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Haru Urara, Japan’s Iconic Winless Racehorse, Dies at 29

Caretakers say the underdog icon succumbed to colic following a late-life resurgence driven by Umamusume: Pretty Derby.

Overview

  • Martha Farm in Chiba confirmed she died early Sept. 9 after overnight care; caretaker Yuko Miyahara reported no manure on Sept. 8 and a sudden decline, with colic identified as the cause.
  • The mare finished 0-for-113 from 1998 to 2004, becoming a national symbol of perseverance and a pop‑culture figure known for her pink racing gear.
  • Her peak moment came in 2004 at Kochi Racecourse, where Yutaka Take rode her before more than 13,000 spectators, generating about ¥121 million in bets.
  • CygamesUmamusume: Pretty Derby account announced her passing and noted the in-game character was based on her, underscoring her cross‑media legacy.
  • Interest in the real horse surged after the game’s global launch in June 2025, leading to fan visits and large ryegrass donations that strained delivery systems.