Tsurumaru Tsuyoshi, Japanese Racehorse Behind Umamusume Character, Dies at 31

The 31‑year‑old Japanese thoroughbred Tsurumaru Tsuyoshi, a son of undefeated Triple Crown champion Symboli Rudolf and member of Japan's "Golden Generation" of racehorses, died on August 2 at Yoshino Farm. The horse was found unable to rise in his pasture, was taken to a veterinarian, and was subsequently euthanized.

The death was announced by Yoshino Farm and the Umamusume: Pretty Derby franchise, which bases its anime characters on real racehorses. The franchise posted a tribute, and fans were invited to leave flowers at a designated area on the farm. Tsurumaru Tsuyoshi's racing record included five wins from eleven starts, notably the 1999 Asahi Challenge Cup and the Kyoto Daishoten, and his career inspired the Umamusume character of the same name.