What is Uma Musume Cinderella Gray? Overview and Appeal
Uma Musume Cinderella Gray (nicknamed “Singure”) is a spin-off of the popular Uma Musume Pretty Derby franchise. The protagonist is an Uma Musume (horse girl) modeled after the legendary racehorse Oguri Cap, and it depicts the Cinderella story of a “gray monster” who rises from local racing to dominate the central circuit. The original story is by Cygames, with manga art by Taiyo Kuzumi and script by Toshifumi Sugiura, and it is currently serialized in Weekly Young Jump (as of 2025). In 2025, a long-awaited anime adaptation was also released, bringing this passionate story to the screen as well.
The appeal of this work lies in how it transposes dramatic episodes from real horse racing history into the world of Uma Musume, while carefully portraying the characters’ emotions and conflicts. The story begins at the small local racetrack of Kasamatsu Tracen Academy (Gifu), an environment so poor that it’s worlds apart from the Central Tracen Academy in terms of facilities and talent. Yet the youth and miraculous story of the horse girls who run earnestly there have captured the hearts of many fans. In particular, the numerous quotes and lines that resonate deeply are imbued with such profound human drama that they’ve been described as “not just a typical sports story,” and have moved readers and viewers to tears time and again.
In this article, we will thoroughly examine the famous quotes and memorable scenes of Cinderella Gray, focusing on each character. Starting with the protagonist Oguri Cap, we’ll reflect on the soulful words of her trainer and rivals, and explore the stories and emotions behind them. By understanding the meaning of these iconic lines—born alongside intense race developments—you’ll be able to savor the charm and emotional impact of this work on an even deeper level.
Oguri Cap’s Famous Quotes & Scenes: The Passion in the "Gray Monster’s" Words
Nicknamed the “gray monster,” Oguri Cap is a legendary Uma Musume who emerged from a local circuit and took the central racing world by storm. She is pure-hearted and quiet, but her passion for racing is second to none, and her running and words shake the hearts of many. Here we introduce some of Oguri Cap’s most iconic quotes and scenes, and explain the feelings behind them.
"Just being able to stand up and run... For me, that alone is a miracle."
This line is the first that comes to mind as the quote symbolizing Oguri Cap’s very soul. It is spoken early in the story, when someone at Kasamatsu asks the newly debuted Oguri, “Why do you run so hard?” and this was her answer. In truth, Oguri Cap had a past where as a child her knees were so bad she could barely stand. Thanks to her mother massaging her legs for hours every day, she eventually became able to run. For Oguri, running itself is already a miracle and a joy.
This quote carries Oguri’s gratitude and resolve for simply being able to run. No matter how grueling the race, Oguri Cap grits her teeth and runs through it, and that determination comes from her pure feeling of “I’m just happy to be able to run.” In fact, after saying these words she quietly smiles and adds, “That’s why I’m so happy... that’s all.” In this scene, she transcends even the question of winning or losing as she savors the joy of just being able to run, and it set many fans’ hearts ablaze. Seeing Oguri Cap overcome her painful past and cherish the fact that she can run—as if it were a miracle—brought some viewers to tears.
The Story Woven by Gratitude and Joy in Victory
Throughout Oguri Cap’s entire story, one theme that stands out is the gratitude and joy that reside in victory. Her goal is not simply to win at all costs; rather, the joy of being able to run and her gratitude toward those who support her are what fuel her. In the climax of the local arc, Oguri challenges a race called the Gold Junior, betting on her long-cherished wish to enter the Tokai Derby. Overwhelmed by pressure, she momentarily loses sight of her own running, but the desperate shout of “Run!!” from Trainer Kitahara snaps her back to her senses, and she makes a spectacular come-from-behind charge to seize victory.
After winning, Oguri Cap’s expression overflows with joy yet remains somehow calm, with gratitude toward those around her shining through. Even when she earned, through her own ability, the ticket to compete on the central stage, she never became conceited and never lost her attitude of “I am who I am now thanks to everyone who supported me.” Scenes where we can feel this humility and thankful heart are remembered as some of Oguri Cap’s most iconic moments. Rather than becoming drunk on the sweet wine of victory, she reflects on the miracle and support behind that win — and that attitude of Oguri’s has deeply moved many readers.
Jou Kitahara’s Famous Quotes & Scenes: The Passionate Guide Who Discovered a Star
In the local chapter of the story, the trainer who guided Oguri Cap, Jou Kitahara, is the person who discovered her talent and raised her into a star. He had originally been trudging through life without direction, but his encounter with Oguri reignited his passion and set him in motion toward a new dream. Kitahara’s words carry the powerful force of someone who nearly gave up on his own dreams once, only to rise up again, and they overflow with his love and dedication as a trainer.
“There is one... right here!! Such a horse girl exists!”
This excited exclamation from Kitahara lights up a famous scene at the very start of the story. Just after he overhears someone lamenting at the Kasamatsu racetrack that “there are no stars in local racing,” Kitahara witnesses a young girl (Oguri Cap) display astonishing speed during a gate test. He can’t help but shout, “There is one right here...!! Such a horse girl (star) exists!” Even in the humble, run-down local circuit, a star that he could cheer for with all his heart did indeed exist. In that moment, he superimposed the image of a future star onto Oguri Cap and fell in love with her talent.
This scene is also the moment when Kitahara’s stalled life begins moving again. He had become a trainer at the recommendation of his uncle, the renowned trainer Ginjirou Roppei, but had been spending his days in a rut without notable success. However, upon encountering the raw gem that is Oguri, we see him scout her with the line “Why don’t we conquer the world together?” – a sign that the passion he’d once lost was clearly rekindled. His dream of “raising a star” and “creating an overwhelming presence that will captivate crowds” began to feel real thanks to Oguri Cap. It’s a memorable moment where that dormant dream starts coming to life.
A “New Dream” and Goal Pinned on Oguri Cap
Once Jou Kitahara began working side by side with Oguri Cap, he entrusted her with his new dream. Early in the story, Kitahara passionately told Oguri, “For you, winning the Tokai Derby isn’t just a dream!!” — fully believing in her potential. Just as he predicted, Oguri later won an intense showdown against the Tokai region’s champion, Fujimasa March, and paved her way to the central racing circuit.
When the time came that Oguri’s transfer to the central circuit was imminent, Kitahara’s heart swirled with mixed feelings: the sadness of sending off the beloved pupil he had raised in the countryside, and the hope that she would shine even more brightly at a higher stage. In the end, he decided to push her forward, sending Oguri Cap off with the rousing words, “Go out there and create an era.” This line carried his expectation that she would achieve the dream he himself couldn’t, as well as the greatest encouragement a mentor could give. Kitahara even said, “I’ve found a new dream,” and he went so far as to re-obtain his trainer’s license in the central circuit to chase after her. By encountering the star that is Oguri Cap, Kitahara himself gained a new goal and a new lease on life.
Kitahara’s words are always heated and straightforward, striking directly at the listener’s heart. When he shouts to Oguri Cap, “Become a one-of-a-kind Uma Musume!” to spur her on, and when he believes in her growth and success more than anyone and supports her unconditionally, those moments form another emotional pillar of this story.
Fujimasa March’s Famous Quote: Growth Born from Clashing with a Rival
During Oguri Cap’s time at Kasamatsu, her greatest rival was an Uma Musume named Fujimasa March. She was an extremely talented runner who was undefeated in her hometown and even called the “queen,” and she had her sights set on competing in the central classic races. Oguri’s sudden arrival handed her the very first defeat of her life, lighting a fire in her pride and fighting spirit. Using that frustration as fuel, Fujimasa March struggles to become stronger, and she leaves behind numerous memorable lines in the process.
"I’ll defeat you and go to the top!"
This famous line — “I will defeat you and reach the summit” — is what Fujimasa March hurled at Oguri Cap. As a local representative aiming for the pinnacle of the central circuit (winning the Japan Derby), the existence of Oguri Cap became a towering wall that Fujimasa had to overcome. Through their fierce initial showdown in the Tokai Derby qualifier and their subsequent rematches, Fujimasa March came to a painful realization: “I can’t win like this… I have to get stronger.” This single line she squeezed out is brimming with her resolve to crush her greatest rival and stand at the very top no matter what.
The scene in which this line is delivered is the quintessence of a rivalry story. Within the dynamic of Oguri as the winner and March as the loser, the defeated one declaring “Next time, I’ll win for sure!” is a moment that would make any sports fan’s heart burn with excitement. The image of Fujimasa March with tears of frustration streaming down her face and a fiery determination in her eyes is an iconic scene. At the same time, it heralds the beginning of a rivalry in which both she and Oguri Cap will push each other to greater heights.
The Passion and Drama of Rivals Pushing Each Other
Every showdown between Fujimasa March and Oguri Cap unfolds as a drama that constantly pushes each of them to grow stronger. For example, when Oguri decided to transfer to the central circuit, Fujimasa March reacted with anger and frustration. Upset by the thought of “Are you leaving for the central stage without me?”, she confronted Oguri Cap, and Oguri quietly replied, “Then beat me.” In that brief exchange, there was a mutual respect and a clear intent to say, “Let’s settle this through competition on the track.”
Indeed, even after that, Fujimasa March remained in the local circuit but openly declared to those around her, “My goal is the Tokai Derby. But that will only happen... after I’ve beaten Oguri Cap.” In other words, no matter what stage she competes on, she’s determined that she cannot claim her own ultimate victory unless she first defeats her nemesis Oguri. Every race in which the two vied against each other was dramatic, and it was precisely because their full power clashed that so many memorable scenes were born. In one race, after being defeated yet again, Fujimasa March sobbed, “I couldn’t win again... I’m so weak...” — a moment that surely made many fans tear up with her. However, she did not break: she vowed, “I’ll run, and run, and keep on running, and I’ll stand on the track longer than you!” This declaration — almost like a bluff to keep herself strong — was Fujimasa March’s way of mixing her frustration and affection into a cheer for her greatest rival.
Ultimately, as Oguri Cap was about to depart for the central circuit, Fujimasa March gave her a phone call to deliver words of encouragement: “Become the number one Uma Musume in Japan, Oguri Cap.” This line, as if entrusting her own unmet aspirations to Oguri and packed with respect for her ultimate rival, put a closing chapter on their relationship while also hinting at a new drama to come. The sight of rival characters elevating one another and acknowledging each other stands out as one of the most thrilling episodes in Cinderella Gray.
Tamamo Cross, Symboli Rudolf & Lord Royal – Famous Quotes of Proud, Uniquely Powerful Competitors
From the central chapter onward, numerous strong Uma Musume stand in Oguri Cap’s path. Among them, those with especially commanding presence are Tamamo Cross, known as the “White Lightning”; Symboli Rudolf, who bears the title of “Emperor”; and Lord Royal, the most formidable front-runner. Each of them is a uniquely talented powerhouse, and they’ve left behind famous quotes filled with pride and conviction. Let’s take a look at each character’s memorable scenes and lines.
“White Lightning” Tamamo Cross – Awe-Inspiring Presence and Bold Challenge
Tamamo Cross hails from the Kansai region and is touted as one of the strongest active Uma Musume of her time. With snow-white hair and tail earning her the nickname “White Lightning,” her racing style dazzles spectators like a bolt of lightning. In the scene where she first appears and states her name, her bright and cheery “I’m Tamamo Cross!” declaration is memorable. However, beneath that refreshing demeanor lies an unshakeable fighting spirit, and she bared her full competitive streak toward Oguri Cap.
In their first meeting, upon finally having a new rising star stand before her, Tamamo Cross outright taunts Oguri, “So you’ve finally come. I’ll crush you completely, so brace yourself.” This line, delivered in her Kansai dialect, is a famous quote that reveals Tamamo Cross’s confidence and the composure of a champion. Having long claimed the title of the strongest, to her, Oguri Cap was a challenger who had appeared after a long time — someone truly worth defeating. With an imposing air, Tamamo Cross even boasted, “I’ll blow past every last one of you!” From her attitude, one can feel the vigor and pride befitting a reigning champion.
Yet Tamamo Cross is by no means an obnoxiously arrogant character; at heart she is passionate and earnest. In the Autumn Tenno Sho and Japan Cup where she fought ferocious duels with Oguri, there’s even a scene where she shouts to the world, “Watch closely, world...! This is Japan’s… White Lightning!!” For Tamamo, racing is both a way to prove herself and a venue to repay those who raised her. When she won in front of a huge crowd, she looked to the sky with tears and called out, “Old man, are you watching? I’m number one in Japan!” From that emotional cry, you could feel the immense weight of all the expectations and gratitude she carried, and it struck the hearts of everyone who saw it.
“Emperor” Symboli Rudolf – A Display of Regal Pride
Symboli Rudolf is the student council president of the Central Academy and an absolute champion often referred to as the “Emperor.” She possesses a charisma and gravitas that overwhelm others, and every word she speaks carries heavy significance. One of her lines that became a hot topic even in the Cinderella Gray anime adaptation is:
“Don’t underestimate the Central.”
This was a warning Symboli Rudolf directed at the Uma Musume from the countryside who were attempting to challenge the central stage. It was a dignified declaration underscoring the difference in caliber of the Central (the Twinkle Series) and the weight of the pinnacle that she herself had established. In the anime’s portrayal, her low voice reverberating through the silence gave many viewers chills. It was truly a famous line oozing the aura of an emperor, a moment where everyone felt, “So this is the intimidating pressure of the champion of Central...”
However, Symboli Rudolf is not a monarch who’s arrogant for arrogance’s sake. She upholds meritocracy above all, but she also has a fair and principled sense of justice. When circumstances arose that prevented Oguri Cap from entering the Japan Derby, Symboli Rudolf, in her capacity as student council president, directly petitioned to amend the rules. She argued that “that is precisely the one-and-only quality of the being called Oguri Cap; to crush it with a petty regulation would be foolish.” From this action and those words, you can sense the great champion’s expectation and respect for the new rising star. Later, when Oguri achieved a historic triumph on the big stage, Symboli Rudolf also remarked, “Absolutely. Henceforth, no one will ever say ‘gray horses don’t run’ again.” While maintaining her own pride, she acknowledged and gave a push to a future star — and that depth of magnanimity is what truly befits an Emperor.
Lord Royal’s “Escape”: The Pride of a Champion
Lord Royal was a front-running Uma Musume who boasted unparalleled strength on the central circuit. She specialized in darting far ahead from the start (“o-ni ge” – a bold escape run), and her runaway style earned the nickname “the Lord (King)’s escape.” One of her best-known quotes is:
“‘Escape’ is fine being lonely!”
This line exemplifies the pride unique to Lord Royal, who would always dash ahead alone and cut through the wind by herself at the front of the pack.
In the race where this quote was born, Lord Royal bolted from the gate and set a pace that prevented even the shadow of any other horse from catching up. As the crowd murmured in astonishment, she triumphantly declared, “This is my escape! The escape of a king that dominates the race!” This scene — proudly flaunting her own style — is quintessential Lord Royal. A solitary lead can sometimes come with a bit of anxiety, but she believed that as long as it was a “champion’s escape,” that solitude was perfectly fine, and she stuck to her strategy to the very end.
What one feels from Lord Royal’s words is the sense of responsibility and resolve that come with being a champion. Charged with leading the race from the front, she held a strong conviction that “if I win by going wire-to-wire, I’ll prove my strength to everyone.” Even if formidable rivals were closing in from behind, she would never glance back and instead put all her effort into defending the lead — that attitude gave the spectators both exhilaration and high suspense. As a result, Lord Royal also took part in several fierce showdowns on big stages against Oguri Cap and others, and her solitary running style and lines remain engraved in the memories of fans.
Yaeno Muteki’s Famous Quote: Determination to Aim Even Higher
Early in the central chapter, Yaeno Muteki appears as a Classic season contender who suffers a defeat at the hands of Oguri Cap. (In real life, the horse Yaeno Muteki won the 1988 Satsuki Sho, one of the Japanese Triple Crown races.) In the story, she’s portrayed as a highly promising new star of her generation. Being utterly beaten by Oguri Cap — the “strongest of their generation” — forces Yaeno Muteki to realize her own shortcomings, and leads her to utter a certain famous line.
The line from Yaeno Muteki that lingers in the heart is:
“I... I’ll become stronger!!”
This powerful declaration was her response when, after losing to Oguri Cap and feeling crushed, her mentor urged her, “What will you do? It’s your decision.” Through bitter tears and a shaking voice, Yaeno Muteki vowed, “I’ll become stronger!!” — and the sight of her making that pledge moved many readers deeply.
Inside those words is condensed a fierce resolve that she cannot end things in defeat. Even a talented Uma Musume can discover someone above them — faced with that reality, this was the first time Yaeno Muteki squeezed out a proclamation from the bottom of her heart. From that point on, she stood up again and threw herself into intense training. In her eyes was a clear goal: “I’ll get stronger and someday definitely have my rematch against Oguri Cap,” with not a trace of doubt left.
Yaeno Muteki’s quote and the episode surrounding it are a classic example of the sports story theme of “what you learn from defeat and how you act on it.” In fact, she later went on to capture a Classic title in a subsequent race, showing growth and adding depth to the story. Yaeno Muteki’s words, which succinctly expressed her determination to aim even higher, also gave readers a motivating dose of courage.
Why These Quotes Stay With Us: The Passion and Empathy Taught by Uma Musume Cinderella Gray
Why does Uma Musume Cinderella Gray feature so many quotes and lines that strike us to our core? If we consider the reasons, it comes down to the universality of the human drama linked with horse racing history that the series harnesses, and the profoundness of the famous scenes where the characters’ pasts and dreams overlap.
The Universality of Human Drama Linked with Horse Racing History
This work is built on the stories of real racehorses, so the dramatic power of actual horse racing history is alive within it. Oguri Cap’s success story—an unknown horse from the countryside who made history in the central circuit—is a real legend that fires up the hearts of racing fans. By recreating that drama with rich human emotion in the world of Uma Musume, the many quotes in the series also carry a weight that ties back to real-life stories.
For example, Symboli Rudolf’s line “Don’t underestimate the Central” oozes the majesty of a figure regarded as an absolute champion in the real racing world, and Oguri Cap’s words “Just being able to stand and run is a miracle” overlap with genuine praise and gratitude toward racehorses who overcome injuries or handicaps to run. Likewise, lines that explicitly reference breaking the superstition that “gray horses don’t win,” and scenes reminiscent of historic races (for instance, the epic Oguri Cap vs. Tamamo Cross duel, or the feat of a local horse conquering the central circuit) all serve to give the story a sense of realism and universality.
Even readers who don’t know much about horse racing can empathize with elements of human drama like dramatic upsets and indomitable fighting spirit. A tale of rising from adversity to aim for the top, the passionate friendship and rivalry between competitors, the emotional moment when hard work is rewarded — those are universal themes that resonate in sports and in life. The reason the quotes in Cinderella Gray stick in our hearts is that these universal dramas in the background overlap with each reader’s own experiences and feelings, causing them to echo deeply within us.
Famous Scenes Where Characters’ Pasts and Dreams Overlap
Almost without fail, whenever a famous quote or line is born, it’s strongly connected to a character’s past or their dreams and convictions. In Cinderella Gray, each character’s background is portrayed with care, which in turn gives their words added weight and persuasiveness.
Oguri Cap’s use of the word “miracle” carried such impact precisely because of her backstory of childhood hardship and gratitude to her mother — it’s only because of that origin that she could utter it in that moment. Likewise, Kitahara’s “new dream” was born because his own stagnant past intersected with his meeting Oguri. Fujimasa March’s declaration of going “to the top” was also her true feelings bubbling up, enabled by the pride she held as a queen and the experience of tasting defeat. The quotes from champions like Tamamo Cross and Symboli Rudolf are tinted with the responsibility and loneliness they’ve each shouldered as winners, and Yaeno Muteki’s vow carries the frustration and regret that come precisely from her status as an elite.
What often makes a famous scene especially memorable is the single moment when feelings of the past, present, and future all converge. For example, when Tamamo Cross shouted “I’m number one in Japan!” to her mentor (her ochan, or “old man”), that cry contained a past promise, a present victory, and a departure into the future all at once. Similarly, when Symboli Rudolf made a remark expressing her expectations for Oguri Cap, it was a crossover of the past glory she had built as the Emperor and her hope for the new generation. In scenes like these, both the characters and the audience sense a drama that transcends time, and naturally the words come pressing straight into our hearts.
Conclusion: Hope and Enthusiasm Born from Moving Quotes
The story of Uma Musume Cinderella Gray is studded with famous quotes and lines that make our hearts tremble over and over again. These aren’t just cool-sounding phrases – they are soul-deep cries condensed from each character’s life and beliefs, and that’s exactly why they strike the hearts of those who read or watch. The miracle story woven by Oguri Cap has been colored by her own feelings of gratitude and joy, as well as by the dreams and pride of the companions who support her.
The many memorable quotes in this story give us hope and enthusiasm. Oguri Cap’s figure and words as she keeps running without giving up, even in the face of adversity, inspire in us the courage to say, “I’ll keep looking forward and do my best, too.” When we experience the rivals’ frustrations and determination, we learn the importance of continuing to take on challenges. And from the supportive words of trainers and friends, we come to feel the precious value of believing in someone and cheering them on.Finally, as the title Cinderella Gray suggests, the story of the ash-covered girl (the gray Uma Musume) racing through her Cinderella story is a tale of miracles, hard work, and bonds. The famous scenes and lines born from that tale will remain forever in the hearts of fans. Keeping the passion in the words of Oguri Cap and her friends close to our hearts, may we continue to follow their story — and may we continue to keep on running forward in our own lives as well.
