Umamusume Cinderella Gray [Season 1 Episodes 1-14]

Umamusume Cinderella Gray: When “Cinderella” Means More Than Just a Win

Let’s cut to the chase: if you clicked on Umamusume Cinderella Gray expecting a typical sports anime where the main character (MC) wins every race with a sparkly friendship speech and a last-minute power-up, you’re in for a shock. And judging by the MyAnimeList forums, a lot of fans were shocked—like, “why isn’t Oguri Cap dominating every track?” shocked. But here’s the thing: that’s exactly what makes this series stand out.

First, let’s get the basics straight. Cinderella Gray is a spin-off of the wildly popular Umamusume: Pretty Derby franchise, where racehorses are reimagined as “horse girls” (umamusume) competing in races inspired by real-life Japanese horse racing history. Produced by CygamesPictures and dropping in Spring 2025 (April to June, to be exact), it follows Oguri Cap, a gray-coated umamusume with dreams of making it big beyond her small hometown. But unlike the main series, which often leans into upbeat underdog stories, this one takes a grittier, more realistic turn—because, as one fan put it, “it’s based on real-life horse races. Do you expect them to just change the outcomes that have already happened?”

Ah, right—the real-life angle. If you didn’t know, Umamusume has always tied its stories to actual race results. So when Oguri loses a G1 race (like the Japan Cup, as some fans griped about), it’s not lazy writing—it’s history. As another forum user bluntly pointed out: “If you want Oguri to win so much, you should get mad at the real horse for not winning their races lol.” Ouch, but fair. After a whole season of her winning every single race in previous adaptations, seeing her stumble feels refreshing. It’s like the anime is saying, “Hey, even the best have off days—and that’s okay.”

But here’s the twist: Cinderella Gray isn’t just about Oguri. The title hints at it—“Cinderella” isn’t just one girl’s story. It’s about all the underdogs. Characters like Fujimasa March and Dicta Striker (Oguri’s rivals) get their own moments to shine, showing their struggles and dreams too. As a manga reader noted, “I love how they give support characters more spotlight without outshining Oguri herself.” That’s a big win for depth. In a genre where side characters often fade into the background, Cinderella Gray makes you care about everyone—even the ones who beat the MC.

Visually, the anime delivers. CygamesPictures’ art style is crisp, with dynamic race scenes that make you feel like you’re right there on the track. The character designs are cute but not over-the-top, and the gray color palette (fitting for the title) adds a moody, determined vibe. It’s not flashy like some sports anime, but it doesn’t need to be— the story does the heavy lifting.

Now, let’s talk about the fan drama, because it’s impossible to ignore. Some viewers were furious that Oguri didn’t win every race. One user even said, “The MC doesn’t win so I’m dropping the show.” Cue eye-rolls from the community. As another fan clapped back: “You sound like an absolute toddler mate. It’s based off the real-life Oguri Cap—there are gonna be some wins and some losses.” It’s a classic case of expecting shonen-style plot armor in a series that’s more seinen (mature) than you think. The anime isn’t here to coddle you; it’s here to tell a story about growth, not just glory.

And that growth is what makes Cinderella Gray special. Oguri’s losses aren’t just setbacks—they’re lessons. She learns to pick herself up, adjust her strategy, and keep going. As one forum commenter put it: “Those wins and losses will be important in the future arcs. This isn’t a shonen—it’s a seinen, so don’t expect her to win all the time. The story will have more depth soon, trust the process.”

So, who is this anime for? If you love sports stories with heart, characters that feel real, and a dose of history, this is your jam. If you need your MC to win every single time to be happy… maybe stick to Naruto or something. Cinderella Gray isn’t perfect—some pacing issues here and there, and yes, Oguri could use a bit more screen time—but it’s a bold, refreshing take on the Umamusume franchise.

In the end, Cinderella Gray asks: what does it mean to be a Cinderella? Is it about winning the ball, or is it about the journey from rags to somewhere better—even if “better” isn’t first place? For Oguri Cap, and for the fans who stuck around, it’s definitely the latter. And that’s a story worth watching.

Final Verdict: 8/10. Give it a chance—you might just find yourself cheering for the underdogs, even when they don’t cross the finish line first.