Cygames, Inc., the company behind Umamusume: Pretty Derby, has announced a partnership with the Canadian-based Stronach Group (operating as 1/ST). The move makes Cygames, Inc., the main sponsor of the Los Angeles Turf Club’s American Oaks. Under the sponsorship deal, the renowned G1 race will be renamed to “The American Oaks (G1) presented by Cygames.” The company’s logo will be featured on the race program, saddle cloths, and the race’s jumbotron. This year’s race will take place at Santa Anita Park’s racecourse on Friday, December 26.
Regarding the partnership, Nate Newby, the general manager of Santa Anita Park, stated, “The American Oaks is a coveted race that blends North American and international racing excellence, and we are thrilled to be partnering with Cygames to present the 2025 running on the opening day of Santa Anita Park’s historic Classic Meet. The partnership with Cygames reflects Santa Anita’s commitment to expanding our racing content on a global scale to deliver unforgettable sports and entertainment experiences.”
Koichi Watanabe, Cygames’ president, released the following statement: “The opportunity to sponsor the American Oaks, a G1 race watched by fans the world over, comes as a great delight to us. Here at Cygames, we are currently striving to bring our content to a global audience, and this sponsorship will provide the perfect chance to show the world our vision to be the best in entertainment. By building a global presence, we hope to make what contributions we can to the advancement of entertainment and racing culture.”
The American Oaks (G1) Presented by Cygames Details
Established on July 6, 2002, the American Oaks is an annual G1 race held at the Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California. The race takes place every December and is run on a left-handed 1 ¼-mile turf track. Its inaugural race was billed as the American Oaks Invitational. However, the American Oak’s last invitation race occurred in 2009. The race is part of Santa Anita Park’s Classic Meet and occurs alongside other G1 races like the Malibu Stakes and the La Brea Stakes presented by Don Julio.
This year’s race is open to 3-year-old fillies and features a $300,000 purse.
Cygames, Inc., has had a marvelous year (may the great Shiraoki bless you if you understood that reference). The Tokyo-based video game developer has struck sponsorship deals with some of horse racing’s biggest races. In May, the company sponsored the Unbridled Sidney Stakes on Kentucky Oaks Day (the Kentucky Derby). Cygames’ sponsorship also includes the French G1 Grand Prix de Paris, now the Cygames Grand Prix de Paris, and the Breeders’ Cup.
On the virtual side of horse racing, Cygames’ Umamusume: Cinderella Gray anime has received worldwide acclaim. The Umamusume: Pretty Derby mobile game recently won the Best Mobile Game Award at the 2025 edition of The Game Awards.
You can purchase tickets to the Santa Anita Classic Meet and the The American Oaks (G1) Presented by Cygames here.
Source: Cygames Official Website
© Cygames, Inc
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