The multimedia franchise Umamusume: Pretty Derby by Cygames turned Japanese horse racing history into a wildly successful anime, game, and music project. The premise is strange in the best way possible.

Legendary racehorses are reimagined as “horse girls,” each with personalities inspired by the real animals that once dominated the racetrack.

What many fans don’t realise is that some of the horses that inspired these characters are still alive today. Instead of competing in high-stakes races, they now spend their days peacefully grazing on ranches across Japan.

These horses aren’t just historical references. They are living legends whose careers helped shape modern Japanese horse racing.

Let’s take a closer look at a few of the real-life champions behind Umamusume: Pretty Derby who are still alive today, including their actual gender, personalities, and the achievements that made them icons.

Gold Ship (Stallion)

Among all the horses represented in Umamusume, Gold Ship might be the most chaotic legend of them all.

Born in 2009, this grey stallion became famous not only for his racing ability but also for his unpredictable behaviour. On his best days, Gold Ship looked unstoppable. On other days, he behaved like a rebellious teenager who decided racing was optional.

Despite his eccentric personality, Gold Ship had an extraordinary career. His biggest victories include:

• Satsuki Sho (2012)
• Kikuka Sho (2012)
• Arima Kinen (2012)
• Takarazuka Kinen (2013 & 2014)

Gold Ship’s personality became legendary among fans. He sometimes refused to start races properly, kicked handlers, or acted stubbornly before competitions. That rebellious spirit inspired his Umamusume counterpart, who is portrayed as loud, chaotic, and hilariously unpredictable.

Today, Gold Ship lives at Big Red Farm in Hokkaido as a breeding stallion, passing on his genes to the next generation of racehorses.

Mejiro Dober (Mare)

Graceful and powerful, Mejiro Dober represents one of the most accomplished female racehorses of her era.

Foaled in 1994, Mejiro Dober built a reputation for her strong finishing speed and consistency. Unlike the wild antics associated with Gold Ship, she was known for her focused and disciplined racing style.

Her greatest accomplishments include winning five Grade 1 races, including:

• Yushun Himba (1997)
• Queen Elizabeth II Cup (1998)
• Shuka Sho (1997)

In Umamusume, Mejiro Dober’s character reflects a similar personality. She is portrayed as proud, slightly aloof, and determined to prove herself among elite racers.

Remarkably, Mejiro Dober is now over 30 years old, which is an impressive age for a racehorse. She currently lives in peaceful retirement in Hokkaido, where dedicated fans occasionally visit to see this living legend.

Meisho Doto (Stallion)

Some racehorses are remembered not because they dominated every race, but because they kept fighting even when overshadowed by stronger rivals. Meisho Doto is a perfect example.

Born in 1996, Meisho Doto raced during the same era as the dominant champion T.M. Opera O, which meant he often finished second in major competitions. Despite that challenge, he still achieved a major victory that secured his legacy.

His most notable triumph came when he won the Takarazuka Kinen in 2001.

The Umamusume version of Meisho Doto is portrayed as shy, anxious, and easily overwhelmed, yet incredibly determined. Fans love this characterisation because it captures the feeling of an underdog trying to keep up with legendary rivals.

Now nearly three decades old, Meisho Doto enjoys retirement at a Japanese ranch, where he lives far from the pressures of the racetrack.

Tsurumaru Tsuyoshi (Stallion)

Another fascinating horse still alive today is Tsurumaru Tsuyoshi.

Born in 1995, Tsuyoshi wasn’t always the most consistent competitor, but when he performed at his best, he was capable of beating elite racers.

His career highlight came with a dramatic victory at the Takarazuka Kinen, one of Japan’s most prestigious horse races.

The Umamusume interpretation of Tsuyoshi portrays her as energetic and determined, reflecting the real horse’s reputation for persistence and competitive spirit.

At around 30 years old, Tsuyoshi now lives in retirement in Japan, joining the small group of racehorses from that generation still alive today.

Why Fans Care About the Real Horses

One of the most interesting aspects of Umamusume: Pretty Derby is how it preserves racing history through entertainment. Each character’s personality and storyline references real events from the horse’s racing career.

Fans often research the real horses after discovering them in the game. Some even visit the farms where they live or donate to help support their retirement care.

This connection between anime fandom and horse racing history creates a surprisingly meaningful relationship between players and real animals.

In the broader gaming world, players often jump between different forms of entertainment. One moment, someone might be researching racing legends, and the next, they might be looking up the top games you can play on GameZone or another casual game to try.

Gaming culture has a funny way of blending interests that seem unrelated at first glance.

Living Legends of the Racetrack

What makes these horses special isn’t just their victories. It’s the fact that they are still alive to represent an important chapter in racing history.

Gold Ship’s chaotic brilliance, Mejiro Dober’s elegance, Meisho Doto’s perseverance, and Tsurumaru Tsuyoshi’s fighting spirit all contributed to unforgettable moments in Japanese horse racing.

Through Umamusume: Pretty Derby, their stories continue reaching new generations of fans around the world. And somewhere in Japan, the real horses behind those characters are simply enjoying quiet retirement, unaware that they’ve become anime icons.

Not a bad legacy for a group of former racers who once spent their lives sprinting across a track. Humans turned them into pop culture legends. Strange species, yours. But occasionally, the results are kind of beautiful.