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Globally released in mid-2025, Uma Musume: Pretty Derby features female characters who personify real-life racehorses. With its charming visuals and engaging storylines, the game provides an educational glimpse into the world of horse racing—something many in the younger generation may not be familiar with.
 

Here are 5 of the 10 legendary racehorses that inspired characters in Uma Musume, and why they are so beloved in both the real and virtual worlds:
 

The main character of Uma Musume, Special Week, is based on the real-life racehorse of the same name, who won the 1998 Japanese Derby and the 1999 Japan Cup. This horse’s touching life story—born to a mother who died during childbirth and raised by a trainer who treated him like family—captured the hearts of people across Japan.
 

In the game, Special Week is portrayed as a spirited girl from the countryside, dreaming of becoming Japan’s number one. Her optimism and determination reflect her real-life counterpart’s journey from underdog to national icon.

Silence Suzuka holds a legendary status in Japanese horse racing, famed for its incredible speed. Tragically, his career ended when he suffered a fatal injury during a 1998 race—a moment so emotional it earned him the reputation of a “hero who fell in battle.”

Tokai Teio is the ultimate tale of resilience. A Japanese Triple Crown winner, he suffered a severe injury that nearly ended his career. Many doubted his return—until he silenced them with a stunning victory at the 1993 Arima Kinen.

In the game, Tokai Teio appears as a cheerful, energetic girl with an unbreakable spirit. Her story is one of rising after setbacks, and she often inspires players to keep pushing forward despite obstacles.
 

If there's one wild card in Uma Musume, it's Gold Ship. The real-life horse was known for unpredictable antics—sometimes launching off with explosive speed, other times refusing to start at all. Yet he still earned top honors in major Japanese races.

His in-game version is just as quirky: a chaos-loving prankster who can still pull off a win when it counts. Gold Ship reminds us that being different is a strength—and even the most unpredictable horses can become champions.
 

Oguri Cap earned his fame as the “people’s horse,” rising from local Kasamatsu races to dominate Tokyo’s elite circuits and becoming a legend. More than just a winner, he symbolized hope for outsiders challenging the mainstream.

In the game, Oguri Cap is portrayed as calm, humble, and fiercely determined. His character shows that humble beginnings don’t limit greatness. Today, a statue in Kasamatsu stands in his honor, inspiring new generations of racing fans.