The Uma Musume Pretty Derby franchise is gearing up for the grand finale of one of its most beloved manga series. Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray, the manga that follows the journey of Oguri Cap, is officially entering its final arc. Here’s everything you need to know about the hiatus and what to expect as the story races toward its conclusion.
Hiatus to Prepare for the Final Arc
The Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray manga went on hiatus to prepare for its final arc. This break allowed the creative team to carefully plan and execute the concluding chapters of Oguri Cap’s inspiring story.
Return Date
Mark your calendars! The manga is set to return on July 17, 2025, in the 27th issue of Shueisha’s Weekly Young Jump magazine.
Side Stories
To keep fans engaged during the hiatus, two brand-new side stories will be released:
- June 19, 2025: “Distant Thunder” (Enrai)
- July 3, 2025: “Off the Track” (Bangai)
These bonus episodes promise to offer additional insights into the characters and world of Cinderella Gray.
What is Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray?
Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray is a manga series based on Cygames’ Uma Musume Pretty Derby franchise. The series, written and illustrated by Taiyo Kuzumi, launched in Weekly Young Jump in June 2020. It has quickly become a standout hit, with over 6 million copies in circulation.
Story Focus
The manga centers on Oguri Cap, a quiet, gray-haired horse girl from the countryside. Known as the “monster” of the racetrack, Oguri Cap’s story is a classic underdog tale. The manga chronicles her rise from a rural track star to a prominent figure in national racing history. It’s a story of youth, perseverance, and fierce competition.
Anime Adaptation
The Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray manga inspired a TV anime adaptation that premiered on April 6, 2025. The anime is available for streaming in select regions on Amazon Prime Video and the It’s Anime YouTube channel.
The Uma Musume Pretty Derby Franchise
Uma Musume Pretty Derby is a multimedia franchise by Cygames that reimagines real-world racehorses as anime-style characters. These “horse girls” possess exceptional running abilities and strive to become top idols, competing in the national sports entertainment show “Twinkle Series.”
Key Components of the Franchise
- TV Anime: The franchise includes three previous TV anime seasons.
- Net Anime: Uma Musume Pretty Derby: Road to the Top
- Spinoff Anime: Umayon
- Anime Film: Uma Musume Pretty Derby: Beginning of a New Era, which premiered in May 2024.
- Game: The Uma Musume Pretty Derby game launched in February 2021 for iOS and Android, and in March 2021 for PC via DMM Games.
What to Expect From the Final Arc
With the final arc of Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray on the horizon, fans are eager to see how Oguri Cap’s story will conclude. Will she achieve ultimate racing glory? What challenges will she face along the way? The official teaser, “The Ashen Tale Reaches Its Climax,” hints at a dramatic and emotional conclusion.
As the release date approaches, anticipation continues to build. The final arc promises to be a memorable chapter in the Uma Musume Pretty Derby franchise, celebrating the spirit of competition, the bonds of friendship, and the pursuit of dreams.
