Haru Urara, the Real-Life Inspiration Behind Umamusume: Pretty Derby, Has Passed Away
A farewell to the racehorse who never won — yet conquered the hearts of gamers worldwide
A Sad Day for Fans Around the World
Haru Urara, the legendary Japanese racehorse and beloved inspiration behind a character in Umamusume: Pretty Derby, has passed away at the age of 29. Although she never won a single race throughout her career, she became a symbol of perseverance and captured the hearts of fans globally — earning her the nickname “the shining star of the losers.”
A Life That Inspired Millions
Haru Urara was born on February 27, 1996, in Hokkaido, Japan. Despite her strong bloodline, she never claimed victory in any of her 113 races over a six-year racing career. Still, her relentless determination and unyielding spirit caught the attention of Japanese media and made her a national sensation.
Her fame extended beyond the racetrack. Fans would purchase betting tickets not for profit, but to keep them as good-luck charms. Her popularity even helped revive interest in local racetracks that had struggled to draw attention. Special merchandise and campaigns were launched in her honor — she became more than just a racehorse, she became a cultural icon.
Final Moments and Cause of Death
According to a report from Yahoo! Japan, Haru Urara passed away in the early morning of September 9, 2025, at Martha Farm in Chiba Prefecture, with caretakers by her side. The cause of death was horse colic, a painful condition caused by gas buildup in the intestines, often related to digestive issues.
Legacy in Umamusume: Pretty Derby
When Umamusume: Pretty Derby launched in Japan in February 2021, Haru Urara was introduced as one of the game’s initial characters, standing proudly alongside other famous racehorses like Special Week, Silence Suzuka, and Gold Ship. As the game expanded internationally, her popularity soared even further.
Players around the world were so moved by her story that many contributed to her care through the Fresh Hay Bank, an online donation platform that provided fresh hay for retired racehorses. Donations poured in at such a high volume that the system temporarily crashed due to overwhelming support.
Her passing marks the second loss of a character model in the Umamusume universe this year, following the death of Grass Wonder in August. Still, Haru Urara’s legacy remains unmatched — not through victories on the racetrack, but through the lives she touched and the hope she gave.
The True Meaning of Victory
In a world that celebrates winners, Haru Urara reminded us that there is something profoundly beautiful about simply not giving up. She may never have crossed the finish line first, but she became a beacon of inspiration for an entire generation of fans and players.
Her story proves that perseverance, kindness, and heart are what truly define greatness — not trophies or titles.
Final Thought
Haru Urara’s journey reminds us that not every champion needs a gold medal. Her unbreakable spirit, and the love she received from fans worldwide, reflect a deeper kind of victory — one that resonates far beyond the racecourse. In a world obsessed with results, she was the gentle reminder that trying, enduring, and inspiring others along the way is the truest form of success. And in that sense, Haru Urara didn’t just win — she triumphed.
