Tsurumaru Tsuyoshi, Retired Racehorse and Umamusume Character Inspiration Has Died

Tsurumaru Tsuyoshi, the racehorse who inspired the Umamusume: Pretty Derby character, died on August 2. The former racehorse was 31 at the time of his passing.

Shigeo Nakanishi, a member of the Tsurumaru Tsuyoshi Association, broke the news on the group’s website. While the official cause of death was not revealed, Nakanishi-san mentioned that Tsurumaru was found lying on his pasture, unable to get up. A veterinarian was called to the farm, but when treatment failed, the farm euthanized the horse.

Both the Japanese and English Umamusume accounts paid tribute to the deceased horse.

The real-life horse was born on April 6, 1995, at Symboli Farm to Symboli Rudolf and Sweet Cielo. Tsurumaru Tsuyoshi was considered part of Japan’s Golden Generation, a title given to horses born in 1995 and active in 1998. His biggest wins included the Grade 3 Asashi Challenge Cup and the Grade 2 Kyoto Daishoten. The latter race saw Tsurumaru claim victory over prestigious horses such as Special Week and T.M. Opera O. His official race record stands at 5 wins from 11 races.

Due to Tsurumaru’s weak constitution, osteochondroma diagnosis, and a ruptured suspensory ligament in his front left leg, he was retired from racing.

Tsurumaru served as a lead horse for a few years after his retirement, but his preexisting health issues forced him to retire from that role. Umamusume: Pretty Derby references Tsurumaru’s health issues by giving the character based on him health issues in the game. Yoshino Aoyama voiced Tsurumaru in the Umamusume: Pretty Derby franchise.

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Source: Tsurumaru Tsuyoshi Association Website
© Tsurumaru Tsuyoshi Association
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