

SARGA.CO – In Uma Musume: Pretty Derby, every character is inspired by a real-life racehorse who once left their mark on the track. Among the many legendary names, Hishi Akebono stands out—not just for his massive size, but also for his fighting spirit that made him unforgettable.
But who exactly was Hishi Akebono in real life? And how did his life story make him worthy of being immortalized as a character in Uma Musume?
From America to Japan: Born Big, Destined for Greatness
Hishi Akebono was born on February 27, 1992, in the United States, by Woodman out of Mysteries. His enormous size immediately caught the attention of his owner, Masaichiro Abe, who named him “Hishi Akebono” after the sumo legend Akebono Tarō. From the beginning, he was destined to be the “sumo wrestler” of the racetrack.
Under trainer Masaru Sayama, Hishi Akebono grew into a sprinting specialist. He wasn’t the type to charge ahead from the start. Instead, he preferred to stalk in the middle pack, waiting for the perfect moment to unleash his finishing kick. With a giant frame but explosive strides, he was truly a sight to behold.
Known for his blazing speed and remarkable endurance, he raced alongside skilled jockeys such as Katsuharu Tanaka, Hiroshi Kawachi, and Koichi Tsunoda.
Though he only won 6 of his 30 starts, Hishi Akebono left lasting memories. The highlight came in 1995, when he captured the Swan Stakes (G3) and the Sprinters Stakes (G1), defeating his fierce rival Biko Pegasus. Those two victories were enough to etch his name in sprinting history as the unstoppable giant.
From Stallion Duty to a Quiet Farewell
Retiring in 1999, Hishi Akebono was sent to study. Yet despite siring 138 foals, almost none lived up to his legacy on the track. Still, his story remained celebrated—not for trophies passed down, but for the determination he showed in his racing career.
Sadly, his health declined in October 2008. Just two days after being transferred to the JRA Research Institute, he passed away on November 19, 2008. His death marked the end of an unforgettable chapter in Japanese racing.
Today, new generations meet Hishi Akebono through Uma Musume: Pretty Derby. His character is portrayed as large but kind-hearted, hardworking, and spirited—just like the real Hishi Akebono: not always a champion, but forever an inspiration for never giving up. Hishi Akebono proves that being a legend is not just about trophies, but about how a story continues to live on—in the hearts of fans, from the real racetrack to the world of anime.
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