Haru Urara, the Japanese racehorse celebrated for her resilience despite never winning a race, has died at the age of 29.
The mare passed away on September 9 at Martha Farm in Onjuku, Chiba Prefecture, where she had been living in retirement since 2013.
Caretakers confirmed that she succumbed to colic in the early hours of the morning.
Foaled in Hokkaido on February 27, 1996, Haru Urara began her career at Kōchi Racetrack in 1998.
Over six years, she ran in 113 races but failed to secure a single victory, a record that paradoxically turned her into one of Japan’s most beloved horses. She retired in August 2004.
Her reputation as a symbol of persistence grew in 2003, after her 80th consecutive loss attracted national attention.
Despite her losing streak, she became a cultural icon. Racing fans flocked to see her run, with more than 13,000 people attending one of her races in 2004.
That day, betting tickets worth over ¥121 million were placed on her, even though the odds of victory were practically nonexistent.
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Haru Urara’s losing tickets gained symbolic value, with many Japanese treating them as charms for protection, drawing on the double meaning of the word ataranai, which can signify both “to lose” and “to avoid misfortune.”
In later years, her legacy extended beyond racing. She was featured as a character in the anime and mobile game Umamusume: Pretty Derby, which renewed her popularity with younger audiences.
Fans also contributed donations of hay and supplies to support her retirement, underscoring the enduring affection she commanded.
At 29, roughly equivalent to 90 in human years. Haru Urara’s passing marks the end of a life remembered not for victories but for steadfast spirit.
For many in Japan, she represented perseverance in the face of failure, embodying the idea that persistence itself can inspire hope.