The premiere of Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray episode 1 has finally arrived, introducing viewers to an exciting spin-off that chronicles the ascent of Oguri Cap in the competitive world of horse racing. This debut episode provides a glimpse into the dynamics of Kasamatsu Academy, as well as its standout horse girl, Fujimasa March, who will play a pivotal role as Oguri Cap’s primary rival.
Additionally, glimpses of familiar faces such as Symboli Rudolf, Mr. CB, and Tamamo Cross from the original series, Uma Musume: Pretty Derby, make brief appearances. Although these characters do not directly engage with Oguri Cap in this episode, their presence hints at the larger world of horse girls that fans have come to love.
Note: This article contains spoilers for episode 1 of Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray.
Highlights from Episode 1
The episode kicks off with Jo Kitahara observing the Japanese Derby live stream from the drab stands of a regional racing venue. Following an unsatisfactory regional race, he reflects on the dearth of star talent at Kasamatsu Academy compared to the more prestigious national circuits.
In his moment of despair, Jo is suddenly captivated by a white-haired horse girl who dashes past him with incredible speed, igniting his curiosity. The scene then shifts to Berno Light, a fresh face at Kasamatsu Academy, as she begins her studies. She notes the typical personalities in her class, including the famed horse girls Fujimasa March and Norn Ace.
Shortly thereafter, the white-haired girl—revealed to be Oguri Cap—enters Berno’s classroom, startling her. Initially, Berno is put off by Oguri’s eccentricities and attempts to keep her distance, ultimately leading to her own social isolation.
However, circumstances change when Berno witnesses Oguri emptying the cafeteria of its entire food supply, which ultimately prompts them to bond. Later, some of Oguri’s classmates attempt to bully her by pushing her to spend the night in the dormitory storeroom, but Oguri, unaware of their intentions, nonchalantly agrees to their plan.
The academy then organizes a race demonstration that draws in various trainers, including Jo, who is scouting for new talent. Fujimasa March showcases her speed, completing the course in 50.6 seconds, catching the attention of the trainers, except for Jo. In a twist, Oguri Cap’s classmates sabotage her by untieing her shoes just before the race starts, costing her valuable time.
Undeterred, Oguri manages to recover and completes the race in 51.1 seconds, impressing Jo with her unique running style and sheer determination. He quickly identifies her as a “star candidate” and extends an invitation for her to join his training regimen.
Looking Ahead
Fans can anticipate the release of Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray episode 2 on April 13, 2025, where the focus will shift to Oguri Cap’s training journey with Jo Kitahara. While the first episode established her as a determined contender, the upcoming episode promises to delve deeper, revealing her potential within the professional racing landscape and her evolving rivalry with Fujimasa March.