Mainichi ShinbunHaru Urara, the Japanese racehorse who became a national icon for her losing streak and later inspired a character in Umamusume: Pretty Derby, has died at the age of 29.
Martha Farm in Onjuku, Chiba, confirmed that Haru Urara passed away on September 9, 2025, after suffering from colic. Staff and veterinarians stayed with her through the night, but she died early the next morning.
Born in 1996 in Hokkaido, Haru Urara raced from 1998 to 2004. She became famous not for her victories but for her persistence, finishing her career with zero wins from 113 starts. Media coverage of her streak in the early 2000s transformed her into a national sensation. Betting slips with her name were even kept as charms for good luck and traffic safety.
Haru Urara dies aged 29
Haru’s most high-profile race came in March 2003 at Nakayama Racecourse, when she ran in front of a packed crowd and national television cameras. Although she never crossed the finish line first, she became known as the “shining star of losers everywhere,” a symbol of resilience and hope.
After retiring, Haru Urara remained in the public eye. In 2019, she recorded her only victory in a time-trial for retired horses. More recently, her popularity surged again through the Umamusume franchise, where she was reintroduced to younger generations as a cheerful, never-give-up character.
CygamesCygames, the developers of Umamusume: Pretty Derby, shared a tribute to the horse’s legacy following the news of her passing:
“It is with heavy hearts that we share that Haru Urara passed away on September 9,” the team said. “The legendary racehorse’s legacy serves as the inspiration for the character of the same name in Umamusume: Pretty Derby. We share our condolences to all the staff involved in Haru Urara’s care.”
When Umamusume launched globally in June 2025, Haru Urara quickly became a popular character, and overseas fans even rushed to support the real horse, gifiting her generous donations of ryegrass feed.
Haru Urara’s passing also comes just weeks after the death of another iconic horse that appears in Umamusume, Grass Wonder, who died at age 30 in August.
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Though she never won a race, Haru Urara left behind something far greater. She embodied perseverance in the face of failure, and her story continues to resonate with horse racing and Umamusume fans alike.