Uma Musume: Pretty Derby Season 3 – A Heartfelt Gallop Through Victory and Farewell

If you’ve ever wondered what happens when legendary racehorses get reborn as anime girls with fluffy ears and competitive spirits, look no further than Uma Musume: Pretty Derby. Season 3, which kicked off in October 2023, dives deeper into the world of Tracen Academy—where these “Uma Musume” train to become top athletes—with a mix of laughter, tears, and some seriously intense races. After binging the latest episodes and scrolling through fan chats, here’s why this season is a must-watch for anyone who loves underdog stories, quirky characters, and a dash of real-world horse racing magic.

First off, let’s talk about the star of the show (at least for this episode): Gold Ship. If you’re new to the series, Gold Ship is the chaotic, carrot-loving Uma Musume with a personality as wild as her racing style. Fans have been begging for more screen time with her, and Season 3 delivers—big time. In one of the latest episodes, we get a front-row seat to her final race in the Twinkle Series, the Arima Kinen. And let’s just say, it’s not the fairy-tale win everyone hoped for.

“Gold Ship NOT being stabbed in the eye for entire episode seemed kinda off,” joked one fan, referencing her history of zany mishaps. But this episode showed a different side of her: determined, a little vulnerable, and ready to pass the torch. When she finished 8th (yes, 8th!), the crowd still roared her name louder than the winner’s. “I was rooting for Gold Ship—she’s my favorite character—but it was good that they made her come in 8th,” another fan wrote. “In sports, not everything is rosy.” It’s a raw, honest moment that reminds you even the “GOAT” (Greatest of All Time, duh) can’t win every race.

But Gold Ship isn’t the only one stealing the spotlight. Kitasan Black—the quiet, hardworking Uma Musume with a heart of gold—steps up this season, and fans are here for it. When she finished 3rd in the Arima Kinen, viewers cheered her on like she’d won the whole thing. “Kita chan did well for her first Arima Kinen,” one user noted. “Gold Ship unfortunately doesn’t have the burst of power she once used to have, but good luck on the Dream League, Golshi.” The episode even hints at a mentorship between the two, with Gold Ship encouraging Kitasan to keep chasing her dreams. Cue the “awws” from the audience.

What makes Uma Musume so special is how it blends real-world horse racing history with anime flair. The Arima Kinen? That’s a real race in Japan, and Gold Ship’s 8th-place finish mirrors the actual horse’s career. “The passing of the baton from Gold Ship to Kitasan Black… I can’t,” a fan gushed, referencing the real-life legacy of these racehorses. Even the “Dream Trophy League” and “Twinkle Series” (fictional in the show) feel grounded in the sport’s excitement.

Of course, it wouldn’t be Uma Musume without the laughs. Gold Ship’s “derp faces” (as fans call them) had everyone cracking up—like when she chases a carrot mid-race or makes a silly face during a serious moment. “I cracked up at the derp faces… LOOOOL,” one viewer admitted. And let’s not forget the new character, Sounds of Earth, a quirky recruit who’s already winning hearts with her oddball energy. “Sounds of Earth is a very entertaining addition to the UmaMusu anime cast,” a fan praised.

But Season 3 isn’t all fun and games. There are plenty of emotional beats, too. When Gold Ship announces she’s moving to the Dream Trophy League, it feels like saying goodbye to an old friend. “DAMN IT GOLD SHIP WHYYY. GET EM NEXT TIME,” one fan lamented, while another added, “I really hope we get a prequel focusing on her as the protagonist someday.” The episode also teases future storylines with mentions of Orfevre and Gentildonna—two legendary racehorses fans have been dying to see in the anime. “ORFY AND DONNA ARE REAL I CAN’T,” a user screamed, already hyped for what’s next.

Some fans have criticized the season for feeling “too samey” as previous ones, but most argue that’s part of its charm. “Uma Musume adapts stories from real JRA races and horses, mixing them with its academy and URA settings,” a defender explained. “If you think the plot is always the same, then idk, blame life itself.” After all, sports stories are about heart, and Uma Musume has that in spades.

At its core, Uma Musume: Pretty Derby Season 3 is about growing up, letting go, and cheering for the underdog. Whether you’re here for the racing, the characters, or the feels, this season delivers. So grab your popcorn, root for your favorite Uma Musume, and get ready for a gallop you won’t forget.

As one fan put it: “ANOTHER GODLIKE EPISODE!!! Uma Musume always lets me at the verge of tears. I can only imagine how it was for the JRA fans IRL on all these stories.”

So, what are you waiting for? Hit play and join the race—you won’t regret it. 🐎✨