Virtual funeral conducted by Umamusume gamers for Grass Wonder, the actual 3 decade old thoroughbred racehorse, whose animated counterpart is cherished among the game's horse-girl characters: "May you savor heavenly dandelions in eternity"
In a heartfelt statement on Twitter, Cygames, the developers of Umamusume: Pretty Derby, shared their condolences for the passing of Grass Wonder. The American-bred, Japanese-trained Thoroughbred racehorse became a legendary figure in Japanese horse racing and the inspiration for a character in the popular game.
Grass Wonder's career spanned from 1997 to 2000, during which he won 9 of 15 races, including four prestigious Grade 1 victories. He was undefeated in his debut year, winning notably the Asahi Hai Sansai Stakes in record time. His legacy includes three consecutive Grand Prix titles, including back-to-back wins at the Arima Kinen and the Takarazuka Kinen.
Grass Wonder was renowned for his resilience, notably returning triumphantly after a serious leg injury that sidelined him for ten months. He famously won close photo finishes against legendary competitors such as Special Week, demonstrating his characteristic late-race surge.
After retiring in 2000, Grass Wonder became a highly successful stallion, siring multiple Grade 1 winners. His progeny included notable horses such as Screen Hero, whose lineage produced the champion Maurice. In total, Grass Wonder sired over 1,300 foals with more than 700 winners, cementing his legacy in Japanese racing bloodlines.
Grass Wonder's cultural impact extended beyond racing as he was featured as a gentle and determined horse girl character specializing in medium-to-long-distance races in Umamusume: Pretty Derby. Fans of the game admire the character’s determination and late-race strength, traits mirroring the real racehorse.
Japanese farm Big Red Farm announced Grass Wonder's death earlier today. According to a post from the farm, Grass Wonder had been in good health this year, but age-related organ failure saw him take a sudden and rapid turn for the worse. The food donation website received an overwhelming amount of grass donations due to the actions of Umamusume's Steam users, with the phrase "It's very crowded right now" reportedly used in response to the influx.
Fans of Umamusume: Pretty Derby have turned up in droves to mourn Grass Wonder online. Users on various platforms have expressed their grief over Grass Wonder's passing with sentiments such as "heartbroken" and "rest in peace." One user named ShenUltima wrote, "May you eat dandelions in heaven." Another expressed their hope that Grass Wonder will find ever greener pastures on the other side.
Special Week, the face of Umamusume, is rumoured to have expressed excitement at the prospect of seeing Grass Wonder again. Grass Wonder's death marks the first among the real-life horses behind Umamusume's horse girls since the game's Steam release and subsequent global explosion. According to the JBIS racehorse database, Grass Wonder had a sterling record with multiple major wins in just a few years.
A heavily memed photograph of Grass Wonder, showing him enjoying his retirement and packing on some pounds, has circulated online. The memory of Grass Wonder will undoubtedly endure, both in horse racing and popular culture through Umamusume.
- News about Grass Wonder's passing has been shared on social media by Cygames, developers of the game Umamusume: Pretty Derby.
- Fans of the game are grieving the loss of Grass Wonder, expressing their sorrow with sentiments such as "heartbroken" and "rest in peace."
- Grass Wonder's legacy in horse racing includes numerous Grade 1 victories, three consecutive Grand Prix titles, and siring over 1,300 foals.
- The character based on Grass Wonder in Umamusume: Pretty Derby is admired for her determination and late-race strength, traits mirroring the real racehorse.
- ShenUltima, a fan of Umamusume: Pretty Derby, wrote a heartfelt message for Grass Wonder, "May you eat dandelions in heaven."
- After retiring, Grass Wonder became a famous stallion, siring notable horses such as Screen Hero, whose lineage produced the champion Maurice.
