Sad news comes from the world of Japanese horse racing. Grass Wonder, one of the most celebrated racehorses of the late 1990s, has passed away on August 8, 2025, at the age of 30.

Born on February 18, 1995 in the United States, Grass Wonder was later brought to Japan, where he achieved a glorious racing career. According to records from netkeiba, he was owned by Hanzawa Co., Ltd. and trained by Mitsuhiro Ogata. Over the course of 15 races, Grass Wonder achieved 9 victories and 1 runner-up finish, earning a total of ¥691.65 million.

Grass Wonder’s Racing Career

Grass Wonder made headlines in 1997, when he won the Asahi Hai Sansai Stakes as a two-year-old. That victory capped off his debut season as an undefeated champion.

Despite suffering an injury in 1998, he made a stunning comeback by winning the prestigious Arima Kinen 1998, one of Japan’s most iconic horse racing events.

The Golden Year: 1999

Grass Wonder reached the peak of his career in 1999, when he secured:

• Victory at the Takarazuka Kinen (July 1999)

• A win at the Mainichi Okan (October 1999)

• Another triumph at the Arima Kinen, marking his second title in the race

These back-to-back achievements cemented Grass Wonder’s status as one of the greatest racehorses of his generation. His accomplishments are also confirmed in official records by JBIS (Japan Bloodstock Information System).

Grass Wonder in Popular Culture

Beyond the racetrack, Grass Wonder became a household name through the multimedia franchise Uma Musume: Pretty Derby, which reimagines famous racehorses as anime characters.

In Uma Musume, Grass Wonder is portrayed as an elegant, determined, and fiercely competitive girl, embodying the spirit of her real-life counterpart.

The news of her passing deeply shook the Uma Musume fan community. Social media was quickly filled with digital tributes, including:

• Fanart illustrations

• Memorable anime scene highlights

• Heartfelt messages of gratitude and farewell

Digital Tributes

A notable tribute came from Wplace, a collaborative virtual canvas where fans created a large-scale artwork together.

Initially, some controversy arose as parts of the tribute were generated with AI tools, but the Uma Musume community later refined the artwork, adding authentic costume details and other accurate touches from the official anime and game.

Legacy of Grass Wonder

With her racing dominance and her lasting presence in popular culture, Grass Wonder leaves behind an enduring legacy. She will forever be remembered as both a legendary racehorse and an inspiration in Uma Musume, bridging the worlds of horse racing and anime.

Though her passing marks the end of an era, her story and spirit will continue to inspire fans across generations.