The popular manga series Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray, a spin-off of Cygames’ Uma Musume Pretty Derby franchise, is preparing to enter its final arc, promising a dramatic conclusion to the story of Oguri Cap, the gray-haired racing prodigy. After a brief hiatus, the manga is set to return on July 17, 2025, ready to embark on its climactic storyline.
The Road to the Final Arc
Taiyo Kuzumi’s Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray has captivated readers since its launch in Weekly Young Jump in June 2020. The manga centers around Oguri Cap, a quiet but immensely talented horse girl who rises from a rural track to become a national racing icon. The series has garnered significant popularity, with over 6 million copies in circulation, solidifying its position as a standout hit within the Uma Musume Pretty Derby multimedia project.
To prepare for the final arc, the manga went on hiatus, allowing Kuzumi and the team to meticulously craft the concluding chapters of Oguri Cap’s journey. This break also provided an opportunity to reflect on the series’ accomplishments and map out the most impactful way to conclude the story.
A Double Dose of Delight: New Side Stories
To further enrich the Cinderella Gray experience, two brand-new side stories are set to be released, offering fans additional glimpses into the lives and adventures of their favorite characters:
- June 19, 2025: “Distant Thunder” (Enrai): This episode promises to delve into untold tales, potentially exploring the backstories or hidden connections within the Uma Musume universe.
- July 3, 2025: “Off the Track” (Bangai): This side story might offer a more lighthearted perspective, showcasing the characters in everyday scenarios away from the intensity of the racetrack.
These bonus episodes will provide extra depth and insight into the world of Cinderella Gray and its beloved characters, serving as a treat for dedicated fans eagerly awaiting the final arc.
“The Ashen Tale Reaches Its Climax”
The official tagline for the final arc, “The Ashen Tale Reaches Its Climax,” hints at a dramatic and emotional conclusion to Oguri Cap’s story. After the completion of “Chapter 4: The Ashen Monster Arc,” the narrative is poised to deliver a high-speed emotional culmination of youth, perseverance, and competition that has resonated with fans of both manga and horse racing.
The final arc is expected to explore Oguri Cap’s ultimate challenges and triumphs as she faces formidable rivals and strives to achieve her dreams. Readers can anticipate intense races, heartwarming camaraderie, and perhaps even unexpected twists as the series races towards its finish line.
A Multimedia Phenomenon
Uma Musume Pretty Derby is a multimedia franchise by Cygames that reimagines real-world racehorses as anime-style characters known as “horse girls.” These Uma Musume possess exceptional running capabilities and aspire to become top idols, competing in the national sports entertainment show called “Twinkle Series.”
The franchise includes:
- TV Anime: Three seasons of the Uma Musume Pretty Derby anime have aired, captivating audiences with their blend of sports action, idol culture, and heartwarming narratives.
- Net Anime: Uma Musume Pretty Derby: Road to the Top is a net anime series that focuses on different Uma Musume as they compete to win Classic competitions.
- Spinoff Anime: Umayon is a spinoff television anime that offers a more comedic and lighthearted take on the Uma Musume universe.
- Anime Film: Uma Musume Pretty Derby: Beginning of a New Era premiered in May 2024, further expanding the franchise’s reach.
- Game: The Uma Musume Pretty Derby game, launched in February 2021 for iOS and Android, allows players to take on the role of a trainer, guiding their horse girls to victory.
The Anime Adaptation
The Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray manga has also inspired a currently-running television anime adaptation, which premiered on April 6, 2025. The anime streams in select areas on Amazon Prime Video and on the It’s Anime YouTube channel.
The anime adaptation covers the events of the manga, bringing Oguri Cap’s journey to life with vibrant animation, dynamic action sequences, and a captivating soundtrack. The series is directed by Takehiro Miura and Yūki Itō, with Kenji Kawai composing the music.
With the anime adaptation gaining popularity, the excitement surrounding the Cinderella Gray franchise is at an all-time high, making the upcoming final arc of the manga even more eagerly anticipated.
What Lies Ahead?
As Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray prepares to enter its final arc, fans are left to wonder what awaits Oguri Cap and her fellow horse girls. Will she achieve her ultimate racing dreams? What challenges will she face along the way? And how will the series conclude its heartwarming tale of perseverance and friendship?
One thing is certain: the final arc of Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray promises to be an unforgettable ride, filled with emotion, excitement, and the indomitable spirit of Oguri Cap. Mark your calendars for July 17, 2025, and prepare to witness the climax of this ashen tale!
