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Express Tribune
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Umamusume developers threaten legal action over fan-art that breaks guidelines
Developers of Umamusume: Pretty Derby have issued a reminder to players about the guidelines for creating fan art, warning that legal action may be taken if the rules are breached. The viral horse racing game, which gained widespread popularity following its global release, has seen many players engaging with community content, including art featuring characters such as Gold Ship and the story of Haru Urara. Umamusume has set clear community guidelines regarding the creation of artistic works with its characters, which are available on the game's official website. The guidelines instruct fans to refrain from drawing or sharing content containing elements that are explicit, sexual, illegal, political, or infringe on the rights of third parties.. The developers explained the reason behind these rules is to protect the reputations of the real-life racehorses, as well as to maintain the relationship between Cygames, the horses' owners, and the Japan Racing Association. 'It is thanks to the cooperation of these owners, the horses' fans, and many others that we have been able to bring each Umamusume to life. As such, any works that could harm or otherwise discomfort any of the above parties will not be tolerated,' the developers stated. Cygames noted that these guidelines were created 'in cooperation with the agencies that manage the registration of the real-life racehorses' names.'
Japan Forward
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Japan Forward
Takarazuka Kinen: Meisho Tabaru Claims Wire-to-Wire Victory
Although threatened by Bellagio Opera, Meisho Tabaru pulled away for a three-length victory. It was jockey Yutaka Take's fifth Takarazuka Kinen win. Yutaka Take rides Meisho Tabaru en route to victory in the 66th Takarazuka Kinen on June 15, 2025, at Hanshin Racecourse in Takarazuka, Hyogo Prefecture. (©SANKEI) Meisho Tabaru led wire-to-wire to capture his third graded and first G1 title in the Takarazuka Kinen on Sunday, June 15 at Hanshin Racecourse. In his previous start, the son of 2014 Takarazuka Kinen champion Gold Ship finished fifth in the Dubai Turf (G1, 1,800 meters) on April 5. On Sunday, trainer Mamoru Ishibashi, who won the Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) as a jockey in 2006 and opened his yard in 2014, registered his third graded and first G1 victory. Jockey Yutaka Take earned his 84th Japan Racing Association G1 title. It was Take's record-extending fifth win in the Grand Prix (All-Star) race. He also triumphed in the Takarazuka Kinen aboard Inari One (1989), Mejiro McQueen (1993), Marvelous Sunday (1997) and Deep Impact (2006). A winning combination: jockey Yutaka Take and Meisho Tabaru. (©SANKEI) Quick out of stall 12, 4-year-old Meisho Tabaru promptly took the front to set the pace and continued to lead the All-Star field through the backstretch. Although threatened by Bellagio Opera (Kazuo Yokoyama's ride) in the final corners, the Gold Ship colt found another gear after entering the stretch and pulled away tenaciously to capture his first G1 title with a comfortable three-length victory. ( Watch the 66th Takarazuka Kinen on the JRA's YouTube channel. ) Winning jockey Yutaka Take (©SANKEI) "My plan was to take the lead, and although I was unsure about the pace, I think we were able to race at just the right pace," the 56-year-old Take said. "I knew the other horses were going to make a bid early but my mount had good momentum going around the fourth corner and I was hoping that he would manage to push through." Meisho Tabaru completed the 2,200-meter race in 2 minutes, 11.1 seconds. Horses jockey for position as they reach the fourth corner in the 66th Takarazuka Kinen. (©SANKEI) Race favorite Bellagio Opera broke smoothly and settled in fourth, 2-3 lengths behind the front three runners. As the field approached the final corner, the Lord Kanaloa bay shifted to the outside to make a bid. Then he entered the lane in second and, though unable to display his usual late charge, he managed to hold off the strong charge from behind to secure the runner-up seat. Tenth choice Justin Palace (Michael Dee) saved ground around 14th, gradually switched to the outside in the backstretch and circled wide to enter the lane in 15th. The son of Deep Impact launched the fastest kick over the last three furlongs (35.1 seconds). And, while having too much ground to catch the front two finishers, he crossed the wire a neck behind the runner-up to finish third. Shonan la Punta (Hideaki Miyuki) and Chuck Nate (Damian Lane) finished fourth and fifth, respectively, in the 17-horse race. The Sprinters Stakes is the JRA's next G1 race on September 28 at Nakayama Racecourse. Read the full report , including details on each of the Takarazuka Kinen entrants, on JRA News. Author: JRA News
Japan Forward
08-06-2025
- Sport
- Japan Forward
Jantar Mantar Wins the 75th Yasuda Kinen by a Comfortable Margin
With the victory at Tokyo Racecourse, the Palace Malice progeny became the first horse to win the NHK Mile Cup and the Yasuda Kinen. Yuga Kawada guides Jantar Mantar to victory in the 75th Yasuda Kinen at Tokyo Racecourse on June 8, 2025. (©SANKEI) Second favorite Jantar Mantar claimed his third G1 title in the 75th running of the Yasuda Kinen, his first outing of 2025, on Sunday, June 8 at Tokyo Racecourse. In 2023, the son of Palace Malice won all three starts in his 2-year-old season, including the Daily Hai Nisai Stakes (G2, 1,600 meters) and the Asahi Hai Futurity Stakes (G1, 1,600 meters) to become the season's Best Two-Year-Old Colt. With Sunday's win, Jantar Mantar became the first NHK Mile Cup winner (May 2024) to claim the prestigious mile Yasuda Kinen. Trainer Tomokazu Takano registered his ninth Japan Racing Association G1 title following his 2024 Queen Elizabeth II Cup with Stunning Rose. Jockey Yuga Kawada scored his 29th G1 victory. It was his fourth Yasuda Kinen title following previous wins aboard Maurice in 2015, Satono Aladdin in 2017 and Danon Kingly in 2021. Jantar Mantar closes in on a victory in the Yasuda Kinen. (©SANKEI) Jantar Mantar was quick out of the gate and raced in a prominent position around third behind Mad Cool (Ryusei Sakai's ride). Keeping the keen Palace Malice colt in control while choosing the better part of the track off the rails and asking his mount to stay patient entering the stretch, Kawada gave Jantar Mantar the green light after the 400-meter pole. The 4-year-old responded with good speed to take command just before the 100-meter marker. And he pulled away to win by a comfortable 1½-length margin over Gaia Force. ( Watch the race on the JRA's YouTube channel. ) Winning jockey Yuga Kawada (©SANKEI) "The colt broke well and was in a good position in third to start. But then [he] got a little overexcited as horses came from behind so I got a little worried," Kawada said after the race. He then said, "The colt just barely managed to contain himself as much as he could after that, and I was still in doubt as to how he would respond at the stretch. But, considering the circumstances, he really put in a good performance in the end and really exceeded my expectations as to how strong he is." The 75th running of the Yasuda Kinen at Tokyo Racecourse. (©SANKEI) Gaia Force (Seinosuke Yoshimura) raced in mid-division between rivals after a smooth break and edged forward approaching the final turn as Soul Rush (Suguru Hamanaka) passed him on the outside. After a brief struggle to find space to angle out early in the stretch, the 6-year-old son of Kitasan Black unleashed an impressive turn of foot that timed the second-fastest finish (tying with Soul Rush and Water Licht) soon after the furlong pole. Gaia Force overtook several rivals, including the race favorite, to outduel that foe by a neck for second while unable to match the winner. Race favorite Soul Rush was unhurried after a good break, sat in mid-field around 11th and made headway approaching the final corner. He was in good position for a clear run on the outside for the stretch run. But Hamanaka's ride was unable to pick up speed early enough while quickening in the final 100 meters. As a result, Soul Rush finished a neck's length behind the runner-up. Fourth favorite Brede Weg (Keita Tosaki) and 11th favorite Win Marvel (Kohei Matsuyama) placed fourth and fifth, respectively. The Takarazuka Kinen is the JRA's next G1 race on Sunday, June 15 at Hanshin Racecourse. Read the full report , including details on each of the Yasuda Kinen entrants, on JRA News. Author: JRA News
Japan Forward
01-06-2025
- Sport
- Japan Forward
Tokyo Yushun: Race Favorite Croix du Nord Delivers Impressive Victory
Guided by jockey Yuichi Kitamura, the Kitasan Black offspring maintained a fast pace throughout the 92nd Tokyo Yushun and finished strong to secure the win. Croix du Nord, piloted by Yuichi Kitamura, wins the 92nd Tokyo Yushun on June 1, 2025, at Tokyo Racecourse. (©SANKEI) Odds-on favorite Croix du Nord validated his Hopeful Stakes (G1, 2,000 meters) victory in December 2024 by winning the 92nd Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) by three-quarters of a length on Sunday, June 1. The son of Kitasan Black had three wins in as many starts last year and kicked off the 2025 racing campaign with the Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2000, Guineas, G1, 2,000 meters) on April 20 as the heavy favorite. In that race, Croix du Nord had to settle for second, 1½ lengths behind Museum Mile. On Sunday at Tokyo Racecourse, trainer Takashi Saito and jockey Yuichi Kitamura both claimed their first Japan Racing Association G1 title since the 2024 Hopeful Stakes with this colt. It was Saito's ninth overall G1 win and Kitamura's seventh. While it was their first Classic title for both the trainer and jockey, owner Sunday Racing notched its fifth Japanese Derby victory — renewing the JRA record for most Derby titles won. The 92nd running of the Tokyo Yushun at Tokyo Racecourse. (©SANKEI) Croix du Nord broke smoothly from stall 13, shifted closer to the inside and secured a prominent position around third or fourth behind Satono Shining (Yutaka Take's ride), who was rushed to the front in his bid to lead the 18-horse field. He then gave way to Ho O Atman (Hironobu Tanabe) soon after as a pacesetter entering the backstretch. Kitamura kept his mount in good rhythm as Ho O Atman increased his lead from the rest of the field by almost 10 lengths. The 2,400-meter race began in earnest as the leader weakened 300 meters out. At that point, Croix du Nord came powerfully up the center lane to duel with Satono Shining. Croix du Nord then pulled away from Satono Shining at the furlong pole while holding off a powerful chase by runner-up Masquerade Ball (Ryusei Sakai) and third-place finisher Shohei (Christophe Lemaire) to earn a three-quarter length victory. ( Watch the full race on the JRA's YouTube channel. ) Winning jockey Yuichi Kitamura (©SANKEI) "I felt it was my responsibility to make Croix du Nord a Derby winner ever since the colt won the Hopeful Stakes. So my feeling now is that I am relieved to have accomplished my mission," Kitamura said after the race. "The whole process since the win last year, including our runner-up effort in the Satsuki Sho, was a meaningful and precious learning experience for me." Added Kitamura, "The colt felt great today and I was able to come into the race with every confidence, so victory itself came as no surprise to me." How did the race unfold? "The break was smooth and after that, I was concentrating on keeping him in a comfortable rhythm more so than what position he was sitting in," said Kitamura. "In the stretch run, he responded really well and as I've said, I had every confidence in the colt and drove him on believing that he would make it to the wire a winner." The start of the 92nd Tokyo Yushun. (©SANKEI) Masquerade Ball secured a comfortable position in mid-field with a close view of the race favorite and eventual winner, running a few lengths in front. Giving the colt a breather along the backstretch before edging closer along the outside approaching the last two turns, Sakai guided the colt further out for a clear run into the stretch where the son of Duramente turned in a terrific turn of foot. He closed in on the eventual winner while overtaking both Shohei and Satono Shining to secure second place, although just short of reaching the winner. Shohei made use of an inside break to sit close to the pace while saving ground along the rails before shifting out slightly coming into the straight to follow the eventual winner. And while unable to match that foe, Shohei ran gamely to overtake Satono Shining in the last strides to secure third place. Satono Shining finished fourth, a neck's length behind Shohei. Eighth pick Eri King (Yuga Kawada) and second favorite Museum Mile (Damian Lane) placed fifth and sixth, respectively. The 75th Yasuda Kinen is the JRA's next G1 race on Sunday, June 8 at Tokyo Racecourse. Read the full report , including details on each of the Tokyo Yushun entrants, on JRA News. Author: JRA News
UPI
23-05-2025
- Sport
- UPI
Historic features at Santa Anita in Memorial Day weekend horse racing
Ebroidery, shown winning the Grade1 Oka Sho or Japanese 1,000 Guineas, is one of the top picks in Sunday's Grade 1 Yushun Himba or Japanese Oaks. Photo courtesy of Japan Racing Association May 23 (UPI) -- A pair of historic Grade I features at Santa Anita, graded stakes as far afield as Kentucky and Texas, and an international schedule that includes the Irish Guineas, a Breeders' Cup "Win and You're In" in Chile and three 9-year-olds in a French Group 1 race -- all in Memorial Day weekend horse racing. Let's get summer off to a right old start with ... Classic / Dirt Mile Skippylongstocking journeys to California for only the third time in his extensive career -- and the first time for a non-Breeders' Cup race -- to contest Monday's $200,000 Grade II Hollywood Gold Cup at Santa Anita. On the plus side for the 7-year-old, he catches a questionable field. On the flip side, he himself is questionable at the 1 1/4-mile distance. His previous West Coast visits were for the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile. Recent winners of the Hollywood Gold Cup include Country Grammer, Game on Dude (twice) and Lava Man (three straight years). Historically, the race has been won by the likes of Affirmed, Ack Ack, Round Table, Citation and Seabiscuit. Louisiana superstar Touchuponastar, by Star Guitar, finished second in the Steve Sexton Mile at Lone Star Park each of the past two years and is the 2-1 morning-line favorite to finally get the big prize in Monday's $400,000 Grade III renewal. Instant Replay detours from the Arkansas-Louisiana circuit to start as the 4-5 morning-line favorite in Monday's $300,000 Texas Derby at Lone Star Park. Distaff Alpha Bella looks to shake off a case of seconditis in Sunday's $200,000 Grade II Santa Margarita at Santa Anita -- maybe here or maybe in Monday's Gamely on the turf, where she's cross-entered. She's been runner-up in four of her last five starts, all graded stakes, and in eight of 21 for her career. Where's My Ring and Splendora also have claims. Turf Saturday's $100,000 Cliff Hanger at Monmouth Park looks like anyone's race with nine in the main field. There are four "main track only" entries, but the weather forecast looks promising for turf racing. Filly & Mare Turf As noted, Alpha Bella is cross-entered in Monday's $300,000 Grade I Gamely at Santa Anita and Sunday's Grade II Santa Margarita on the dirt. She's 2-4-2 in 13 turf starts and 1-4-0 in seven goes on fast dirt. Where's My Ring also is cross-entered in the Santa Margarita, so handicappers will have to await the scratches to see who's running where and when. Saturday's $250,000 Keertana at Churchill Downs attracted eight. Tarneema, a Kitten's Joy filly making her stakes debut, is the 3-1 favorite on the morning line. Also: Sunday's $100,000 Miss Liberty at Monmouth and Monday's $200,000 Ouija Board Distaff at Lone Star Park. Turf Mile Eight locals mix it up with upstart Florida invader Seminole Chief in Monday's $300,000 Grade I Shoemaker Mile at Santa Anita. Seminole Chief, a 4-year-old colt trained by Jack Sisterton, has risen through the ranks and sparkled since moving to turf this season. However, he gives away experience and class status as he takes on older rivals in just his second open stakes assignment. Among those rivals is the formidable Formidable Man, who would have a five-race winning streak going but for a fading, 12th-place finish in the Grade I Pegasus World Cup Turf in January at Gulfstream Park. He returned from that to win the Grade I Frank Kilroe Mile on March 1. Four others exit wins or seconds in graded stakes in their last starts. Turf Sprint Monday's $100,000 Chamberlain Bridge at Lone Star Park has an overflow field and no clear favorite. It's 5 furlongs on the lawn. Sprint Saturday's $100,000 Speightstown Sprint at Lone Star Park has a wildly competitive field of 10 set to go 6 furlongs. Monday's $100,000 Mr. Prospector at Monmouth Park features Super Chow, making his first start since a ninth-place finish in the Group 1 Dubai Golden Shaheen on World Cup night. Filly & Mare Sprint Trainer Bob Baffert left Hope Road at Churchill Downs after the Quality Road filly finished a fading second in the 7-furlongs Grade I Derby City Distaff on Derby Day. She resurfaces in Monday's $250,000 Grade III Winning Colors at 6 furlongs, facing eight rivals, a few coming off stakes victories. Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. sends Mystic Lake from Kentucky to start as the favorite in a field of 11 for Monday's $100,000, 6-furlongs Memorial Day Sprint at Lone Star Park. Around the world, around the clock Japan Sunday's Grade 1 Yushun Himba or Japanese Oaks features the 1-2 finishers from the Grade 1 Oka Sho, or Japanese 1,000 Guineas -- Embroidery and Arma Veloce. While both certainly have earned their place in the field, both have something to prove -- mainly about their distance capabilities. None has ever raced beyond 1,800 meters, or about 1 1/8 miles. The Yushun Himba requires them to see out 2,400 meters or about 1 1/2 miles. In addition, it will be the first run over the tricky Tokyo Racecourse layout for Arma Veloce. Hong Kong Sunday's Group 1 Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup wraps up the Group 1 season in Hong Kong with only one overseas entry. The lack of locals makes sense as Hong Kong's best seldom compete at this 2,400-meter distance. The short interest on the part of the internationals might be laid to the increasing early-season role of Saudi Arabia and Dubai on the global schedule and the need to prepare for summer campaigns in Europe. Still, the Champions and Chater Cup is not devoid of stars, with top-shelf British visitor Dubai Honor taking on the likes of Hong Kong's four-time Group 1 winner Voyage Bubble and BMW Hong Kong Derby winner Cap Ferrat. Ireland If all goes to form, it should be another big weekend for the Coolmore-Ballydoyle forces at the Curragh. The combine fronted by trainer Aidan O'Brien and jockey Ryan Moore has favorites or near-favorites Officer in Saturday's Group 1 Irish 2,000 Guineas, Lake Victoria in Sunday's Group 1 Irish 1,000 Guineas and Los Angeles in the Group 1Gold Cup. England Saturday's Temple Stakes at Haydock drew a baker's dozen to go 5 furlongs. With no clear favorite, there's lots of long odds on good horses, including 2024 Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint winner Starlust, who preps for Royal Ascot prior to a stud career in Australia. The companion Group 2 Sandy Lane Stakes is 5 furlongs for 3-year-olds, also with a competitive field. France Sunday's Group 1 Prix d'Ispahan at Longchamp features a tough one. Sosie returns from last month's victory in the Group 1 Prix Ganay, his first start since a fourth-place finish in the Group 1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. Nine-year-old Dubai Future, last seen winning the Group 2 Dubai Gold Cup on World Cup night, is back for Sunday's Group 1 Prix Vicomtessa at Longchamp. His rivals include Godolphin stablemate and fellow 9-year-old Passion and Glory, fourth in the Dubai heat. Both are trained by Saeed bin Suroor. And, proving the Jude Feld saying, "old guys rule," the opposition includes another 9-year-old, Trueshan. Chile Breeders' Cup's International "Win and You're In" Challenge program rolls on, this weekend at Club Hipico de Santiago in Chile. The winner of the Group 1 Gran Premio Club Hipico Falabella gets a pass into the Breeders' Cup Mile on All Saints Day at Del Mar. Four-year-old Frateli La Vita lines up to defend his 2024 victory against archrival Medjool. The latter has won his last six starts, three of them over Frateli La Vita. The race is contested at 1 1/4 miles.
