Umamusume: Cinderella Gray [Season 1 Episodes 1-12]

Umamusume: Cinderella Gray Season 1 – A Fresh Take on the Underdog Story

If you’ve ever rolled your eyes at shonen anime where the main character wins every fight with “the power of friendship” and plot armor thicker than a tank, Umamusume: Cinderella Gray is here to shake things up. Produced by CygamesPictures and part of the beloved Umamusume Pretty Derby franchise, this 2025 series follows Oguri Cap—a gray-haired Uma Musume (horse girl) inspired by the legendary racehorse of the same name. But don’t expect her to dominate every track she steps on. Instead, the show dives into the messy, realistic world of competitive racing, where losses hurt, rivals are fierce, and victory isn’t handed to you on a silver platter.

First off, let’s get one thing straight: this isn’t your typical “zero to hero” story. Oguri Cap starts as a small-town girl with big dreams, but her journey isn’t paved with easy wins. Fans on MyAnimeList have been buzzing about her losses—yes, losses—in the show’s early episodes. One user joked, “So boring that the MC doesn’t win every time with the power of friendship and shonen plot armor, like whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?” But that’s exactly what makes Cinderella Gray stand out. Unlike many sports anime where the protagonist steamrolls through opponents, Oguri’s struggles feel real. She loses G1 races, faces setbacks, and has to pick herself up again—just like the real-life Oguri Cap did back in the 1980s.

The series doesn’t just focus on Oguri, though. As another fan pointed out, “It’s called Cinderella Gray, not Oguri Gray for a reason.” The show shines a spotlight on other underdog Uma Musumes, like Yaeno Muteki, Mejiro Ardan, and Super Creek, each with their own “Cinderella story.” This ensemble approach adds depth; we see their training montages, their personal battles, and how they push Oguri to be better. It’s not just about one girl’s rise—it’s about a generation of athletes fighting to make their mark.

CygamesPictures deserves props for staying true to the source material. The race outcomes mirror real Japanese horse racing history, which some viewers initially found frustrating. “I’m just frustrated at the lack of Oguri in the show even though she’s the MC,” one fan admitted. But others defended the choice: “Umamusume has and always will be based on real-life events. If you want Oguri to win so much, you should get mad at the real horse for not winning their races!” This commitment to authenticity gives the series a gritty edge. When Oguri finally does win, it feels earned—not like a cheap plot twist.

Visually, the anime is a treat. The character designs are vibrant, with each Uma Musume’s personality shining through their outfits and expressions. The racing scenes are dynamic, with fluid animation that makes you feel like you’re right there on the track, heart pounding as the finish line approaches. And let’s not forget the music—catchy opening and ending themes that perfectly capture the show’s mix of hope and determination.

But what really makes Cinderella Gray resonate is its emotional core. Oguri’s journey isn’t just about winning races; it’s about finding her place in the world. She grapples with self-doubt, the pressure to live up to expectations, and the pain of letting down her supporters. When she loses, we feel her disappointment. When she gets back up, we cheer her on. This vulnerability makes her relatable—she’s not a perfect hero, just a girl trying her best.

Critics might argue that the pacing is slow, or that the focus on multiple characters dilutes Oguri’s story. But for fans of sports anime that prioritize character development over flashy wins, this is a breath of fresh air. As one user put it, “After a whole season of her winning every single race, it’s refreshing to see her losing. The generation she’s part of is just that strong!”

In a world where many anime rely on over-the-top tropes, Umamusume: Cinderella Gray stands out as a grounded, heartfelt story about perseverance. It’s not just for horse racing fans—it’s for anyone who’s ever chased a dream and stumbled along the way. So if you’re tired of predictable plots and invincible protagonists, give this series a watch. You might just find yourself rooting for the underdog, even when the odds are stacked against her.

After all, as Oguri learns, being a Cinderella isn’t about the glass slipper—it’s about the courage to keep running, no matter what. And in that sense, Cinderella Gray is a fairy tale worth telling.