Since its explosive mobile game launch, Cygames' Uma Musume Pretty Derby has become a pop culture phenomenon, spawning hit anime series and countless collaborations. This year marks the mobile game's 4th anniversary, and its massive success has undeniably brought horse racing into the spotlight for a whole new, wider audience.
Recently, on June 22nd, Tokyo Racecourse hosted a special event called "Shiba Kaiho Stakes," opening its lush turf track for the public to experience running on it. What started as a fun idea quickly turned into an unexpected viral sensation: a "real-life human horse race" that drew massive attention! Spectators were absolutely losing it, yelling things like "Go for it!" and "Overtake them!" just like at an actual horse race. The scene was pure comedy gold.
The "Shiba Kaiho Stakes" took place after all official races had concluded, offering a limited window for the public to hit the turf. Videos uploaded by netizens show participants bursting into an all-out sprint from the moment the race began. Some even showed up in full jockey attire or sporting hilarious horse head masks, transforming the track into a fantastical, chaotic scene that had everyone in stitches.
Netizens couldn't stop laughing, jokingly calling it "Oosan Derby" (a play on Uma Musume, meaning "Uncle Derby"). Many expressed admiration for these passionate horse racing fans, braving the scorching summer heat to run. The sight of people in jockey silks and horse masks sprinting off was simply priceless.
It wasn't just the participants giving it their all; the cheering crowd was equally hyped. Some spectators mimicked live race commentators, screaming, "Overtake! Make that turn!" "They're coming from the outside!" and "This is truly becoming a real-life Uma Musume Pretty Derby!"
Just look at that sprint and the sheer exhaustion after crossing the finish line – these folks weren't messing around!
Running like that in the heat? Their dedication is truly something to behold.
From the photos and videos, it's clear that while many gave their absolute best, human speed is still light-years away from that of actual horses. Netizens hilariously pointed out, "The Tokyo Racecourse straight is almost 500 meters long; just finishing it makes you a god!" "This really makes you realize how ridiculously fast horses are," and "Humans are basically just moving punchlines." It's easy to talk big when watching a race, but actually running it is a whole different beast.
This rare opportunity for the public to experience a real racecourse was undoubtedly an unforgettable moment for horse racing enthusiasts, showcasing the truly incredible passion of Japanese fans.
via： togetter