The developer of Umamusume: Pretty Derby, Cygames, Inc., can now boast sponsoring a UK-based horse race. The Jockey Club UK has announced that Cygames will sponsor the Listed Surrey Stakes at Epsom Downs, England. The Cygames Surrey Stakes will take place on the first day (June 5th) of the 2026 Betfred Derby Festival.
Of the sponsorship, Matthew Woolston, the Jockey Club’s Assistant Racing and International Director, said, “The Jockey Club is delighted to play our part in the long and valuable history of cooperation between Japan and the United Kingdom for the development of horseracing but also of wider cultural and community ties…
We’re so pleased that Cygames is able to partner with The Jockey Club at the 2026 Betfred Derby Festival at Epsom Downs, and we hope this partnership will enable further cooperation between the industries in Japan and the United Kingdom.
The UK has been privileged to welcome a number of Japanese runners to our courses in recent years, and we look forward to seeing others in the near future.”
The Surrey Stakes & Cygames Info
The Surrey Stakes was first run in 1995 as the Vodacom Condition Stakes and features a 7 furlongs and 3 yards race (1411 meters ~ 4629 feet). A furlong in horse racing is equal to 660 feet (201 meters). The Surrey Stakes earned its status as a listed race in 1998. It is only open to horses three years of age.
With their sponsorship of the Surrey Stakes, Cygames, Inc. now boasts its second European sponsorship, following their sponsorship of the Grand Prix de Paris last year. The video game developer has also sponsored the U.S.-based Breeders’ Cup Sprint, Unbridled Sidney Stakes, and the American Oaks. Cygames, Inc. recently became a sponsor of the Gran Premio Latinoamericano, which will take place in Peru on April 26. The company and its Umamusume: Pretty Derby franchise have been applauded for their help in attracting younger fans to the sport of horse racing.
Source: The Jockey Club UK
© The Jockey Club UK
© Cygames, Inc.
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