If you’ve been active on social media lately, you may have noticed the frenzy surrounding Umamusume: Pretty Derby, a gacha game where anime girls embody racehorses. Among these virtual gallopers, one character stands out due to her chaotic behavior and mischievous charm: Gold Ship.

Gold Ship isn’t just an animated creation; she’s based on a notorious real-life racehorse who had a reputation for unpredictability, often turning the betting world upside down.

Gold Ship

She’s described as an uncontrollable gremlin, known for her erratic training habits and occasional outbursts during races. Fans have adopted her colorful persona, despite—or perhaps because of—her unpredictable nature. Quotes shared on social media reflect a community deeply engaged with her character, showcasing the unique bond players feel towards Gold Ship.

The real horse also had an illustrious yet tumultuous racing career, where he notoriously cost gamblers billions at the 2015 Takarazuka Kinen after a shocking underperformance. His jockey, Norihiro Yokoyama, reflected on this chaos by noting, “I hope you’ll think of that as part of his personality.”

After retiring, Gold Ship now lives at Big Red Farm in Hokkaido, where he continues to influence future generations of racehorses. With a stud fee of 4 million yen, it seems he’s doing quite well for himself.

Umamusume: Pretty Derby remains an addictive experience for gamers while serving as a nod to the unpredictable nature of its inspiration.