From an American perspective, the combination of equestrian sports and animated series might seem like an odd pairing. Their respective fan bases are quite distinct; horse racing typically appeals to an older demographic, whereas anime usually draws in younger audiences who often aren’t interested in sports, let alone a specialized one like horse racing.
The media franchise titled “Umamusume: Pretty Derby”—roughly translating to “horse girls”—aims to challenge these assumptions and bridge these two distinct worlds. Initially launched as a television program in 2018 and later adapted into a video game in 2021, Umamusume has become a significant cultural phenomenon in Japan, a nation already enthusiastic about horses. This franchise has spawned multiple spin-off television productions, a theatrical play, and a series of manga (Japanese comic books).
The animated series depicts a reality where, instead of conventional racehorses, “horse girls” compete in races. These characters possess equine ears and tails, and are capable of running at speeds of 40 miles per hour, mirroring Thoroughbreds. The girls attend a specialized racing boarding school where they undergo training and participate in competitions. Many characters bear the names and histories of actual horses from Japanese racing annals, presented in a humanized and fantastical narrative.
The companion video game series narrates the Umamusume saga from the viewpoint of a trainer. Players take on the role of a coach, assisting the girls in their race preparation. A significant portion of the gameplay is dedicated to readying them for competitions, thereby offering those unfamiliar with horse racing an understanding of how athletes are readied for contests.
By merging well-loved Japanese equine figures with engaging characters and compelling plotlines, Umamusume has cultivated an enormous fanbase in Japan, evolving into a multi-billion-dollar media property.
Discover more about “Umamusume: Pretty Derby” with America’s Best Racing’s Introductory Guide
Cygames, the development and publishing company behind the “Umamusume” franchise, maintains a close partnership with the Japan Racing Association. The JRA credits the series with contributing to the sport’s already prominent status in Japan. While the underlying concept might appear peculiar to an American audience, the personification of non-human entities is a common trope within the realm of Japanese animation.
“Anime is known for its history of extremely unusual and imaginative concepts. This is especially true for the personification of non-human entities,” remarked Nathan Klein, a student in the University of Arizona’s Racetrack Industry Program and an anime enthusiast. “If transforming racehorses into women seemed outlandish to you, consider that there are anime where countries from World War II, battleships, and firearms are all personified. This extends to sports anime as well; some of the most popular series follow less mainstream sports like figure skating and volleyball. Introducing individuals who might otherwise be unfamiliar with a topic through charming female characters and a vibrant artistic style is a frequent approach in anime.”
In June 2025, the game was released worldwide. The United States quickly emerged as its largest international market, accounting for 68% of all overseas expenditures and 34% of the total global revenue. Long-standing anime enthusiasts, such as Baninabear, a cosplayer based in the Los Angeles area, were already avid followers of the series well before its debut in the U.S.
“I grew up fascinated by horses—I pored over horse encyclopedias and constantly sketched horses as a child—but my knowledge of horse racing was only superficial until I started watching ‘Umamusume: Pretty Derby,’ ” stated Baninabear. “One of the compelling aspects of the series is how it integrates aspects of horses’ actual lives as stylized plot points, whether it’s Gold Ship’s starting gate incident at the 2015 Takarazuka Kinen, Meisho Doto’s bond with a farm cat, or Haru Urara’s continuous losing streak combined with an endearing nature. This encourages fans of the anime to become invested in the real horses that inspired the show, and naturally, that can spark an interest in the current generation of racehorses.”
“I admire how the ‘Umamusume’ anime series transforms the two-minute duration of a race into a dramatic spectacle that keeps you captivated, even when extended across multiple episodes,” she continued. “Just like observing a race with actual horses, you can’t help but be deeply affected by the immense athletic achievement and the determination to cross the finish line first.”
Baninabear found particular inspiration in Season 2, which premiered in early 2021. This season chronicles the real-life narrative of Tokai Teio, Japan’s Horse of the Year in 1991 and winner of the Japan Cup in 1992. Towards the conclusion of the 1992 season, he was sidelined by a leg injury that kept him out of competition for a full year. He made a victorious return to racing with a win in the 1993 Arima Kinen, concluding his career on a triumphant note. Such a comeback tale would be motivating for most sports enthusiasts, but presenting it through the Umamusume medium introduces it to a demographic that might otherwise have never encountered it.
“Season 2 of the anime was released during the pandemic lockdown when I was experiencing a difficult period, feeling isolated,” Baninabear recollected. “The narrative of Tokai Teio surmounting so much adversity and numerous setbacks resonated deeply with me, making me feel as though I, too, could persevere through any difficulties that came my way. Anime Tokai Teio’s foundation in the real Tokai Teio renders the story all the more inspirational—there was an actual athlete who accomplished these incredible feats. People desire a reason to connect with and support horses, just like any other public or sporting figure. Comprehending the trajectory of their history and career fosters engagement.”
The enthusiasm for the series has begun to extend into an interest in Japanese horse racing among American anime enthusiasts.
“Footage from the Japan Cup where Admire Terra completed the race without a jockey quickly gained traction on Umamusume fan pages, and I participated in a Discord watch party for the 2025 Arima Kinen with thousands of people simultaneously streaming the event,” Baninabear stated. “Fans showed considerable interest in figures such as jockey Yutaka Take [who appeared as a cameo character in the anime].”
Gradually, Umamusume has begun establishing its presence in American horse racing. Anime fans in the Phoenix area organized a gathering at Turf Paradise on December 27. Dozens of anime enthusiasts experienced live racing for the first time, generating hundreds of thousands of social media impressions in the process.
“Because we scheduled it on a special race day, which offered free entry and additional activities for families, the overall track experience felt much more vibrant and energetic,” commented Cloudie, a digital artist who arranges anime events in Arizona. “You could sense the excitement and inquisitiveness that some of the Umamusume fans within our group possessed. I believe our presence contributed to that lively atmosphere at the track that day. It was a significant achievement and truly demonstrates the extent of passion our community has for this gaming franchise.”
A few hundred miles to the west, Santa Anita Park has also emerged as a popular location for anime fans. In October, a planned cosplay and fan gathering took place at the track as part of the annual Japan Family Day. Two months later, on December 28, more anime enthusiasts flocked to “The Great Race Place,” coordinating their visit with Cygames’ sponsorship of one of the day’s main races, the American Oaks.
This marked the inaugural year Cygames sponsored the American Oaks. They had a licensing agreement with Santa Anita for several years to feature the track in their game, but with Umamusume’s growing popularity and the successful participation of influencers and cosplayers at the 2024 Japan Family Day, both parties agreed to a multi-year sponsorship for the race.
Although the fan gathering was not a formally organized event, the track was aware of their arrival and instructed their wagering ambassadors to grant the groups special access throughout the day. The fans fully leveraged this opportunity.
“The ambiance was incredibly festive and lively!” Baninabear exclaimed. “I was surprised by the crowd size, but so many people were there to enjoy the lovely weather and have a good time watching some racing. It felt amazing to stand near the finish line and cheer alongside all the attendees; there’s an immense surge of energy that sweeps through the crowd as the pack approaches the finish.
“I believe many attendees did not anticipate seeing cosplayers at the event, but I spoke with numerous individuals who were curious and enthusiastic about all the costumes. One of the interesting aspects of knowing a little horse history from Umamusume is that many racing fans are familiar with horses that have been adapted into the game. Some of my most enjoyable conversations were with people who knew about Vodka, Daiwa Scarlet, and Oguri Cap, to name a few.
“I also had the chance to try wagering,” she continued. “Since I’m new to it and lack extensive strategic insights—I mainly reviewed the expert selections on the Santa Anita website and heard recommendations from friends—I only placed small wagers. But I thoroughly enjoyed feeling so invested in the race outcomes and experiencing a win!”
The event generated a substantial digital presence. Baninabear’s posts about the day garnered several million impressions and over 106,400 likes across X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok.
“The fanbase is enormous, and several of my Umamusume cosplay posts have received a considerable number of views on other platforms like Instagram [my primary page] and YouTube,” Baninabear noted. “What astonished me was the identity of the interactors! Many Japanese fans were thrilled to witness Umamusume becoming so popular in America, but I think Americans were taken aback to see cosplay at a racetrack, as that represents a highly unexpected combination.”
Santa Anita management was pleasantly astonished by the influence of Umamusume on that particular day.
“Opening day truly enlightened us to the potential magnitude of their reach,” said Andrew Arthur, Santa Anita’s senior director of marketing. “When we formally partnered with Cygames, things really took off. We had observed large groups during the Japan Family Days, but opening day was, frankly, quite surprising to us, both in terms of social media engagement and the number of cosplayers and influencers who showed up. The extent of influence that group achieved was quite remarkable.”
The unexpected crossover has sparked skepticism on social media, with many detractors dismissing the notion that an anime series, an unconventional approach to marketing racing, could significantly benefit the sport. However, numerous individuals within both the racing and anime communities believe the series can make a substantial impact on American racing, much like it did in Japan.
“Among younger demographics, horse racing is often perceived as a sport for older men and a gambling venue,” Klein commented. “Socially, [Umamusume] softens racing’s public image and makes it appear more inviting. These newer fans, while they do have an interest in betting, are also curious about the animals themselves. This presents significant potential for initiatives like aftercare to gain more support.
“There is certainly cause for skepticism regarding how much it can achieve,” Klein continued. “I am unsure of the exact extent to which it will influence the racing industry. However, what I do know is that very little harm can come from new and younger individuals publicly demonstrating interest in the sport. Allowing new people to engage with horse racing costs us nothing and provides an opportunity to advance racing into the future and appeal to the next generation.”
Baninabear, serving as a prime illustration of the kind of fan Umamusume can draw to American racing, also expresses optimism.
“The potential is enormous. I find it excellent that Cygames has decided to contribute back to the racing community by investing in racing events. There is significant interest in attending races where Cygames is listed as a sponsor. It amplifies awareness on social media, and it signals that the racecourse can be a gathering place for fellow fans.”
“It holds immense potential for attracting younger demographics to racing,” Andrew Arthur, senior director of marketing for Santa Anita Park
A second Umamusume gathering at Turf Paradise is scheduled for January 19. Meanwhile, while Santa Anita might not have fully grasped Umamusume’s influence before opening day, they are prepared for anime fans to continue disseminating awareness, with their multi-year sponsorship agreement with Cygames now solidified.
“I believe it can have a profound impact on drawing younger individuals to racing,” Arthur stated. “Seeing Santa Anita depicted within the game, and then being able to experience it live and watch the horses compete, heightens awareness among people who would otherwise likely show no interest.”
As Klein articulated in his presentation on the series at December’s Global Symposium on Racing: “Will American Pharoah in a mini skirt resolve all our challenges? No, but it represents an excellent starting point.”
