Haru Urara Death: Beloved Japanese Racehorse and Umamusume Inspiration Dies at 29

Haru Urara, the Japanese racehorse known for her never-give-up spirit, has died at the age of 29. She passed away on 9 September at Martha Farm in Onjuku, Chiba. Staff confirmed the cause of death was horse colic, a digestive condition.

Her death was reported by Yahoo! Japan and later confirmed by staff at the farm. Developer Cygames, makers of Umamusume: Pretty Derby, also shared condolences. Haru Urara was the model for one of the game’s most popular characters.

Haru Urara’s Life and Racing Career

Haru Urara was born on 27 February 1996 in Hokkaido. She was sired by Nippo Teio, a respected racehorse. Despite her strong bloodline, she never won a race in her career.

She debuted in 1998 at the Kōchi Racetrack and finished last. Over six years, she ran 113 races without a single victory. Still, her persistence caught national attention. By 2003, she had become a media sensation. Japanese fans called her “the shining star of losers everywhere.”

Betting tickets with her name became lucky charms. Crowds packed the track to see her race. The Kōchi Horse Racing Association launched campaigns and sold merchandise, turning Haru Urara into a symbol of resilience. She ran her last race in August 2004.

Global Fame Through Umamusume: Pretty Derby

In 2021, Haru Urara appeared as a character in Cygames’ hit mobile game Umamusume: Pretty Derby. The game introduced her story to a new global audience. When the game launched worldwide in June 2025, she became even more popular with fans.

Players donated funds through Fresh Hay Bank, a crowdfunding project for retired horses. In July, the site even crashed after supporters sent more than 2,500 kilograms of fresh ryegrass for Haru Urara. Other famous horses like Meisho Doto and Nice Nature also received donations.

Her story of defeat and endurance resonated far beyond racing. She was celebrated as a reminder that effort, not only results, can inspire people.

Haru Urara’s death closes a unique chapter in Japanese racing. She was a horse who never won on the track but won the hearts of millions.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What was Haru Urara’s cause of death?

She died from horse colic, a digestive illness that causes gas and pain in the intestines.

Q2: How many races did Haru Urara run?

She ran 113 races from 1998 to 2004 but never won a single one.

Q3: Why was Haru Urara so famous despite losing?

She became a symbol of hope and resilience. Fans admired her persistence, and media called her “the shining star of losers.”

Q4: How is Haru Urara linked to Umamusume?

She inspired a character in Cygames’ mobile game Umamusume: Pretty Derby, launched in 2021 in Japan and globally in 2025.

Q5: Did fans support Haru Urara after retirement?

Yes. Thousands donated food for her through Fresh Hay Bank. She remained a fan favorite until her death.