test

Better experience in portrait mode.
Hokko Tarumae

Hokko Tarumae: The Unstoppable King of Dirt Racing

jbis.jp

SARGA.CO – In the world of Japanese horse racing, few names echo as powerfully on dirt tracks as Hokko Tarumae. Foaled on May 26, 2009, this dark bay stallion boasts an elite pedigree: King Kamehameha as sire and Madam Cherokee as dam.
 

Yet it wasn’t just his bloodline that set him apart—it was his relentless will to win.

Trained by Katsuichi Nishiura and partnered with loyal jockey Hideaki Miyuki (renowned for mounts like Still In Love), Hokko Tarumae became the dominant dirt specialist of his generation. Alongside fierce rivals such as Copano Rickey and Wonder Acute, he helped define a golden era of Japanese dirt racing marked by drama, grit, and determination.
 

The Deadly Senkou Strategy

Hokko Tarumae’s strength lay in his racing style. Known for the Senkou or “stalker” tactic, he would sit just behind the early leader, study the race, and strike at precisely the right moment. Combined with sheer power and speed, this approach produced unforgettable finishes and countless victories.

The Deadly Senkou Strategy

A Glittering Record: Total Dirt Domination, 2012–2016

From his debut in 2012 until retirement in 2016, Hokko Tarumae raced 39 times, claiming 17 wins and five second-place finishes, earning over ¥1.078 billion in prize money.

His peak came between 2013 and 2016, when he collected a trove of top-tier titles:

Teio Sho (Jpn1) – 2 victories

Tokyo Daishoten (G1) – 2 victories

Kawasaki Kinen (Jpn1) – 3 victories

Champions Cup (G1) – 1 victory, a career-defining performance

 

The Champions Cup triumph crowned him JRA’s Best Dirt Horse of 2014, an accolade that confirmed his reign as Japan’s undisputed dirt king.

 

Hokko Tarumae

Passing on the Champion’s Blood

After retiring, Hokko Tarumae began a new chapter as a stallion at Yushun Stallion Station. To date, he has sired over 689 foals, including promising runners such as Mega Million. Though he no longer thunders down the track, his winning spirit lives on in his progeny.

Passing on the Champion’s Blood

From Racetrack to Anime Fame

Today, Hokko Tarumae’s legend has taken on a new life in pop culture through the hit franchise Uma Musume: Pretty Derby, where legendary racehorses are reimagined as energetic, anime-style girls. In the game, Hokko Tarumae’s anthropomorphic character captures her real-life namesake’s champion aura, fierce personality, and trademark stalker strategy.

From Racetrack to Anime Fame

Hokko Tarumae's presence in Uma Musume is both a sweet tribute and a new introduction to the younger generation about her former prowess on the track. In the game, we see Tarumae in an anthropomorphic version, bringing a champion aura, a tough personality, and, of course, her signature "stalker" spirit.

He isn’t called the “King of Dirt” merely for his titles, but for his cool, lethal precision and his enduring mark on Japanese racing history.

Even as his hooves have been replaced by pixels on a smartphone screen, Hokko Tarumae’s spirit still runs free. Because true legends never stop racing—they simply find new tracks to conquer.

(Sources: FB Atha.ID, Wikipedia, Uma Musume Wiki Fandom, Netkeiba)

Sponsored Ad
Arsari Tambang
Horse Racing Photography Techniques That Bring Photos to Life—Say Goodbye to Blurry Shots Horse Racing Photography Techniques That Bring Photos to Life—Say Goodbye to Blurry Shots

Horse Racing Photography Techniques That Bring Photos to Life—Say Goodbye to Blurry Shots

Read More
Onde Mande! Uma Musume Community Brings Anime Flair to IHR Cup II Payakumbuh Onde Mande! Uma Musume Community Brings Anime Flair to IHR Cup II Payakumbuh

Onde Mande! Uma Musume Community Brings Anime Flair to IHR Cup II Payakumbuh

Read More
The Story of Sweep Tosho, the Racing Legend Revived Through Uma Musume The Story of Sweep Tosho, the Racing Legend Revived Through Uma Musume

The Story of Sweep Tosho, the Racing Legend Revived Through Uma Musume

Read More
Sponsored Ad
Lee Mineral - banner
Reading the Body Language of Racehorses: What’s on Their Mind? Reading the Body Language of Racehorses: What’s on Their Mind?

Reading the Body Language of Racehorses: What’s on Their Mind?

One key lesson is that horses “speak” through their behavior—and it’s our job to listen.

Read More
5 Tips to Keep Retired Horses Healthy and Comfortable 5 Tips to Keep Retired Horses Healthy and Comfortable

5 Tips to Keep Retired Horses Healthy and Comfortable

Don’t rely on age alone—there are several factors to consider before retiring your horse.

Read More
The First Legend: Saint Lite, Conqueror of the Triple Crown The First Legend: Saint Lite, Conqueror of the Triple Crown

The First Legend: Saint Lite, Conqueror of the Triple Crown

Read More
Sponsored Ad
The Hat Phenomenon at Royal Ascot: A Fashion Stage on the Racetrack The Hat Phenomenon at Royal Ascot: A Fashion Stage on the Racetrack

The Hat Phenomenon at Royal Ascot: A Fashion Stage on the Racetrack

Read More
The Journey of Japanese Horse Racing: From Samurai Traditions to Uma Musume The Journey of Japanese Horse Racing: From Samurai Traditions to Uma Musume

The Journey of Japanese Horse Racing: From Samurai Traditions to Uma Musume

Read More
Hokko Tarumae: The Unstoppable King of Dirt Racing Hokko Tarumae: The Unstoppable King of Dirt Racing

Hokko Tarumae: The Unstoppable King of Dirt Racing

Read More
Sponsored Ad
A Unique Name, Dazzling Moves: Meet the Racehorse Harum Namanya A Unique Name, Dazzling Moves: Meet the Racehorse Harum Namanya

A Unique Name, Dazzling Moves: Meet the Racehorse Harum Namanya

Read More
This Racehorse’s Name Makes People Pause and Smile: “Ayya Saphina—Got a Cow in There?” This Racehorse’s Name Makes People Pause and Smile: “Ayya Saphina—Got a Cow in There?”

This Racehorse’s Name Makes People Pause and Smile: “Ayya Saphina—Got a Cow in There?”

Read More
Haiseiko, the First “Idol Horse” Who Transformed Japanese Racing Haiseiko, the First “Idol Horse” Who Transformed Japanese Racing

Haiseiko, the First “Idol Horse” Who Transformed Japanese Racing

Read More
Sponsored Ad
Romantic Spartan, Kuda Pacu Betina yang Namanya Bikin Penasaran: Lembut di Dalam, Garang di Luar! Romantic Spartan, Kuda Pacu Betina yang Namanya Bikin Penasaran: Lembut di Dalam, Garang di Luar!

Romantic Spartan, Kuda Pacu Betina yang Namanya Bikin Penasaran: Lembut di Dalam, Garang di Luar!

Read More
The Story of a Female Jockey Who Returned to Victory After a Devastating Injury The Story of a Female Jockey Who Returned to Victory After a Devastating Injury

The Story of a Female Jockey Who Returned to Victory After a Devastating Injury

Read More
The Real-Life Wonder Acute Now Shines in Uma Musume:  An Old Racehorse Who Refused to Retire from Winning The Real-Life Wonder Acute Now Shines in Uma Musume:  An Old Racehorse Who Refused to Retire from Winning

The Real-Life Wonder Acute Now Shines in Uma Musume: An Old Racehorse Who Refused to Retire from Winning

Read More
Sponsored Ad
Arsari Tambang
Haru Urara Bids Farewell: The “Losing” Horse Who Won Every Heart Haru Urara Bids Farewell: The “Losing” Horse Who Won Every Heart

Haru Urara Bids Farewell: The “Losing” Horse Who Won Every Heart

Read More
Remembering Ron Turcotte, Triple Crown Jockey of Legendary Secretariat, Winner of 3,032 Races! Remembering Ron Turcotte, Triple Crown Jockey of Legendary Secretariat, Winner of 3,032 Races!

Remembering Ron Turcotte, Triple Crown Jockey of Legendary Secretariat, Winner of 3,032 Races!

Read More
Legend of Satono Crown: Razor Turns, Blazing Speed, and an Enduring Legacy Legend of Satono Crown: Razor Turns, Blazing Speed, and an Enduring Legacy

Legend of Satono Crown: Razor Turns, Blazing Speed, and an Enduring Legacy

The inspiration behind an Uma Musume character

Read More
Sponsored Ad
Lee Mineral - banner
Anime Racehorses Hit the Real Track Anime Racehorses Hit the Real Track

Anime Racehorses Hit the Real Track

Read More
Winning Ticket: From Real Racetrack to Uma Musume, the “Ticket to Dreams” with a Heart-Stopping Racing Style Winning Ticket: From Real Racetrack to Uma Musume, the “Ticket to Dreams” with a Heart-Stopping Racing Style

Winning Ticket: From Real Racetrack to Uma Musume, the “Ticket to Dreams” with a Heart-Stopping Racing Style

Read More
Mejiro Ramonu: The Mejiro Family’s First Triple Tiara Queen Lives On in Uma Musume Mejiro Ramonu: The Mejiro Family’s First Triple Tiara Queen Lives On in Uma Musume

Mejiro Ramonu: The Mejiro Family’s First Triple Tiara Queen Lives On in Uma Musume

Read More
Sponsored Ad
If Racehorses Could Talk: What Would They Say While Racing? If Racehorses Could Talk: What Would They Say While Racing?

If Racehorses Could Talk: What Would They Say While Racing?

Read More
Calstone Light O, the Lightning Sprinter Who Now Runs Eternally in the World of Uma Musume Calstone Light O, the Lightning Sprinter Who Now Runs Eternally in the World of Uma Musume

Calstone Light O, the Lightning Sprinter Who Now Runs Eternally in the World of Uma Musume

Read More
Detik-Detik Prince Loupan Ogah Finish: Saat Kuda Pacu Pilih Belok daripada Menang Detik-Detik Prince Loupan Ogah Finish: Saat Kuda Pacu Pilih Belok daripada Menang

Detik-Detik Prince Loupan Ogah Finish: Saat Kuda Pacu Pilih Belok daripada Menang

Read More
Sponsored Ad
Kisah Hidup Kuda Pacu Haru Urara, dari Kekalahan Menuju Keabadian Kisah Hidup Kuda Pacu Haru Urara, dari Kekalahan Menuju Keabadian

Kisah Hidup Kuda Pacu Haru Urara, dari Kekalahan Menuju Keabadian

Tidak semua legenda lahir dari kemenangan. Haru Urara adalah buktinya.

Read More