The eagerly anticipated second cour of Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray has officially been confirmed for an October 2025 debut, promising to continue the thrilling narrative of the aspiring “horse girl” Oguri Cap. Following the conclusion of its first thirteen-episode part on June 29, 2025, fans now look forward to the continuation of this compelling sports drama, which takes a three-month break before its return in the fall anime season. The announcement was accompanied by a new teaser trailer that offered glimpses into the forthcoming challenges awaiting the beloved characters.
The Journey So Far: Oguri Cap’s Ascent
Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray is a captivating spin-off within the expansive Uma Musume: Pretty Derby multimedia franchise, which re-imagines real-life racehorses as anthropomorphic “horse girls” with extraordinary athletic abilities. The anime adaptation, produced by CygamesPictures, commenced its broadcast on April 6, 2025, quickly drawing viewers into its unique blend of sports action and coming-of-age storytelling.
The series centers on Oguri Cap, a gifted yet unconventional horse girl hailing from the rural Kasamatsu Training Center Academy. Her journey begins in the desolate Kasamatsu, where her raw, overwhelming running style defies conventional wisdom and sets her apart. Described as a “monster” by those who witness her astounding potential, Oguri Cap embarks on a “Cinderella story” to carve her name into legend on the national stage. The narrative meticulously chronicles her rise, focusing on her intense training, rivalries, and personal growth as she strives to become the strongest runner.
The creative team behind Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray includes Yuki Ito as director, with Aki Kindaichi handling the series composition. Character designs are meticulously crafted by Takuya Miyahara and Keigo Sasaki, bringing the vibrant cast of horse girls to life. The anime’s initial run garnered significant attention, with its opening theme “Koeru” performed by the renowned Japanese rock band [Alexandros], marking a departure from the franchise’s tradition of having the Umamusume themselves perform the theme songs.
The first cour successfully established Oguri Cap’s character and her initial struggles and triumphs. Viewers witnessed her dynamic interactions with her trainer, Jo Kitahara, who recognized her untapped potential, and her burgeoning rivalries. Key supporting characters who have become integral to Oguri Cap’s narrative include her teammates and competitors such as Belno Light (voiced by Momoko Seto), known for her analytical skills, and Fujimasa March (voiced by Mariya Ise), a significant rival from Kasamatsu. Other prominent figures like Tamamo Cross (Naomi Ozora), Symboli Rudolf (Azusa Tadokoro), and Maruzensky (Lynn) have also appeared, hinting at the deeper connections and challenges within the broader Uma Musume universe.
The anime is an adaptation of the manga of the same name, penned by Masafumi Sugiura and illustrated by Taiyo Kuzumi. First serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Young Jump in June 2020, the manga has garnered a substantial following, boasting over 6 million copies in circulation. The meticulous detailing of the races and the emotional depth of the characters have resonated deeply with fans, making the transition to animation a highly anticipated event.
The Path Ahead: Cour 2 and the Japan Cup
The newly released teaser for Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray‘s second cour signals a significant escalation in the series’ stakes. The promotional video showcases not only familiar faces like Oguri Cap, Tamamo Cross, and Gold City but also introduces new, formidable overseas rivals. Their convergence hints at the impending international invitational GI race, notably the prestigious Japan Cup, which promises to be a pivotal event in Oguri Cap’s journey to national prominence. The teaser also notably features a scene where Tamamo Cross unlocks her “Zone,” an ability hinting at heightened performance and dramatic racing moments to come.
The “split-cour” release strategy, where an anime season is divided into two parts with a break in between, has been confirmed for Cinderella Gray. This approach allows the animation studio, CygamesPictures, ample time for production, aiming to maintain the high quality of animation and storytelling that the franchise is known for. The three-month interlude between the first and second cours provides an opportunity for fans to reflect on the events that transpired and build anticipation for the upcoming narrative arcs.
The second cour is expected to delve deeper into Oguri Cap’s continued development as a racer and her encounters with increasingly challenging opponents. The introduction of international rivals for the Japan Cup suggests a broadening scope for the series, moving beyond the local tracks of Kasamatsu to the grander national and global stages. This expansion will likely test Oguri Cap’s abilities and resolve in unprecedented ways, pushing her closer to her goal of becoming a legendary horse girl. The narrative often intertwines with the real-life histories of the racehorses that inspire the characters, adding a layer of depth and appreciation for racing enthusiasts.
The Enduring Legacy of Uma Musume
Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray is a testament to the enduring popularity and versatility of the Uma Musume: Pretty Derby franchise. Created by Cygames, the multimedia project began with a highly successful mobile game launched in February 2021, which quickly garnered a massive following. Beyond the game, the franchise has expanded into various forms of media, including multiple anime television series, web anime projects, and even a theatrical film.
The main Uma Musume: Pretty Derby anime series, produced by P.A. Works and Studio Kai, has seen three successful seasons, with the latest concluding in December 2023. Other animated ventures include the short-form Umayon, the web anime Uma Musume Pretty Derby: Road to the Top, and the recent film Uma Musume Pretty Derby: Beginning of a New Era, which premiered in May 2024. This continuous stream of content underscores the franchise’s robust appeal and its commitment to exploring the diverse stories within its universe.
The international streaming availability of Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray on platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Anime Digital Network has significantly broadened its reach, allowing a global audience to experience the thrilling races and heartwarming narratives of the horse girls. As the series prepares for its second cour, fans worldwide are poised to witness the next exhilarating chapter in Oguri Cap’s quest for greatness, as she faces new rivals and strives to solidify her place as a true legend in the world of Uma Musume.
