Since its explosive mobile game launch, Cygames' hit project "Uma Musume Pretty Derby" has sparked massive buzz, with the game celebrating its 4th anniversary next February. This surge in popularity has also brought a growing spotlight to Japan's horse racing culture.
With this year's Arima Kinen (held on December 28) fast approaching, the official JRA X account has re-released the "Tokai Teio Narration Video," under the title "[Rerelease] Soul-Stirring Masterpiece Narration." This special video, which looks back at a legendary race, was originally released for the 2021 Arima Kinen but later became unavailable. Now it's back, featuring the renowned voice actor Shuichi Ikeda lending his powerful voice to the narration.
When you hear "Tokai Teio," the first thing that comes to mind is undoubtedly his incredible six-race winning streak right out of the gate, securing both the Satsuki Sho and the Japanese Derby (Tokyo Yushun) to become a dual-crown champion. But his racing career was also a grueling journey, constantly battling recurring bone fractures.
After suffering his third fracture, Tokai Teio finally returned to the track a full 364 days after his last race – for the 38th Arima Kinen in 1993. Challenging a major G1 race after a year without competition seemed like an impossible mission, especially with formidable opponents like Biwa Hayahide, the year's top Kikuka Sho winner, and other tough contenders like Legacy World and Winning Ticket.
Yet, in a fierce final stretch battle, Tokai Teio surged from behind, overtaking Biwa Hayahide to snatch the victory. This "G1 win after a year-long absence" completely defied conventional wisdom in Japanese horse racing, becoming a miraculous comeback story still celebrated today.
This very story is vividly depicted in the climactic moments of the second season of the "Uma Musume Pretty Derby" anime, widely recognized by fans as one of its "god-tier" episodes.
Whether you're an old-school fan who witnessed it firsthand or a new enthusiast who discovered horse racing through "Uma Musume," Shuichi Ikeda's rich and emotional narration of this "true history" is guaranteed to give you goosebumps.
This video will be available until December 29 (the day after the Arima Kinen). Before this year's grand finale race kicks off, take a moment to experience one of the most breathtaking miracles in horse racing history with your eyes and ears.