The real-life inspiration behind Umamusume's Haru Urara continues to receive admiration from fans globally, transcending her notorious losing streak. Discover how enthusiasts are celebrating the actual horses featured in the game and review Cygames' official policies on fan-created media.
Umamusume: Pretty Derby's Real-Life Horses Garner Widespread Fan Adoration
Haru Urara's Caretaker Amazed by Unexpected Popularity Surge
Following the worldwide launch of Umamusume: Pretty Derby, the actual racehorses that inspired the game's characters have experienced a wave of newfound recognition, catching their caretakers completely off guard. The vibrant, pink-maned Haru Urara's real-world counterpart rapidly gained fame, leading to an official response from her handlers at Matha Farm.
Back in February 2025, the farm shared a celebratory image of Haru Urara wearing a birthday tiara. After the game's international release, fans rediscovered this post, flooding it with affection for the gentle brown mare. The birthday tribute has since accumulated over 25,000 likes and 2.2 million views.
Her caretaker took notice of this overwhelming response, posting on July 3rd to express gratitude for the global support. He expressed astonishment at suddenly receiving countless notifications from Haru Urara's months-old birthday post while gaining hundreds of new followers. Addressing international fans directly, he assured, "I'm not sure if this will reach our overseas friends, but Haru Urara is thriving—frankly, she's probably in better health and has more energy than I do!"
Interestingly, both the virtual character and her real-life inspiration share a common history—neither ever won a single race. Matha Farm's official website openly describes the celebrated mare as (via machine translation) "a legendary 'loser star' who experienced 113 consecutive defeats at Kochi racetrack."
Despite her consistent losses, Japanese racing enthusiasts cherished and championed Haru Urara, even when victory seemed impossible. The Los Angeles Times documented her extraordinary appeal in 2004, highlighting how she captivated audiences despite her poor track record. Devotees organized "Haru tours," purchased memorabilia, and even carried betting slips featuring her name as good luck charms against accidents.
Her unique story even captured the attention of former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, who publicly wished for her to achieve at least one victory. He remarked, "This horse embodies the spirit of perseverance despite constant setbacks." In 2019, Haru Urara finally secured her first symbolic win during the Soft Keiba event for retired racehorses. While not an official graded victory, supporters worldwide celebrated this milestone across social media platforms.
More than two decades later, Haru Urara remains vibrant and beloved, with her inclusion in Umamusume revitalizing public interest. One fortunate fan recently visited her retirement home in Chiba, Japan, sharing on Twitter (X) on July 6th that the aging mare "continues to enjoy a happy, comfortable life." The farm operates by appointment only, and the visitor noted that securing a visitation slot requires significant advance planning.
Gold Ship's Real-Life Antics Rival In-Game Personality
Another racetrack legend experiencing renewed fame through Umamusume is Gold Ship, celebrated for both spectacular victories and unpredictable behavior. The silver-haired character ranks among the game's most popular figures due to her playful mischief—a trait that paled in comparison to her real-world counterpart's legendary antics.
One particularly memorable incident occurred during the 2015 Takarazuka Kinen event, where the horse's unexpected performance resulted in approximately 12 billion yen (around $83 million) in betting losses. Considered one of the era's premier racehorses, Gold Ship's disappointing showing that day stunned the racing community.
The real Gold Ship shared his virtual counterpart's racing strategy—lagging behind initially before unleashing explosive speed in the final stretch. On July 6th, Twitter (X) user Esen shared a side-by-side comparison between streamer Premier Two's in-game Gold Ship race and the actual 2012 Arima Kiren event.
Both performances followed an identical pattern: Gold Ship lingered at the rear before demonstrating breathtaking acceleration to clinch victory at the last possible moment. Viewers expressed exhilaration in the comments, with even those unfamiliar with the game enjoying the thrilling race footage.
Recent social media posts show the retired champion enjoying his golden years—chasing butterflies and displaying endless energy. Some fans humorously speculate whether Gold Ship ever competed at full capacity, given his reputation for playful antics during serious racing events.
Official Fan Content Policies
With the franchise's growing global presence, developer Cygames has established comprehensive guidelines on the official Umamusume website to safeguard both their intellectual property and the real horses that inspired them. Created with permission from the animals' owners, these rules request that fans refrain from creating or distributing content that could damage the reputation or cause distress to the actual horses and their caretakers.
The prohibited categories include works designed to tarnish the franchise's image or harm third parties, content featuring excessive violence, sexual themes, or other obscene material, along with any creations infringing on others' legal rights. Cygames reserves the right to take legal measures against serious violations.
The company clarified that these guidelines aim not to restrict fan creativity, but to maintain a positive environment for all community members. Cygames encourages ongoing support for the real-life racehorses and hopes fans will continue honoring their legacies respectfully.
Umamusume: Pretty Derby is accessible on iOS, Android, and PC platforms. For the latest news and updates about the game, explore our detailed coverage below!
