By Dexerto | Created at 2026-09-09 12:17:20 | Updated at 2026-09-09 13:06:57
1 hour ago
Umamusume is bringing life-size horse girls to the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, one of the most prestigious horse racing events in the world.
On September 9, Cygames revealed it has expanded its existing partnership with France Galop to become the first Japanese company appointed as a Premium Partner of the historic racing event.
As part of the partnership, life-size figures of Orfevre and Gold Ship will be displayed at ParisLongchamp Racecourse. So, Uma fans attending the 2026 event will be able to pay both a visit and snap a photo next to the iconic duo.
Life-size Umamusume figures are heading to Paris
As for why these characters were chosen, it’s down to both being former challengers at the Arc. Orfevre famously came agonizingly close to becoming the first Japanese horse to win the Arc, but she ultimately finished second in both 2012 and 2013. Meanwhile, Gold Ship also challenged for the Arc in 2014, but finished 14th (just Gold Ship things, hey?)
Cygames President Koichi Watanabe said he was “immensely proud” to support the Arc, highlighting the decades-long pursuit of victory by Japanese horses.
“For generations, Japanese horses have pursued the dream of winning the Arc, and their stories have transcended the world of horse racing, inspiring people around the globe through the dreams and passion that this iconic race continues to embody,” he said.
CygamesThis year’s race takes place on October 4 at ParisLongchamp Racecourse, with horses competing on a 2,400-meter turf track for a share of the €5 million prize pool (approximately $5.8 million).
The wider event begins on October 3 and features several other Group 1 races across the weekend, alongside live DJ performances and other festivities. Maybe we’ll even get to see some Uma cosplayers recreating a similar experience to Peru’s Hipodromo de Monterrico, where over 5,000 fans gathered for an official cosplay race.
This isn’t the first time Umamusume devs have teamed up with a real-life horse race, as they famously backed the 151st Kentucky Derby and the 2025 American Oaks at Santa Anita Park. Cygames have even released life-size horse girls before that cost over $1,000!
