The world of Umamusume: Pretty Derby captures the hearts of both anime fans and horse racing enthusiasts. This multimedia franchise, launched by Cygames, reimagines famous racehorses from Japan and around the world as vibrant horse girls, each with her own story, personality, and dreams. While the characters are fictional, most are based on real-life racehorses who left a mark on the sport. For many fans, a common question arises: Which horses from Umamusume are still alive? This question is not just about curiosity. It touches on history, legacy, and the deep connection between fans and the legendary horses behind their favorite characters.
Understanding which horses are still alive is not always simple. Some racehorses lived decades ago. Others are recent champions whose stories continue today. This article explores every living horse represented in Umamusume, offering context, details, and interesting facts. You’ll learn not only who is still alive, but also about their lives after racing, their influence, and how the franchise keeps their spirit alive.
The Link Between Umamusume And Real Horses
The first thing to understand is how Umamusume connects with the history of horse racing. Each character is based on a real racehorse, often with a name that closely matches the original. The anime, game, and manga highlight these horses’ achievements, personalities, and even quirks. For some, the line between fiction and reality is thin—especially when the real horse is still living.
Not every famous horse is part of the franchise. There are licensing and trademark issues, as well as the wishes of horse owners and breeders. Sometimes, this means a horse’s name or story is changed or omitted. However, when a real horse is still alive, the connection feels stronger.
Fans can visit these horses at farms, see them in retirement, or even watch them race.
Criteria: What Does “still Alive” Mean?
For this article, “still alive” means the real horse that inspired the Umamusume character is alive as of June 2024. This includes horses that have retired from racing and those who may still be active. It’s important to note that some information comes from public records, official farm websites, and news reports.
In rare cases, updates may lag behind events.
Some Umamusume characters are based on horses still in training, while others are retired and living out their days at breeding farms or retirement centers. The focus here is on horses who have not been officially reported as deceased and are widely acknowledged as living.
Notable Living Horses Featured In Umamusume
Let’s look at the living racehorses who have inspired Umamusume characters. Their presence in the franchise brings a sense of excitement and immediacy. Fans can follow their real lives alongside the fictional adventures.
1. Vodka
Vodka is one of the most celebrated racehorses in recent Japanese history. Born in 2004, she made headlines as the first filly to win the Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) in 64 years. Her career included seven Group 1 (G1) victories, and she was named Horse of the Year in 2008.
Vodka retired from racing and became a broodmare in Japan. Later, she moved to Ireland for breeding. As of June 2024, Vodka is alive and resides at Coolmore Stud in Ireland. Her story is still ongoing, and she is occasionally featured in media and news related to breeding. Her character in Umamusume is known for her competitive spirit and strong will, mirroring the real horse’s legendary status.
2. Gold Ship
With his unique personality and unpredictable racing style, Gold Ship captured the hearts of fans both on and off the track. Born in 2009, he won several G1 races, including the Arima Kinen and the Takarazuka Kinen, and was famous for his wild pre-race antics.
After retirement in 2015, Gold Ship became a stallion at Big Red Farm in Hokkaido, Japan. He is alive and active in breeding, producing several successful offspring. Gold Ship’s playful and eccentric personality is reflected in his Umamusume character, making him a fan favorite in both worlds.
3. Kitasan Black
Kitasan Black quickly became a superstar, both for his racing achievements and his connection to popular culture. Born in 2012, he won seven G1 races, including the Japan Cup and the Tenno Sho (Spring) twice. His stable owner is the well-known enka singer Saburo Kitajima, which added to his fame.
After retiring in 2017, Kitasan Black began a successful career as a stallion at the Shadai Stallion Station. He is alive and has sired several promising racehorses. His strength, stamina, and charisma are celebrated in Umamusume, and fans continue to follow his progress as a sire.
4. Satono Diamond
A younger entry among Umamusume’s inspirations, Satono Diamond was born in 2013. He won the prestigious Kikuka Sho (Japanese St. Leger) and the Arima Kinen, building a reputation for both talent and consistency.
Retired in 2018, Satono Diamond stands at the Shadai Stallion Station. He is active as a breeding stallion and is alive and healthy as of 2024. His calm and graceful presence in both the real and fictional world has earned him a loyal following.
5. Makfi
Although not Japanese, Makfi is represented in Umamusume. Born in 2007 in Great Britain, he won the 2,000 Guineas and the Prix Jacques Le Marois. After retiring, he stood at stud in several countries, including New Zealand and France.
As of 2024, Makfi is alive and continues his career at stud. His global impact and reputation as a sire have kept his story relevant for fans of both horse racing and Umamusume.
6. Orfevre
Orfevre is a Triple Crown winner in Japan, born in 2008. He achieved major victories in the Satsuki Sho, Tokyo Yushun, and Kikuka Sho, and came close to winning the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in France.
Orfevre retired in 2013 and now stands at the Shadai Stallion Station. He is alive and considered one of the top sires in Japan. His fiery spirit and dramatic race performances have been faithfully adapted in Umamusume, making him a standout character.
7. Duramente
Born in 2012, Duramente won the Satsuki Sho and the Tokyo Yushun, showing great promise as a classic winner. His career was cut short by injury, but his impact on the track was undeniable.
After retiring, Duramente stood at the Shadai Stallion Station. As of June 2024, he is alive, continuing to influence Japanese racing as a sire. Fans admire his fighting spirit and the hope he represents for the future of the sport.
8. Almond Eye
One of the most dominant mares in Japanese racing, Almond Eye was born in 2015. She won the Japanese Fillies’ Triple Crown, multiple other G1 races, and became the first horse to win eight G1 races in Japan.
Almond Eye retired in 2020 and now lives at the Northern Farm. She is alive and has begun her career as a broodmare. Her elegance and strength are reflected in the Umamusume character, inspiring a new generation of fans.
9. Gran Alegria
Gran Alegria is a star sprinter and miler, born in 2016. She won the Oka Sho, the Yasuda Kinen, and the Mile Championship, and is known for her speed and adaptability.
Retired in 2021, Gran Alegria resides at Northern Farm. She is alive and has started her new role as a broodmare. Her versatility and charm are celebrated both in racing and in Umamusume.
10. Deirdre
A rare example of a Japanese horse who found international success, Deirdre was born in 2014. She won the Shuka Sho and made history by winning the Nassau Stakes in the UK.
Deirdre retired in 2020 and now lives in Japan as a broodmare. She is alive as of 2024. Her adventurous spirit and international achievements are woven into her Umamusume character, making her a symbol of global ambition.
Living Umamusume Horses: Table Of Profiles
To help compare these living legends, here’s a summary of their birth years, major achievements, and current status.
| Horse Name | Birth Year | Major Wins | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vodka | 2004 | Tokyo Yushun, 7x G1 | Broodmare, Ireland |
| Gold Ship | 2009 | Arima Kinen, Takarazuka Kinen | Stallion, Hokkaido |
| Kitasan Black | 2012 | Japan Cup, 7x G1 | Stallion, Hokkaido |
| Satono Diamond | 2013 | Kikuka Sho, Arima Kinen | Stallion, Hokkaido |
| Makfi | 2007 | 2,000 Guineas | Stallion, France/NZ |
| Orfevre | 2008 | Triple Crown, Arima Kinen | Stallion, Hokkaido |
| Duramente | 2012 | Satsuki Sho, Tokyo Yushun | Stallion, Hokkaido |
| Almond Eye | 2015 | 8x G1, Fillies’ Triple Crown | Broodmare, Hokkaido |
| Gran Alegria | 2016 | Oka Sho, Yasuda Kinen | Broodmare, Hokkaido |
| Deirdre | 2014 | Shuka Sho, Nassau Stakes | Broodmare, Hokkaido |
Recent Additions And Younger Horses
The Umamusume cast grows as new stars rise in real-life racing. Recent years have brought several young horses into the spotlight, and some have become part of the franchise before their own racing careers have ended. This section covers living horses introduced in the latest updates.
1. Efforia
Efforia is a rising star born in 2018. He won the Satsuki Sho, the Tenno Sho (Autumn), and the Arima Kinen. Efforia is still alive and retired early due to health reasons. He now stands at stud in Japan.
2. Contrail
Known as the undefeated Triple Crown winner of 2020, Contrail was born in 2017. His victories in the Satsuki Sho, Tokyo Yushun, and Kikuka Sho mirrored those of his famous sire, Deep Impact. Contrail is alive and started his stallion career at Shadai Stallion Station.
3. Daring Tact
Daring Tact made history as the first undefeated filly to win the Japanese Fillies’ Triple Crown. Born in 2017, she is alive and, after retiring from racing, began her life as a broodmare.
4. Lys Gracieux
With a strong finish to her career, Lys Gracieux (born 2014) won the Arima Kinen and the Cox Plate in Australia. She is alive and stands as a broodmare in Japan.
5. Chrono Genesis
Born in 2016, Chrono Genesis is best known for winning the Takarazuka Kinen twice and the Arima Kinen. She is alive and was recently retired to become a broodmare.
6. Danon Kingly
Danon Kingly, born in 2016, won the Yasuda Kinen in 2021. He is alive and active as a stallion.
7. Love Only You
Love Only You was born in 2016 and won the Queen Elizabeth II Cup in Hong Kong, the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf in the US, and the Dubai Sheema Classic. She is alive, retired, and now a broodmare.
8. Sodashi
A unique white filly, Sodashi was born in 2018. She won the Hanshin Juvenile Fillies, Oka Sho, and Victoria Mile. Still alive, she is currently racing, making her story ongoing.
9. Titleholder
Born in 2018, Titleholder won the Kikuka Sho and Tenno Sho (Spring). As of 2024, he is alive and still racing at a high level.
10. Geoglyph
Geoglyph, a 2019 colt, won the Satsuki Sho in 2022. He is alive and continues to race, showing promise for the future.
Comparison: Racing Vs. Retirement
Many fans wonder about the daily lives of these horses after retirement. Some become stallions or broodmares, while others live in retirement homes or farms. Here’s a comparison of the two main paths for living Umamusume horses.
| Role | Activities | Public Access | Impact on Franchise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stallion/Broodmare | Breeding, occasional public events | Limited tours, farm visits | Continues legacy, new stories |
| Active Racer | Training, competing | Racecourse events, TV | Real-time fan engagement |
| Retired (non-breeding) | Rest, sometimes therapy or shows | More accessible, public appearances | Historical inspiration |
Credit: www.youtube.com
Why Living Horses Matter To Fans
When a horse is still alive, it adds a special dimension to Umamusume. Fans can follow news about their health, breeding, and even visit them during open farm days. There is a real sense of connection—the character is not just a story, but a living being with an ongoing legacy.
Another reason is respect for the source. Many fans appreciate knowing that the franchise honors living horses, sometimes even contributing to their care or partnering with retirement farms. For example, Gold Ship’s playful personality is celebrated at his real home, where visitors can sometimes see his famous antics in person.
Two Surprising Insights For Beginners
- Some horses become more famous after retirement. For example, Kitasan Black gained even more popularity as a stallion, with fans visiting him at Shadai Stallion Station and following the careers of his offspring. His continued presence in the public eye keeps his Umamusume character relevant.
- Not all real horses are directly named or referenced. Due to copyright and owner preferences, a few living horses are in Umamusume under different names or with altered designs. This can make it hard for fans to track which real horses are represented, so careful research is needed.
Credit: popgeeks.com
The Role Of Farms And Public Events
Many breeding farms in Japan and abroad play a key role in maintaining the connection between fans and living horses. Farms like Shadai Stallion Station, Northern Farm, and Big Red Farm host open days where fans can visit retired racehorses. Some organize special events for Umamusume fans, creating a bridge between anime culture and real-life racing history.
These events also help educate visitors about horse care, breeding, and retirement. In some cases, fan donations support the upkeep of retired legends. The bond between Umamusume and the real horses is stronger because of these community efforts.
How Umamusume Handles Living Horses In Media
The creators of Umamusume take care to present living horses with respect. When a horse is still alive, there may be collaboration with the horse’s owners, trainers, or breeders. This can include:
- Licensing agreements for names and likenesses
- Coordination of special campaigns or merchandise
- Incorporating the latest news about the horse into the character’s story or social media
For example, when Almond Eye retired, Umamusume’s official accounts celebrated her career and shared updates about her new life as a broodmare. This real-time engagement makes the franchise feel more alive and connected to reality.
Potential Challenges And Controversies
While the inclusion of living horses brings excitement, it also creates challenges. Owners may not always want their horses represented in a game or anime. There are also privacy concerns and the risk of over-commercialization. In rare cases, misinformation about a horse’s status can spread quickly online.
Some fans have debated whether it’s appropriate to turn real horses into characters, especially if their stories are ongoing. However, the overwhelming response has been positive, with most fans viewing it as a celebration rather than exploitation.
The Global Impact: Not Just Japan
Although Umamusume is rooted in Japanese horse racing, several characters are based on international horses. Makfi, for example, connects the franchise to European and New Zealand racing fans. The inclusion of international stars like Deirdre (who won in the UK) and Love Only You (who triumphed in the US and Dubai) shows the expanding scope of the series.
This global reach means that more fans can follow living horses from their own countries, visit them if possible, and feel part of the Umamusume community. As more international stars are added, the list of living horses will likely grow.
Credit: www.reddit.com
Tips For Following Living Umamusume Horses
If you want to stay up to date with the real horses who inspired Umamusume, here are some practical steps:
- Check official farm websites. Farms like Shadai Stallion Station and Northern Farm regularly post updates and news about their horses.
- Follow racing news outlets. Websites such as the Japan Racing Association and Racing Post provide reliable updates on racing, retirements, and breeding.
- Join fan communities. Online forums, social media groups, and even Discord servers track the lives of both Umamusume characters and the real horses.
- Look for special events. Farms sometimes host open days or virtual tours, allowing fans to see their favorite horses up close.
- Double-check information. News can change quickly, especially with older horses. Always confirm with official sources.
The Future: New Horses And Ongoing Stories
As Umamusume continues to grow, more living horses will join the roster. Young stars like Sodashi and Titleholder are still writing their stories, both on the track and in the game. The franchise’s creators are careful to balance respect, excitement, and accuracy as they introduce new characters.
Fans can expect more collaborations with farms, new merchandise, and even charitable projects to support retired racehorses. The ongoing relationship between Umamusume and real racing is a unique and living tradition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Umamusume Characters Are Based On Living Horses?
As of 2024, Umamusume includes characters based on living horses such as Vodka, Gold Ship, Kitasan Black, Satono Diamond, Makfi, Orfevre, Duramente, Almond Eye, Gran Alegria, Deirdre, Efforia, Contrail, Daring Tact, Lys Gracieux, Chrono Genesis, Danon Kingly, Love Only You, Sodashi, Titleholder, and Geoglyph. The list grows as new stars emerge.
How Can I Visit A Living Horse From Umamusume?
Many living Umamusume horses reside at well-known farms like Shadai Stallion Station, Northern Farm, and Big Red Farm. These farms sometimes offer tours or open days. Check their websites for the latest visitor information. Some horses also appear at public events or festivals.
Why Are Some Living Horses Not Named Directly In Umamusume?
Licensing, owner preferences, and trademarks can affect whether a horse’s real name is used. Some living horses are represented with altered names or character designs to respect these concerns. This helps the franchise avoid legal issues and maintain good relationships with owners.
Are There Any Risks Or Controversies In Using Living Horses In Umamusume?
There are some concerns, such as privacy for the horse’s owners and the risk of misinformation spreading if a horse’s status changes. However, the franchise works closely with stakeholders to handle these issues respectfully and promptly.
Where Can I Find More Information About The Real Horses Behind Umamusume?
The official websites of breeding farms, the Japan Racing Association, and reputable news sources provide up-to-date information. One good resource is the Wikipedia page for Umamusume: Pretty Derby, which lists character inspirations and includes many external links.
Umamusume is more than just a game or anime—it’s a living tribute to the legends of horse racing. Knowing which horses are still alive adds meaning and excitement for fans, connecting fiction with reality in a way few franchises can match.
With each new racing season, the story continues, and the bond between fans and these remarkable horses grows stronger.