TOKYO, Japan – The highly anticipated anime adaptation of “Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray” wrapped up its first full season on December 21, 2025, with the broadcast of its 23rd episode, marking the conclusion of its second cour. The series, which captivated audiences with the dramatic racing journey of Oguri Cap, aired its final installment following a split-cour format throughout the year.
The anime, produced by CygamesPictures, premiered its first cour in April 2025, followed by the second cour which began on October 5, 2025, airing on TBS and its affiliates. This adaptation brought to life the popular manga by Masafumi Sugiura and Taiyo Kuzumi, focusing on the compelling narrative of Oguri Cap’s rise from a regional racing scene to becoming a legendary Umamusume.
Oguri Cap’s Journey Culminates
The “Cinderella Gray” anime follows the extraordinary story of Oguri Cap, an Umamusume from the desolate training school of Kasamatsu. Her unconventional yet overwhelmingly powerful running style quickly earned her the moniker “monster” as she challenged common sense and established a new legend in the racing world. The series meticulously depicted her progression, from her initial recruitment by trainer Jo Kitahara to her intense competitions against formidable rivals.
Throughout the season, viewers witnessed Oguri Cap’s development, not only as a racer but also as an individual. The narrative explored her dedication, her love for racing instilled by her mother, and the crucial support she received from her teammates and trainer. The finale, in particular, highlighted Oguri’s recognition of Belno Light’s contributions to her career, underscoring the personal growth achieved over the season.
Key Moments and Rivalries
The first season of “Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray” was packed with intense races and memorable rivalries, a hallmark of the “Uma Musume” franchise. The split-cour format allowed for a detailed exploration of various arcs, building anticipation for each major confrontation. The anime’s second cour introduced new international rivals like Ellerslie Pride from New Zealand, Michelle My Baby from America, and Moonlight Lunacy from Britain, further elevating the stakes of the Japan Cup.
A central rivalry that defined a significant portion of the season was between Oguri Cap and Tamamo Cross. Their clashes on the track formed a pivotal part of the storyline, with the finale providing a sense of closure to Tamamo’s immediate narrative arc while simultaneously setting the stage for future challenges.
Setting the Stage for the Future
The season finale, episode 23, was met with enthusiastic discussion among fans, particularly for its role in introducing the next major antagonist: Inari One. This narrative choice signals a continuation of the shonen-style arc structure that the “Uma Musume” franchise has successfully adopted. The episode delved into Inari One’s backstory, portraying her as an upstart from a smaller area who defied expectations, mirroring Oguri Cap’s own journey.
While the anime has concluded its initial run, the broader “Uma Musume” universe continues to thrive. The “Cinderella Gray” manga, which the anime is based on, is also set to conclude on December 25, 2025. This marks a significant moment for the “Uma Musume” franchise, which has seen a banner year in 2025 with the global launch of its game and ongoing anime successes.
Fans are now eagerly awaiting news regarding a potential second anime season, with the finale’s “To Be Continued…” implication and the introduction of Inari One fueling speculation for Oguri Cap’s further racing adventures. The consistent quality and compelling storytelling of “Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray” have solidified its place as a fan favorite and a successful expansion of the beloved horse girl universe.
