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SARGA.CO – The worlds of gaming, pop culture, and horse racing have once again proven that emotion and fan devotion can extend far beyond the digital screen. In less than two months, fans of Uma Musume: Pretty Derby, together with Japan’s horse racing community, successfully raised more than US$600,000 (approximately Rp9.5 billion) to renovate the stable of Meisho Doto, the legendary racehorse who inspired the Umamusume character of the same name.
The fundraising effort was aimed at Northern Lake Farm, a retired racehorse sanctuary in Hokkaido, Japan, where Meisho Doto spends his retirement alongside many other legendary horses. The campaign achieved remarkable results, with total donations reaching US$607,000 (¥94.9 million) as of December 18, just days before its scheduled closing on December 22.
From Game Character to Real-World Action
The character Meisho Doto was introduced in Umamusume in October this year and immediately captured fans’ attention. In the game, she is portrayed as shy and clumsy—a gentle reflection of the real racehorse’s story.
On the actual racetrack, Meisho Doto was known as the “king of runner-up finishes,” frequently placing second in major races, often right behind his iconic rival, TM Opera O. Though he rarely stood on the top step of the podium, his consistency and fighting spirit made Meisho Doto one of the most beloved horses among Japanese racing fans.
Now, far from the roar of the racetrack, Meisho Doto enjoys a peaceful retirement—one his fans are determined to protect in the best possible conditions.
According to representatives of Northern Lake Farm, the crowdfunding campaign aims to renovate the stables and surrounding environment, while also creating better facilities to support the health of all horses at the farm.
The current stables are more than 50 years old, plagued by structural issues such as leaking roofs and sections of the building beginning to collapse. Although the caretakers are deeply committed to caring for retired horses, financial limitations have made major renovations difficult without outside support.
“There are limits to what we can do on our own when it comes to building or repairing stables. That’s why we humbly ask for a bit of help from everyone who supports us,” the farm wrote on its fundraising page.
Target Reached in Just Hours
Public response far exceeded expectations. The campaign, which launched on October 24, surpassed its initial target of US$96,000 (¥15 million) in just three hours. Donations poured in from around the world, highlighting the global reach and solidarity of the Umamusume community and horse racing fans alike.
Encouraged by the overwhelming enthusiasm, Northern Lake Farm even set a new goal. If donations reach US$642,000 (¥100 million), they plan to purchase a specialized horse treadmill, a valuable training tool for maintaining fitness and aiding rehabilitation for retired horses.
Farm representatives described the equipment as “a long-held dream since the farm was founded.”
Northern Lake Farm is renowned for being home to many legendary Japanese racehorses. One of them was Taiki Shuttle, another Umamusume character, who also lived there before passing away in August 2022.
The story of Meisho Doto and the wave of support surrounding him is proof that Umamusume is more than just a game—it is an emotional bridge connecting a new generation to the real history of horse racing. From virtual characters has emerged real-world compassion for the welfare of horses who once made history on the track.
(Source: gosugamers.net)
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