Umamusume icon & legendary racehorse Gentildonna dies aged 16

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Gentildonna, a famous racehorse in Japan and a popular character in the game Umamusume: Pretty Derby, has passed away at the age of 16.

Man, I was really bummed to hear that Gentildonna passed away. The Sunday Thoroughbred Club announced it yesterday, November 26th, saying it happened at Northern Farm in Hokkaido on the 25th. It hit a lot of us fans hard because that date was the anniversary of her first Japan Cup win back in 2012! She was amazing, and then she did it again in 2013, becoming the first female horse ever to win the Japan Cup two years in a row. Seriously legendary.

I first started following horse racing around 2010, and Gentildonna quickly became a favorite of mine. She was a total powerhouse – seriously, she earned seven Grade 1 wins and racked up a ton of awards! We fans even gave her the nickname “Gorilla” because of how strong and dominant she looked when she ran. She just completely owned the track.

Gentildonna dies aged 16

Gentildonna stopped racing in 2014, but she has several foals, meaning her influence on the sport is likely to last for years to come.

Gentildonna is also featured in the popular mobile game, Umamusume Pretty Derby, with her character based on her successful racing career. The game’s creators, Cygames, posted a tribute after the announcement of her passing.

Gentildonna, a famous Japanese racehorse, has passed away at the age of 16. She was a two-time winner of the Japan Cup, taking the title in both 2012 and 2013. Affectionately known as “Gorilla” by her fans, she also served as inspiration for a character in the popular game, Umamusume.

— TopMob (@TopMob) November 26, 2025

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Gentildonna on November 25th. This incredible racehorse inspired the character of Gentildonna in Umamusume: Pretty Derby, and her memory will live on. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to everyone who cared for her.

The Umamusume community has experienced a series of sad losses this year. Following the deaths of Haru Urara, a much-loved racing icon who passed away in September at age 29, and Grass Wonder, a popular champion from the late 1990s who died in August at age 30, Gentildonna’s passing marks the third significant loss for fans.

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2025-11-26 12:49