Haru Urara Horse Death: Beloved Racehorse Haru Urara’s Cause of Death Revealed as Colic

Haru Urara, the Japanese racehorse who became a national icon, has died at the age of 29. She passed away at Martha Farm in Onjuku, Chiba, on September 9, 2025. The farm confirmed that the cause of death was colic, a severe condition that affects the intestines of horses.

Her death was announced by staff who cared for her until the end. They said she was surrounded by veterinarians during her final hours. The news was met with sadness across Japan and beyond.

Haru Urara’s Life and Racing Career

Haru Urara was born in 1996 in Hokkaido. She began racing in 1998 and continued until 2004. During that time, she ran 113 races without a single win.

Despite never winning, she became famous. Crowds came to watch her races. Media reports described her as a symbol of hope. Many people bought her betting tickets as lucky charms.

Her most famous race took place in March 2003 at Nakayama Racecourse. Tens of thousands of fans filled the stands. Television cameras broadcast the event nationwide. She lost that race, but her spirit captured hearts. According to Japanese news outlets, she became known as the “shining star of losers everywhere.”

Symbol of Hope and Popularity Beyond Racing

Even after retirement, Haru Urara remained in the spotlight. In 2019, she won a special time-trial race for retired horses. It was her only career victory, though unofficial.

Her popularity returned in recent years with the Umamusume: Pretty Derby franchise. The game and anime featured her as a cheerful character. Fans from new generations discovered her story. Many donated ryegrass feed and support to her farm.

Her passing comes shortly after another famous horse, Grass Wonder, also connected to the Umamusume series, died in August 2025. Fans of the series shared tributes online.

Legacy of Haru Urara

Haru Urara’s story was not about wins. It was about persistence, spirit, and resilience. She showed people that even in defeat, there is dignity.

Her name will remain tied to Japan’s racing culture. She will also be remembered in pop culture through Umamusume. Tributes describe her as a horse that inspired millions.

Haru Urara horse death marks the end of a chapter in Japanese racing history. Her cause of death was colic. She leaves behind a legacy of strength and hope.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

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

Haru Urara died from colic, a painful intestinal condition common in horses. Staff confirmed she passed on September 9, 2025.

Q2: How old was Haru Urara when she died?

She was 29 years old at the time of her death. She lived a long life after retiring from racing.

Q3: Did Haru Urara ever win a race?

No, she never won any of her 113 official races. However, she did record a symbolic win in a time-trial for retired horses in 2019.

Q4: Why was Haru Urara so popular?

Her fame came from her losing streak and her persistence. She was seen as a symbol of hope and resilience in Japan.

Q5: Was Haru Urara connected to Umamusume?

Yes, she inspired a character in the popular game and anime Umamusume: Pretty Derby, which helped renew her popularity among younger fans.