racetrack right now, in its current state, what kind of ranking could it achieve?”

“It could dominate New Zealand’s tracks. In Australia, it would face some pressure but could still win. In Europe or America, winning would be harder,” Marlon said.

Wang Bo was shocked. “It hasn’t even undergone formal training. How can it be that good?”

Talent mattered, but it wasn’t everything. Professional athletes—human or animal—were far beyond amateurs.

Marlon said confidently, “Give it six months of focused training, and Tuhao Jin could sweep through Europe and America, winning every championship. I have full confidence.”

Wang Bo hesitated. “What about the jockey? Who will ride it?”

Marlon looked at Tuhao Jin and declared firmly, “Me.”

Wang Bo said, “But you know you’re getting old. This sport is too demanding for someone your age.”

Marlon looked at him, his usual smile gone, replaced by seriousness. “I am old. But I am the most suitable partner for Tuhao Jin. With the two of us together, we will win countless championships.”

Wang Bo licked his lips. “Alright, I believe you. In that case—where’s the nearest professional training ranch? We’ll send Tuhao Jin. It’s time to show it to the world.”

Hearing this, Marlon was overjoyed. “You’re willing to let Tuhao Jin compete?!”

“I want you to win more championships.”

Marlon burst into loud laughter. “Hahaha, Boss! Thank you for your trust and support! Within three years—two Grand Slams! If I can’t deliver that, I will never return to Sunset Town!”

That sounded serious. Wang Bo didn’t know what a Grand Slam meant in horse racing, but regardless of the sport, a Grand Slam was always top-tier.

He said it wasn’t necessary to be that serious, but Marlon waved him off. “If you’re driving a Ferrari against a bunch of Holden cars and still can’t win, then the driver is trash!”

“Oh, right. Besides Tuhao Jin, Black Horse King will also compete. She has the strength to challenge Tuhao Jin—and only that will bring out Tuhao Jin’s full potential,” the old trainer added.

Wang Bo hadn’t seen Black Horse King for some time and wanted to ride her again.

At the stable, Marlon peeked inside and whistled toward Black Horse King, beckoning. “Hey, girl, come on out. It’s playtime.”

Black Horse King glanced at him proudly, lowered her head, gripped the latch with her teeth, pulled back, then lifted upward—unlocking the door effortlessly and stepping out.

Bowen was dumbfounded. “It can open the door by itself?”

Marlon grinned. “It learned long ago. I only showed them four or five times. Both she and Tuhao Jin picked it up.”

“But after Tuhao Jin learned, it refused to stay put—always sneaking out to play. Black Horse King, though, stays quietly inside and only comes out when commanded.”

After some growth, Black Horse King had become even taller and more majestic. Her coat gleamed black under the sunlight, looking almost fluid, as if the light were sliding off her.

The little ponies saw her—and were instantly stunned.