Umamusume’s real-world takeover continues by sponsoring $300,000 US horse race

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Cygames, the company behind the popular game Umamusume: Pretty Derby, is expanding its reach by sponsoring a prestigious Grade 1 horse race in the United States.

Video game developer Cygames, a Japanese company, sponsored the American Oaks horse race at Santa Anita Park on December 28, 2025. Fans of their popular game, Umamusume, attended the race dressed as characters from the game, and shared photos and videos online.

Okay, so I was reading about the American Oaks, and it’s a pretty big deal. It started way back in 1982, and it’s a Grade 1 race – basically the highest level you can get in horse racing. The prize money is a cool $300,000, so you always get some amazing horses and jockeys competing. It’s run at Santa Anita during the winter, and it’s a huge event to wrap up the racing year. Definitely one to watch if you’re into the sport!

Umamusume sponsors major US horse race event

Ambaya, an American racehorse, won the 2025 competition, finishing strong on the final day to claim both the prize money and the championship title, much to the delight of Umamusume fans.

Over the past year, Cygames has been increasingly involved in real-world horse racing, building on the success of Umamusume after it became available internationally.

In early 2025, Cygames became the main sponsor of the prestigious Grand Prix de Paris, a historic race dating back to 1863. The race, now officially called the Cygames Grand Prix de Paris, took place at ParisLongchamp Racecourse and featured a €600,000 prize.

I dressed up as a character from Umamusume at an actual horse racetrack! Cygames sponsored the American Oaks G1 race at Santa Anita Park, and it was amazing to see so many other Umamusume fans there. I finally got to debut my Daiwa Scarlet costume, too!

— Baninabear (@baninabear) December 29, 2025

In April, the development team supported the 151st Kentucky Derby by sponsoring the Unbridled Sidney Stakes on Kentucky Oaks Day. They also showcased playable versions of their games at Churchill Downs.

This recent event highlights the ongoing support from Umamusume fans for the actual horses that inspire the game’s characters. They’re even contributing to funds that help care for retired racing legends like Meisho Doto and Transcend.

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2025-12-31 18:50