The Umamusume: Pretty Derby community is saying goodbye to one of its most iconic inspirations. Grass Wonder, the real-world racehorse who served as the model for a popular in-game character, passed away on Friday, August 8, at the age of 30.
Since its global release in June, Umamusume: Pretty Derby has surged in popularity, especially on Steam, where it quickly attracted tens of thousands of players. The game’s charm comes from its roster of anthropomorphized racehorses, each based on actual champions from Japanese horse racing history. Grass Wonder, known for his elegance and competitive spirit, was among the most celebrated.
Cygames shared the news late last week, offering condolences to the staff and caretakers who looked after Grass Wonder in retirement. His professional racing career ended in 2000, but his achievements made him a fixture in Japan’s “Golden Generation” of horse racing—alongside other famous names like Special Week, Seiun Sky, and El Condor Pasa.
Grass Wonder’s career highlights include four Grade 1 victories, with back-to-back wins at the Arima Kinen in 1998 and 1999, as well as a triumph in the 1999 Takarazuka Kinen. These races often saw him compete against Special Week, another horse immortalized in Umamusume.
Within the franchise, Grass Wonder played a significant role in the first season of the anime and is available in the mobile game as a two-star Trainee. The Japanese version of the game has even released special “Fantasy” and “New Year’s” variants of the character. Fans now have more reason than ever to celebrate his legacy through in-game events and future updates.
Grass Wonder’s passing marks the end of an era in both horse racing and Umamusume, but his story—and his spirit—will continue to run strong in the hearts of fans.
