The beloved racehorse Grass Wonder, which inspired a character in the popular franchise Umamusume: Pretty Derby, has passed away at the age of 30. Known for winning prestigious races in Japan, Grass Wonder became part of the anime and gaming universe as a friendly horse-girl character, designed with traits mirroring the real horse's characteristics. The news of his passing has prompted heartfelt tributes from fans who cherished both the real horse and the character that was modeled after him. Cygames, the developer behind Umamusume, expressed their condolences publicly, highlighting the strong connection between the character and its real-life counterpart.

What is Umamusume: Pretty Derby?

Umamusume: Pretty Derby is a Japanese multimedia franchise developed by Cygames, featuring anthropomorphized racing horses as anime girls. These characters take inspiration from actual racehorses, blending horse racing with entertaining storylines and gameplay.

Grass Wonder was not only a racehorse but also a symbol of the connection between real-world equine sports and the gaming community. His legacy extends beyond the racetrack, influencing the narrative in various game modes and anime episodes, reflecting the bond fans share with these characters inspired by real-life champions.