
Haru Urara deserves this.
I’ve talked quite a bit about Haru Urara this week, the famous Japanese racehorse known for her losses—113 straight races, to be exact. Both the real Haru Urara and her anime equivalent in Umamusume: Pretty Derby have gained immense popularity since the game’s English version launched earlier in June, reaching a broader audience.
The game features moments acknowledging her ongoing defeats—events where she loses but still garners cheers from fans, showcasing her resilience despite her rankings. However, one key event shines brighter than the rest: the Arima Kinen race.
This race was intentionally set up for her to lose massively. Each horse girl has specific distances that they excel in, and for Haru Urara, that is sprinting. The Arima Kinen, however, is a long race, 1100 meters longer than most she encounters. It further challenges her since it takes place on a turf track, while Haru Urara primarily races on dirt tracks.
There’s a prevailing theory among fans that the race designs guarantee her last place, so she frequently finishes after the pack has crossed the line long ago.
Surprisingly, one dedicated Haru Urara enthusiast managed to clinch a win with her without spending money in-game. Despite not being the first to achieve this on the global server, as ‘mateus186’ from Brazil expressed, many factors, including luck, come into play here.
“She never gave up so I didn’t give up too,” they shared on Reddit. The journey to make her win, after many losses, illustrates the indomitable spirit of the fans who believe in her.
The shining star of losers deserves this victory, and her community’s support, even when facing strict challenges, shows the heart of the game.