Grass Wonder, one of the real-life racehorses that impressed a personality in Umamusume: Pretty Derby, handed away on August 8 at age 30, prompting an outpouring of condolences from followers of Cygames’ anime horse-girl franchise.
The stallion Grass Wonder is one of the real-life Japanese racehorses Cygames become a personality for its Umamusume: Pretty Derby anime and video games. As all Umamusume’s characters are anime ladies with equine ears and tails, Grass Wonder additionally received a intercourse change. Within the Umamusume universe, Grass Wonder is a pleasant however decided lady who grew up in America however loves Japanese tradition, echoing how the actual horse was American-bred however skilled in Japan. The character’s mild brown hair with a white dot on the entrance mimics the horse’s chestnut coat with a white star marking.
The true Grass Wonder is understood for profitable Arima Kinen, one of Japan’s prestigious Grade 1 races, twice. Throughout his four-year profession (1997-2000), he positioned first in 9 out of 15 races. On the time, Grass Wonder was matched in opposition to fellow racehorse Particular Week (leading to a tense photo finish back in 1999), and this rivalry is portrayed within the Umamusume: Pretty Derby anime. After retiring from racing in 2000, Grass Wonder went on to sire 4 champions together with Display Hero and Earnestly.
In keeping with the official obituary from Huge Crimson Farm, the place Grass Wonder lived out his twilight years, the previous champion racehorse was in good well being till he began to say no yesterday night. He handed away from age-related a number of organ failure on the age of 30, a formidable age for a racehorse.
In response to the information about the actual Grass Wonder going to the good large pasture within the sky, Umamusume’s official X account posted: “On August 8, we acquired the information that Grass Wonder, one of the horses that served as inspiration for a personality in our franchise, has handed away. We wish to prolong our condolences to all associated events, and pray for the repose of this champion horse’s soul.”
Fans additionally posted messages of condolences, with many hoping that Grass Wonder was now in a spot the place there are lots of dandelions (his favourite meals). “The final horse from the strongest technology has set off on his last journey… Thanks Grass Wonder,” one commenter posted. One other pointed out that though they really feel unhappy when the actual horse behind a personality passes away, the horses will carry on shining perpetually on the earth of Umamusume.
By coincidence, Rena Maeda, who voices Grass Wonder in Umamusume: Pretty Derby, posted on X yesterday about her expertise visiting the racehorse in actual life. She mentioned she intends to return and see him once more, though sadly she gained’t get the possibility.
海外のトレーナーさんたちが2018年のこのポストを見つけてくれている！ありがと！
Trainers from abroad are watching this put up! Thanks !!
This picture was taken in 2018 once I went to see Grass Wonder in individual as a voice actor enjoying the function of Grass Wonder.
He was consuming tons of… https://t.co/aOFOZThVHu
— 前田玲奈(◜‧̮◝ )ﾏｴﾚﾅ (@renamaeda07) August 7, 2025
Verity Townsend is a Japan-based freelance author who beforehand served as editor, contributor and translator for the sport information website Automaton West. She has additionally written about Japanese tradition and flicks for varied publications.