One of Umamusume: Pretty Derby's Real-World Horses Has Passed Away

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One of the real-world racehorses that inspired a character in Umamusume: Pretty Derby has passed away, leaving behind a successful career as a well-respected champion. The horse-racing simulation featuring anthropomorphized depictions of famous race horses has been a smash hit with fans since the release of the game's global version in late June. Umamusume: Pretty Derby's Steam release quickly amassed tens of thousands of players, even topping other notable Steam launches like Persona 5: The Phantom X coming around the same time. Now, the game's community is mourning one of the racehorses that inspired a fan-favorite character.

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Umamusume: Pretty Derby features a wide cast of characters for players to add to their teams, with each based on a real-world counterpart. Many Trainees available within the game like Special Week, Tokai Teio, and Oguri Cap have played major roles within the franchise's anime adaptations. Umamusume also features a plethora of real-world races for players to challenge, including both the Japanese Triple Crown and Triple Tiara among others. The Umamusume fanbase is now saying goodbye to one of the game's most prolific inspirations.

Cygames officially shared the news of one of Umamusume's real-world racehorses passing away late last week. The post reveals that Grass Wonder, who inspired the in-game character of the same name, passed away on Friday, August 8. Cygames offered its condolences to the many staff members who were involved in Grass Wonder's caretaking, with the horse running its last professional race in 2000. Grass Wonder was considered part of the "Golden Generation" within Japanese horse-racing, alongside other horses featured in Umamusume like Special Week, Seiun Sky, and El Condor Pasa among others.

Umamusume Announces Real-World Grass Wonder Has Passed Away

The real-life Grass Wonder leaves behind an impressive legacy as a premier Japanese racehorse, much of which is celebrated within Umamusume. Grass Wonder won four different Grade 1 races throughout his racing career, including back-to-back wins at the Arima Kinen in 1998 and 1999. Grass Wonder also won the Grade 1 Takarazuka Kinen in 1999, notably racing against fellow major Umamusume character Special Week in each of the three races. The real-world Grass Wonder celebrated his thirtieth birthday earlier this year in February.

Grass Wonder's passing will likely leave an indelible mark on Umamusume and the game's fandom going forward. The Umamusume version of Grass Wonder played a major role in the first season of the anime and is available as a two-star Trainee within the mobile game. Grass Wonder is also one of several characters expected to receive alternate versions in future updates, with the Japanese client receiving both "Fantasy" and "New Year's" versions. Umamusume fans will have plenty of chances to honor Grass Wonder's legacy through the game, both now and in the future.