Reigning two-time Arima Kinen victor, Grass Wonder, succumbs at age 30
Grass Wonder, a legendary Japanese Thoroughbred racehorse and one of the most successful horses of Japan's "Golden Generation," has passed away at the age of 30. The news was shared by Cygames, the developer of the popular anime Umamusume: Pretty Derby, which features characters based on famous racehorses, including Grass Wonder.
Grass Wonder, born in 1995, had an impressive racing career from 1997 to 2000. He won 9 out of 15 races, including three consecutive grand prix victories in 1999 and back-to-back championships at the Arima Kinen. His debut year in 1997 was undefeated, culminating in a record time victory at the Asahi Hai.
After retiring from racing, Grass Wonder became an influential sire, producing four champion offspring, including Screen Hero and Earnestly. He lived to be 30, passing away on August 8, 2025, from age-related multiple organ failure. During his retirement, he resided at Japan's Big Red Farm.
In Umamusume: Pretty Derby, Grass Wonder is represented by a female character with light brown hair and a white dot, mirroring the horse’s chestnut coat and white star. She is portrayed as a friendly but determined girl who grew up in America but has a strong affection for Japanese culture, paralleling the real horse’s American breeding and Japanese training background. Grass Wonder is a two-star unit in the game, with abilities suited for Mile or Long turf races and a unique skill that enhances speed when strategically positioned during races.
Fans of Umamusume: Pretty Derby and real-life horse racing mourned Grass Wonder's passing deeply. Cygames and voice actress Rena Maeda publicly expressed condolences and recalled fond memories of the horse during visits in retirement. A statement from Big Red Farm also expressed condolences for Grass Wonder's death.
Grass Wonder's legacy extends beyond the racing world, as he sired 736 winners from 1327 foals during his retirement. One of his offspring, Screen Hero, sired six-time G1 champion Maurice. Lincoln Carpenter, a writer for PC Gamer, shared his condolences, having written about games for 11 years and having expertise in various games, including Caves of Qud, Crusader Kings, and Monster Hunter.
Grass Wonder will be remembered as one of the most influential racehorses in Japanese history, leaving a lasting impact on both the racing world and popular culture.
[1] Umamusume: Pretty Derby Wiki[2] Anime News Network[3] Cygames Official Twitter[4] Rena Maeda Official Twitter
- Grass Wonder, a tremendously successful Japanese Thoroughbred racehorse, won 9 out of 15 races during his career from 1997 to 2000, making him one of the most victorious racers of Japan's "Golden Generation."
- In the popular anime Umamusume: Pretty Derby, Grass Wonder is represented by a female character with a white dot and light brown hair, symbolizing his chestnut coat and white star.
- Despite his retirement from racing, Grass Wonder's influence didn't wane; he became an influential sire, producing four champion offspring like Screen Hero and Earnestly.
- Grass Wonder passed away on August 8, 2025, at the age of 30, leaving behind a lasting impact on the racing world and popular culture.
- Umamusume: Pretty Derby fans and real horse racing enthusiasts alike mourned the passing of this legendary racer, with Cygames, voice actress Rena Maeda, and Big Red Farm expressing their condolences.
- Grass Wonder's legacy continues even after his death, as he sired 736 winners from 1327 foals during his retirement, including six-time G1 champion Maurice.
