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Uma Musume: Pretty Derby is a game developed by Cygames in 2018 and officially launched in Japan in 2021. It became a global phenomenon after the English-language version was released in mid-2025, earning the title of Best Mobile Game at The Game Awards 2025.

In the game, players take on the role of a trainer guiding “horse girls”—characters with horse-like traits such as ears and tails—toward victory on the racetrack. These characters are inspired by real-life racehorses that once made history, including Special Week, Silence Suzuka, and Oguri Cap.

Its strong visual appeal, character-driven storytelling, and the fusion of racing with anime elements have allowed the game to reach audiences who previously had little interest in horse racing. This phenomenon has not remained confined to the digital world.

In Japan, fan communities have begun filling real racetracks, attending live race events, and even visiting historic horse farms that inspired characters in the game.

Even more interestingly, the game’s impact is now visible within the international horse racing community. Several races have held official collaborations with Uma Musume, and characters from the game have even inspired the names of real racehorses—one example is Happy Meek, which won at Nagoya Racecourse in early 2026.

The phenomenon has also produced a unique social impact: fans of the game have taken part in fundraising efforts to support the welfare of real horses. In Hokkaido, for instance, Uma Musume fans raised approximately US$600,000 to US$800,000 (around Rp9.6–12.8 billion) to help fund care facilities for retired horses at a local farm.

What Does This Mean for Horse Racing in Indonesia?

In Indonesia, the rise of this phenomenon coincides with growing enthusiasm for horse racing at several national events, including the Indonesia Horse Racing (IHR) Indonesia Derby 2025. Live-streamed races organized by SARGA.CO, as the promoter, recorded a sharp increase in online viewership, signaling renewed interest that may well be influenced by this global trend.

Uma Musume: Pretty Derby has demonstrated strong potential to attract younger generations. From the digital realm to real racetracks, this phenomenon could serve as a new bridge to revive public interest in horse racing—a classic sport now infused with modern pop culture.

(Source: America’s Best Racing)