Haru Urara's Fame Stuns Real-Life Trainer

The real-life inspiration behind Umamusume's Haru Urara unexpectedly captures fans' hearts despite her historical racing losses. Discover how players are celebrating these equine legends and Cygames' approach to community content.

Real-World Racehorses Behind Umamusume Characters Gain Devoted Fanbase

Haru Urara's Trainer Overwhelmed by Viral Fame

The global launch of Umamusume: Pretty Derby sparked unprecedented attention for the actual racehorses that inspired the game's characters. Haru Urara's caretaker at Matha Farm expressed astonishment when the famously pink-maned mare became an overnight sensation.

A February 2025 birthday post showing Haru Urara wearing a celebratory tiara resurged in popularity after the game's release, amassing over 25,000 likes and 2.2 million views. Fans flooded the post with appreciation for the chestnut mare.

On July 3, Haru Urara's caretaker acknowledged the outpouring of fan support, noting his surprise at receiving hundreds of notifications and gaining 400 new followers. He assured fans: "To all Haru Urara's supporters overseas - she's thriving with more energy than I've got!"

Both versions of Haru Urara share an uncommon legacy - historic racing losses. Matha Farm's website humorously describes her as "a legendary loser with 113 consecutive defeats at Kochi Racecourse."

Despite her poor track record, Japanese fans famously rallied behind Haru Urara during her racing career. The Los Angeles Times documented her cult following in 2004, reporting how fans purchased her racing tickets as good luck charms and organized fan tours.

Her story even captured the attention of former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, who praised her perseverance. In 2019, retired Haru Urara finally clinched victory in Soft Keiba's exhibition race - while unofficial, the win delighted her loyal supporters.

Now enjoying retirement at a private farm in Chiba, Haru Urara maintains her popularity among game fans. A July 6 visitor reported she remains "healthy and happy," though reservations remain highly competitive.

Gold Ship's Real-Life Antics Rival In-Game Personality

Gold Ship stands as another equine celebrity elevated by Umamusume's success. The silver-maned mare's unpredictable racing style - famously slow starts followed by explosive finishes - captivated audiences during her career.

Her most notorious performance occurred at the 2015 Takarazuka Kinen, where underwhelming results cost bettors approximately 12 billion yen ($83 million). This cemented Gold Ship's reputation as racing's ultimate wildcard.

Recent social media buzz compares Gold Ship's real racing footage with her digital counterpart's performance, showcasing identical racing patterns. Videos of retired Gold Ship chasing butterflies demonstrate her playful personality remains intact.

Cygames Establishes Fan Content Guidelines

As Umamusume's popularity grows, Cygames partnered with real horse owners to establish community guidelines protecting both the game's characters and their inspirational counterparts. The developer encourages positive engagement while prohibiting harmful content.

Cygames emphasizes these rules aim to foster positive engagement rather than restrict creativity. Players can enjoy Umamusume: Pretty Derby across iOS, Android, and PC platforms.