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With 17 wins from 39 starts, earnings exceeding ¥1 billion, and a record of 10 G1/Jpn1 victories, his rivalry with Copano Rickey produced some memorable races, while his triple straight victories in the Kawasaki Kinen cemented his place in the history books.

Now, in Uma Musume: Pretty Derby, Hokko Tarumae joins the roster as a hardworking local idol determined to introduce the world to her beloved hometown of Tomakomai.

A Champion Named After a Volcano

Named after Mount Tarumae, a volcano in Tomakomai, Hokko Tarumae was foaled on 26May 2009, at Ichikawa Farm. Sired by King Kamehameha, the 2004 Japanese Derby winner, and out of Madam Cherokee, he belonged to a pedigree with considerable racing potential.

Hokko Tarumae made his racing debut at Kyoto Racecourse in January 2012, finishing 11th. He bounced back at his next start to claim his first win and gradually established himself as an up-and-coming dirt runner. His early career included several wins at different racecourses before he stepped up to graded competition.

Although he finished 5th in the Japan Dirt Derby, he showed his potential by winning the Leopard Stakes later that summer. He ended the year by finishing 3rd in the Japan Cup Dirt despite being only the 9th favourite. It was a promising beginning, but his greatest achievements were still ahead.

The Five G1/Jpn1 Breakthrough

Hokko Tarumae emerged as a dominant force in 2013, winning five G1/Jpn1 races in a single season. After finishing 3rd in the Tokai Stakes, he won three consecutive races: the Saga Kinen, Nagoya Daishoten, and Antares Stakes. Those triumphs set the stage for his breakthrough at the highest level.

At the Kashiwa Kinen, Hokko Tarumae defeated the veteran Espoir City to claim his first Jpn1 title. He followed that achievement by winning the Teio Sho, adding another major prize to his growing collection.

After a break, he returned for the Mile Championship Nambu Hai but could not catch the front-running Espoir City in their rematch. He bounced back in the Japan Breeding Farms' Cup Classic, leading and holding on to win in a course-record time.

Despite finishing 3rd in the Japan Cup Dirt, Hokko Tarumae ended 2013 on a high note by winning the Tokyo Daishoten, defeating Wonder Acute by a length and a half. His successfulseason earned him the NAR Grand Prix Dirt Grade Race Special Award.

From Champion to Tourism Ambassador

Following his recognition as Japan's Best Dirt Horse of 2014, the Tomakomai Tourism Association appointed Hokko Tarumae as the city's tourism ambassador. The decision reflected the connection between the horse, his name, and the city associated with Mount Tarumae.

It was an unusual distinction for a racehorse, but one that suited his growing popularity and influence beyond the racetrack. Tomakomai gained a sporting representative, while Hokko Tarumae became a symbol of local pride. His achievements helped introduce the city to racing fans who might otherwise have known little about it.

Hokko Tarumae in Uma Musume

In Uma Musume: Pretty Derby, Hokko Tarumae appears as a hardworking and earnest idol racer who dreams of promoting Tomakomai to the world. Rather than simply wanting to become a famous racer, she approaches her athletic career as part of a larger mission: introducing people to the city she loves.

She continually experiments with ways to promote her hometown, earning a reputation as a local idol and even being affectionately called Tomakomai's tourism minister, like the real horse. Her unique skill animation even features Toma Chop, Tomakomai's mascot, reinforcing the connection between her racing career and local identity.

Hokko Tarumae's relationships in Uma Musume also draw from real racing history. Her mainrival is Copano Rickey, whose feng shui fascination contrasts with Hokko Tarumae's more practical approach, much like the real horses’ clashes for first place.

Her relationships with other characters like Wonder Acute, Katsuragi Ace, Still In Love and Verxina also contain subtle references to real-life connections, like their main jockeys, trainers, races and bloodlines.