Grass Wonder enjoyed a successful career as a racehorse, which made him the inspiration for a character of the same name from Umamusume: Pretty Derby.
Grass Wonder, the decorated Japanese racehorse that inspired the Umamusume: Pretty Derby character of the same name, has passed away. He was 30-years old.
Grass Wonder’s passing was announced on Friday (8 August) by Big Red Farm, the Japanese stable that housed him and many other retired racehorses. According to Big Red Farm’s statement, Grass Wonder was diagnosed with “multiple organ failure due to a decline in physical strength associated with aging.” Having lived to 30-years old, Grass Wonder lived a much longer life compared to most racehorses.
“[Grass Wonder] turned 30 this year and was in good health, but his condition worsened yesterday evening and he passed away this evening. He has taken his last breath,” said Big Red Farm.
“We would like to express our heartfelt condolences to this great horse who made such a great contribution to Japanese horse racing. We pray for the repose of Glass Wonder’s soul.”
Grass Wonder was born on 18 February 1995, having been bred in the United States before being raised in Japan. He enjoyed a successful racing career from 1997 to 2000 where he won nine of his 15 races, including four Grade I races. Some of his biggest victories included the 1997 Asahi Hai Sansai Stakes, back-to-back Arima Kinen wins in 1998 and 1997, and the 1999 Takarazuka Kinen.
AloJapan.com