Haru Urara Obituary｜A National Idol Horse Loved for Losing

Haru Urara Obituary｜Cause of Death and Final Moments at Masa Farm

In the early morning of September 9, 2025, Haru Urara crossed the rainbow bridge at Masa Farm in Onjuku, Chiba Prefecture. She was 29 years old, which is close to 90 in human years. The cause of death was colic, a condition highly dangerous for horses. Surrounded by the staff and members of the “Spring Urara Association,” she took her last breath.

Haru Urara Racing Record｜113 Straight Losses and Kochi Racecourse Phenomenon

Since her debut in 1998, Haru Urara never won a single race and left behind the unprecedented record of 113 consecutive losses. Yet, the way she kept running bravely attracted empathy, and she became known as the “Star of the Losers,” drawing nationwide attention.

In 2004, when jockey Yutaka Take rode her at Kochi Racecourse, 13,000 fans gathered, and the venue had to impose admission limits. It was a social phenomenon.
During her racing days, her betting tickets were called “traffic safety charms,” because she never hit, and goods related to her became popular. She also supported Kochi’s local economy as a tourist attraction.

Why Haru Urara Became a Japanese Icon｜From “Traffic Safety Charm” to Uma Musume

Haru Urara embodied the rare idea of “being cheered even without winning.” In the era when layoffs and economic struggles were a common theme, many people projected themselves onto her and kept cheering.

After retirement, she was given new life as a character in the game “Uma Musume Pretty Derby.” Portrayed as a bright and positive character who never gave up despite losing, she won fans again. After the English version of the game was released in 2025, overseas fans also began visiting the farm. The Japanese culture of “loving weakness” started to spread worldwide through her story.

Haru Urara’s Legacy｜A Racehorse Loved Beyond Winning and Losing

Haru Urara was a horse who never won, but at the same time, she was a being who went beyond winning and losing. She will remain a special horse in the history of Japanese racing, remembered for generations.

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