Despite a reputation for losing, the real-life counterpart of Umamusume's Haru Urara has won the hearts of fans. Learn how fans are showing their support for the actual horses that inspire the game, alongside the official fan content guidelines from developer Cygames.
Umamusume: Pretty Derby's Real-World Horses Garner Fan Adoration
Haru Urara's Caretaker Amazed by Sudden Influx of Attention
The global launch of Umamusume: Pretty Derby has sparked new interest and affection for the real racehorses that inspired the characters, much to the surprise of their handlers. The real Haru Urara, the inspiration for the pink-haired, spirited horse girl, saw a sudden surge in popularity, prompting a response from her caretaker at Matha Farm.
Back in February 2025, her caretaker shared a photo of Haru Urara wearing a tiara for her birthday celebration. Following the game's release, fans rediscovered this post, flooding it with appreciation for the milk chocolate brown mare. The post now boasts over 25,000 likes and 2.2 million views.
Her caretaker took notice, posting on July 3rd to acknowledge the outpouring of fan support. He was astonished to suddenly receive notifications from his old birthday post for Haru Urara and to gain 400 new followers. He thanked the horse's supporters, adding, "I'm not sure if this will reach the overseas fans, but Haru Urara is doing incredibly well. Honestly, she's probably healthier and more full of energy than I am!"
Both the virtual and real Haru Urara share a common trait: a record of never winning a race. On Matha Farm's official website, she is famously described (via machine translation) as "a 'loser star' with 113 consecutive losses at Kochi racecourse."
Despite her losing streak, her Japanese fans adored and cheered for her, even when expecting defeat. In 2004, the Los Angeles Times highlighted her undeniable charm as her losses accumulated. Supporters organized "Haru tours," bought merchandise, and even kept betting tickets on her as good-luck charms to ward off traffic accidents.
Her fame even caught the attention of former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, who expressed hope that she would win just once. He called her "a good example of not giving up in the face of defeat." In 2019, Haru Urara finally "won" a race at the Soft Keiba event for retired racehorses. While not an official graded victory, fans celebrated her success online.
Over two decades later, Haru Urara remains lively and popular, partly thanks to her inclusion in the game. A fan who visited her at a small farm in Chiba, Japan, tweeted on July 6th that she is "still living a happy and healthy life." The farm operates by reservation only, and the fan noted that securing a visit slot is quite challenging.
Gold Ship's Real-Life Antics Are Even More Unpredictable
Another horse whose fame has been amplified by Umamusume is Gold Ship, renowned for its brilliance and powerful performances on the track. The silver-haired troublemaker is a fan-favorite in-game due to her mischievous personality. However, her real-life counterpart not only mirrors this but might be even more eccentric.
A notable incident (a lowlight for bettors) occurred during the 2015 Takarazuka Kinen, where losses totaled around 12 billion yen (roughly $83 million). Gold Ship was considered one of the top contenders, making his underperformance a massive shock.
The tendency to start races leisurely before unleashing a devastating late surge is a trait shared by both the game character and the real horse. In a July 6th Twitter (X) post, user Esen shared a clip of streamer Premier Two's Umamusume race with Gold Ship, comparing it to the real horse's famous come-from-behind victory in the 2012 Arima Kinen.
Both runs showed Gold Ship lingering at the back of the pack before demonstrating incredible speed in the final stretch to win. Fans were thrilled, expressing their excitement in the comments—even viewers who don't play the game enjoyed watching the virtual races.
Other clips circulating online show a retired Gold Ship enjoying life, chasing butterflies, and bursting with energy. Some fans humorously wonder if the horse ever raced at full power during his prime, given his reputation for playful antics on the track.
Guidelines for Fan-Created Content
As the game's popularity grows, developer Cygames has posted guidelines on the official Umamusume website to protect both their characters and the real horses that inspired them. Cygames states this was done with the permission of the horses' owners and asks fans to avoid creating or sharing content that could harm or cause discomfort to the real animals or their connections.
This includes works intended to damage the reputation of the franchise or any third party, content of a violent, sexually explicit, or otherwise obscene nature, and anything that infringes on the rights of others. Cygames reserves the right to take legal action against violators if necessary.
The studio clarifies that these guidelines are not meant to prohibit fan creativity or activities, but to maintain an enjoyable environment for everyone. Cygames hopes fans will continue to support the real-life racehorses and honor their legacies.
Umamusume: Pretty Derby is available on iOS, Android, and PC. For the latest news and updates about the game, check out our article below!
