Haru Urara, a racehorse nicknamed “The Shining Star of Losers Everywhere” and the inspiration behind the Haru Urara character in the Umamusume franchise, died from colic in the early hours of September 9, 2025. She died at the age of 29, which would have made her around 90 years old in human years. [Thanks, Yahoo!]
Haru Urara was a racehorse that many found inspiring in 2003, when a commentator mentioned that she may become Japan’s Zippy Chippy. Zippy Chippy was an American thoroughbred that became famous for losing 100 races. Haru Urara’s popularity stemmed from her underdog status, and people were even using tickets bidding on her as good luck charms.
Her popularity exploded again after her retirement when Cygames released Umamusume: Pretty Derby. In it, her character is cute and plucky, who loves running even though she’s racing at the highly competitive Tracen Academy. Throughout her career story, she learns to take racing more seriously, culminating in an emotional moment at the Arima Kinen race. After the global version came out, overseas fans fell in love with Haru Urara and sent her fresh grass to her retirement farm so she could have some yummy food.
Haru Urara is not the only racehorse that fans may have become familiar with through Umamusume: Pretty Derby that died this year. In August 2025, retired racehorse and Umamusume: Pretty Derby character inspiration, Grass Wonder, also passed away. You can play the game on mobile devices or Windows PC.