The world of horse racing and video games have just collided in the most epic way possible. While the ecosystem of umamusume: Pretty Derby is preparing to celebrate its fifth anniversary, a news has shaken both the bettors at the racetracks and the virtual trainers. After a historic performance on the international stage. One of the most dominant thoroughbreds of today is ready to make the leap to fiction. It’s not common for an active star, who is still writing his legend on the dirt tracks, to be immortalized so quickly in the franchise of Cygames. But the phenomenon of “Forever Young” has broken all the established molds so far.
The definitive confirmation of the owner
— ウマ娘プロジェクト公式アカウント (@uma_musu) November 1, 2025
The authority behind this revelation could not be more solid, since it comes directly from Susumu Fujita, the owner of Forever Young. In a recent interview granted to the specialized site Idol Horse, Fujita broke the silence after the second consecutive victory of his horse in the prestigious Saudi Cup. The owner confirmed that the champion will soon be part of the family of umamusume, expressing his personal pride in the fact that Forever Young can contribute to the growth and legacy of the franchise. Although the specific technical details are kept under the key, the owner’s statement eliminates any doubts about the veracity of the collaboration.
This news comes to make sense of the clues Cygames had been leaving in his official platforms. For weeks, a mysterious silhouette with the date of February 24, 2026 had generated an intense debate among the community. The choice of that day is no coincidence. And it is perfectly matching the birthday of Forever Young and the anniversary of the original launch of the game. By joining these pieces, it is clear that the official presentation will be the central event of the franchise celebrations. Consolidating Fujita’s position not only as a successful businessman. but as a vital bridge between real sport and digital entertainment.
The importance of a land specialist
From the experience of players looking to optimize their racing teams, the arrival of Forever Young is a necessary strategy change. This horse, born in 2021 and trained by the legendary Yoshito Yahagi, has demonstrated a crushing superiority on the dirt tracks (“Dirt”). Winning critical battles in both Saudi Arabia and the United States. in the universe of umamusume, where specialists in this type of surface are usually less numerous than those of grass. The incorporation of a figure with such an international pedigree will bring a competitive freshness that fans have been claiming for a long time.
The success of Forever Young has been key to cementing Japan’s dominance in global land racing. And his version in the game will probably reflect that tenacity and resistance that characterizes him. Seeing a star of this caliber, still competing at the highest levels of real life, being adapted with the design and personality that Cygames usually prints on her characters, adds a layer of realism and emotion that few collaborations have achieved. Its presence is not only a tribute, but a recognition of the cultural impact that Thoroughbred has had in just a few years of career.
The anniversary as the perfect setting
To guarantee the reliability of the information, everything indicates that the official announcement by Cygames will occur during the festivities of February 24. Although the developer is usually very cautious with the leaks, Fujita’s comments have validated what was an open secret in the Japanese forums. The synchronization between the horse’s actual achievements and the game’s update schedule suggests meticulous planning designed to maximize media impact on both the horse and gaming press and the gaming industry.
A master movement for the franchise
The addition of Forever Young to umamusume It marks a historic milestone by bringing an active legend of the “dirt” directly to the heart of Japanese pop culture.
This is the smartest signing Cygames has made in years. Not only do they take advantage of the popularity peak of a horse that has just made history in Saudi Arabia, but also reinforce the emotional connection of the players with the real races. Forever Young has that aura of “Glossy Champion” that fits perfectly with the series’ overcoming narrative. That its owner is the same Fujita makes things much easier at the license level, allowing fans to enjoy authentic representation without the legal complications that sometimes stop the inclusion of other great names.
Do you think the version of umamusume Should Forever Young have a more serious and focused personality like his coach Yahagi, or would you prefer a more energetic style that reflects his youth and international success? We want to read your opinion in the comments!
