BATANGAS CITY, Philippines — Filipino cosplayers inspired by the hit franchise Umamusume: Pretty Derby were recently welcomed for a special visit at the Philippine Jockey Club racecourse in Padre Garcia, Lipa, Batangas, highlighting a unique crossover between anime culture and the country’s horse racing scene.
In frame from left to right PJC Racing Director Harry Troy (giving the team a quick background about the PJC Racecourse), Andrew, Katiecakey (Forever Young) Miuki (Agnes Tachyon) and Alexine Erika (Narita Brian)
The visit was organized with the participation of O’Taco Bites alongside photographers and members of the local cosplay community. The group was formally received by Racing Director Harry Troy, who personally led a tour of the newly built racecourse facility.
A Modern Racing Hub in Batangas
Located in Padre Garcia, the Philippine Jockey Club racecourse serves as one of the country’s key venues for horse racing, featuring upgraded tracks, modern grandstand facilities, and expanded spaces for both racing operations and spectators. The development forms part of ongoing efforts to elevate the local horse racing industry and provide a world class environment for competitions and events.
During the tour, cosplayers were given an inside look at the racecourse grounds, including the track and surrounding areas, offering a real world setting that mirrors the racing themes depicted in Umamusume.
Cosplayers Bring Umamusume to Life
Despite the intense afternoon heat, participants enthusiastically showcased their racing inspired costumes across the venue, recreating scenes reminiscent of the franchise. Their energy was sustained with support from Vital1 Purified Drinking Water, helping them stay hydrated throughout the activity.
Cosplayers portrayed several well known characters from the series, including:
• Katiecakey as Forever Young
• Doro as Gold Ship
• Furan as Rice Shower
• Yashin as Kitasan Black
• Lare as Narita Brian
• Misa Desu as Special Week
• Miuki as Agnes Tachyon
• Kisumie as Haru Urara
• Milky Min as Tokai Teio
• Yoru San as Silence Suzuka
• Takashi Laurel as Sakura Laurel
The group maximized the expansive racecourse grounds to highlight their costumes, blending real horse racing elements with the stylized aesthetic of the anime.
Bridging Anime and Local Culture
The event underscored the growing presence of anime inspired communities in the Philippines and their ability to connect with real world industries such as horse racing. For many participants, stepping onto an actual racecourse added authenticity to their portrayals and deepened their appreciation of the sport behind the series.
The collaboration also reflects the increasing openness of local institutions like the Philippine Jockey Club in engaging with creative communities, fostering new avenues for cultural exchange and tourism.
As anime and cosplay continue to gain traction nationwide, initiatives like this highlight how global pop culture can intersect with Filipino experiences—creating immersive, memorable opportunities that bridge fandom and real world environments.