Viral mobile game Umamusume: Pretty Derby is sponsoring IRL horse race

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Developers of the game “Umamusume: Pretty Derby” are lending their support to one of Europe‘s most esteemed equestrian events, specifically the Grand Prix de Paris.

Captivating audiences everywhere, Umamusume: Pretty Derby is a mobile game where you nurture, compete in races, and cultivate relationships with charming characters modeled after racehorses such as Silence Suzuka and Haru Urara.

Initially, Umamusume was launched in Japan in 2021, but it garnered global attention only after its worldwide debut on June 26. Ever since, enthusiasts have been actively learning about the real-life counterparts of the characters, visiting actual ranches, sending gifts, and posting their victories and defeats virally.

Not only well-known streamers such as Ludwig and Northernlion are broadcasting the game, but Cygames is capitalizing on Umamusume’s fame in a unique way – they are sponsoring the Grand Prix de Paris for real-life horse racing events.

Umamusume: Pretty Derby sponsoring Grand Prix de Paris 

This year’s Grand Prix de Paris will be held at the ParisLongchamp Racecourse in Paris, and it’s a long-standing horse race that has been ongoing since 1863. But this time around, it will be called the Cygames Grand Prix de Paris to match our new partnership.

Starting from July 13, there are going to be three exciting races taking place, and the grandest prize – amounting to €600,000 or approximately $700,000 – is at stake in each of them.

Koichi Watanabe, President of Cygames, expressed his profound honor in collaborating with France Galop, renowned for their prestigious French horse racing events like the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. He is extremely proud to be chosen as the primary sponsor for a race as rich in history as the Grand Prix de Paris.

The event titled “#GameOn” is scheduled for the 13th of July! Moreover, not just this event but also “HandiCap De La Fete Nationale” and “Primex Mallere” will have “#GameOn” as their primary sponsor. Here’s a shining star looking forward to seeing you all on that day! 🌟

— France Galop (@francegalop) July 10, 2025

Cygames aims to spread joy and happiness worldwide through exceptional entertainment… Drawing from our rich appreciation for racing history and culture, we’ve infused these elements into our game. We’re excited as the first Japanese studio collaborating with France Galop, believing that our enthusiasm will resonate with countless horse racing enthusiasts on the Grand Prix de Paris’s international stage.

On April 21st, it’s not the first instance where Umamusume developers have collaborated with a genuine horse race; this time they supported the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby. For more details on this event, feel free to visit their official website.

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2025-07-10 19:18