Haru Urara, Japan’s most beloved underdog racehorse and one of the real-world stars behind the viral game Umamusume: Pretty Derby, did eventually win a race, just not in the way most people expected.
Best known for her 113 career loss record, Haru became a national symbol of perseverance in the early 2000s. Decades later, she’s gone viral again thanks to Umamusume: Pretty Derby, a mobile game that turns real-life racehorses into anime girls.
So far, overseas players have flooded social media with tributes, memes, and emotional posts about her struggles. Some have even managed to win the esteemed URA Finale with her, while others have continued to embrace her endless losses. However, in a surprise twist, it turns out Haru Urara did win a race.
Haru Urara actually won a race
A reply to our viral Tweet has brought attention to a little-known fact: Haru Urara did end up winning a race, just not in an official way. This shocking turn of events dates back to 2019, more than a decade after her retirement, when Haru took part in a “Soft Keiba” event.
Soft Keiba is a relaxed, non-competitive race format for retired horses, which prioritizes participation over speed. This made it the perfect backdrop for Haru to claim her first and only unofficial win.
While the result doesn’t count toward her racing record, it’s a fitting victory for a career built on sheer perseverance. She may have never crossed the finish line in first place during her racing days, but Haru Urara’s story has made her one of the most lovable horses in the world.
On July 10, it was also revealed that overseas fans can support the underdog horse in real life. A Japanese vendor now offers an international gift service, allowing Umamusume fans to gift Haru a bundle of fresh ryegrass.
Diehard fans can even go a step further and visit the real-life farms where Haru Urara and other iconic horses are kept, so if you do go, be sure to congratulate her on her well-earned victory.
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