
Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray is a spinoff manga modeled on the real-life legendary racehorse Oguri Cap, who climbed from local horse racing to the pinnacle of central horse racing. The tale follows an unnoticed country horse girl ("uma musume") who overcomes numerous adversities and eventually grasps glory, making it truly a "Cinderella story." As the title of the work suggests, this is a success story of a cinder-covered girl (gray-colored, as Oguri Cap was a gray horse) rising to stardom. As of April 2025, the manga has over 8 million copies in circulation and has earned high praise in manga awards, capturing the hearts of countless fans with its passionate narrative. In this article, we will thoroughly explore the appeal of Cinderella Gray.
"Ash-Covered Girl" Oguri Cap's Origin — Why Does the Story's Protagonist Start in the Countryside?

The story’s protagonist, Oguri Cap, is a horse girl hailing from the countryside who hasn’t been called to the highest stage of Japanese racing, the Central circuit. She was chosen as the starting point of this tale precisely because she is an ash-covered figure—different from the famous horse girls born and bred for the Central races. A nameless girl with no connection to the grand ball of the Central racetracks, she quietly keeps running at the local Kasamatsu track. In her determined, unglamorous figure, we see the very image of the original Cinderella. Oguri Cap carries the handicap of being from the local circuit; compared to the princes of the Central (the star horses everyone notices), she was completely overlooked. Even so, she continued to run, believing that one day a ray of light would shine upon her. From the very start of the story, this sense of anticipation is quietly nurtured.
Another important point is that she has a gray coat, tying into the idea of being “ash-covered.” In the world of horse racing, for years a superstition persisted that “gray horses don’t win races.” Yet in reality, Oguri Cap shattered that myth and built a legend of a gray horse becoming a superstar. In the manga, Oguri Cap—with her gray fur—is portrayed as an outsider, a true cinder-covered girl. As she begins to shake off that ash and make a name for herself, it answers the question of “why start in the countryside?” Because she emerges from a place no one expected a star to appear, this Cinderella girl’s story strikes a deep chord with readers.
A Real Racehorse as the Motif — The Secret to Drama Beyond Historical Fact

One of the greatest appeals of Cinderella Gray is that it uses the life of the real racehorse Oguri Cap as its foundation. The trajectory of the real Oguri Cap was as dramatic as something out of a manga. A no-name local horse went on to make legends in the Central races, ultimately earning the moniker “the Gray Monster.” With this unbeatable true story as the backbone, the fictional manga gains a rock-solid weight and credibility. Even if readers know the outcome of events, the storyline still keeps them on the edge of their seats—not so much because of “who won,” but because of the persistent focus on "how the losers rise back up". By delving into the drama behind each famous race and shining a spotlight not just on the winners but also on the losers, the series injects an intensity that surpasses even the historical facts.
The title Cinderella Gray carries multiple meanings: not only does it reference Oguri Cap’s gray (ash-colored) coat, but it encapsulates the very Cinderella story of overcoming one’s born circumstances to climb to stardom. In reality, Oguri Cap overturned the conventional wisdom that “gray horses can’t succeed,” rising to the top as a superstar carrying the dreams of the people. In the manga, many heart-pounding developments unfold, showing the seemingly impossible become possible, all drawing from those real-life episodes. The almost unbelievable links between the manga’s events and actual history make a strong impression on both horse racing fans and newcomers alike, leaving them amazed: “Did such an incredible drama really happen in real life?!”
From Local Races to the Central Circuit — A Story Structure of Overcoming Adversity

The story begins at the small local racetrack, the Kasamatsu Tracen Academy. Far removed from the glamorous world of the Central circuit, this is a desolate environment where Oguri Cap trains, covered in mud day in and day out. The spectator stands are sparse, and even the horse girls themselves belittle their abilities, saying things like “we’re on a different level than the Central champions.” This limited environment and the headwinds of prejudice form a crucial backdrop in the early chapters. It’s a quiet, unflashy opening—like a slow-burning fuse—that all the more makes Oguri Cap’s talent shine brightly against it.
In the early Kasamatsu arc, no matter how much Oguri wins, she isn’t immediately acknowledged; in fact, her success makes her something of an oddball, leaving her feeling isolated. There is a bitter irony in how continuous victory brings jealousy and resentment from those around her, underlining just how steep the uphill battle she faces is. Yet amidst this, the story carefully depicts the bonds with the few comrades who support her, providing a sense of comfort to the reader. Her trainer Kitahara and friend Beruno Light — the relationships forged in the local setting — become the foundation that supports Oguri’s growth. The sight of her seizing opportunities through pure talent and hard work alone gives the story the sturdy backbone reminiscent of a classic sports drama.
When her local success finally draws the attention of the Central racing world, the story kicks into high gear. It isn’t by luck or contrivance that the door to Central opens for her, but through accumulated achievements and true ability—making that moment all the more exhilarating. Rumors of the “Monster of Kasamatsu” reach the Central circuit, and a once-unknown country horse girl earns a shot at the big leagues. This process is truly heartwarming, bound to make your chest tighten with excitement. It’s precisely because we experienced her struggles in the local circuit that her leap forward after transferring to the Central is met with such a satisfying feeling of triumph.
The Path to Being Called a "Monster" — Oguri Cap’s Talent and Limitless Potential

When she first appeared at Kasamatsu, Oguri Cap was a simple horse girl, often seen covered in mud. She even arrived at the Tracen Academy without knowing about the designated school uniform, an innocent blunder that left those around her stunned. Yet once she hits the racetrack, her extraordinary running defies all common sense and astonishes everyone watching. Classmates who initially mocked her gradually become enthralled by her overwhelming leg power and competitive spirit. From her debut, Oguri Cap showed exceptional ability, but what makes the story compelling is that her talent comes with seemingly limitless potential for growth.
Trainer Kitahara immediately recognized Oguri’s innate qualities and placed his hopes in her possibilities. True to his expectations, Oguri grows with each race she enters—every new competition sees her performing even better than the last. Her almost magically explosive improvement leaves onlookers speechless, earning her the nickname "Monster" within the story itself. She grinds out progress through gritty, diligent effort, while at the same time her natural talent blooms explosively. As Oguri Cap hurtles down the path to becoming a legendary monster, readers can’t help but feel a thrill of “What kind of run will she show us next?” and rising anticipation. Even after the initial Kasamatsu arc ends and the story shifts to the Central chapter, her capacity for growth is far from exhausted. In truth, the story has only just begun, and you cannot take your eyes off how far Oguri Cap’s latent ability will carry her.
Overwhelmingly Powerful Race Depictions — Heart-Pounding Visuals and Storyboarding

One of the biggest reasons Cinderella Gray grips readers so tightly is its breathtaking race scenes. The races are depicted with such realism and intensity that it’s hard to believe you’re reading a manga—the kind of scenes where you can’t turn the pages fast enough. From the starting gate to the finish line, every moment of motion is drawn in meticulous detail, and you can almost hear the thunder of hooves pounding off the page. The panel layouts, the use of speed lines, and the dynamic two-page spreads all contribute to masterful presentation and composition that leave nothing to be desired.
For example, there’s a scene where Oguri Cap ferociously chases down rivals who had taken the lead. With a hunter’s gaze locking onto her prey from behind and the sound of her hooves shaking the hearts of the horses ahead of her, the tension practically emanates from the page. The burst of speed as she overtakes them is breathtaking — you may literally find yourself sweating as you read. In a decisive moment spread across two pages, the sheer power is enough to make you gasp. The artist, Taiyō Kuzumi, leverages his tremendous drawing skill and sense of composition to make the thrill of the race feel startlingly real.
Additionally, the inner psychology of each character during a race is woven in skillfully. The desperation of someone who refuses to give up the lead, the mix of excitement and fear in those trying to catch up, the despair of being overtaken — all these feelings are conveyed through expressions, eyes, and inner monologues, pulling readers deep into the characters’ emotional states. During neck-and-neck duels with rivals, there are even moments where time seems to slow within the panels, highlighting the psychological warfare between the competitors. Through these depictions, you can almost sense the invisible tactics playing out amid the spray of sand kicked up on the track, and you might find your hands trembling as you eagerly turn the page.
Oguri Cap’s Character — Few Words, Big Appetite, Irresistible Charm and Charisma

Oguri Cap’s charm as a character lies in her quiet nature and at-her-own-pace personality. She doesn’t speak much and isn’t particularly skilled in socializing. Yet, curiously, once she appears, you cannot take your eyes off her — she possesses a powerful magnetism. She’s soft-spoken and guileless, with a prodigious appetite, and there’s something endearingly unguarded about her that makes it impossible to leave her alone. This contrast is exactly what grabs the readers’ hearts and never lets go.
Her big-eater trait is not just for comedy or cuteness; it’s an important character detail that symbolizes her inner self. After transferring to the unfamiliar, high-pressure Central environment, we often see her quietly eating meal after meal in a corner, which highlights her loneliness and purity. Devouring huge bowls of food is the only way she can express her feelings, and before you know it, you find yourself empathizing with her. When it comes to racing, she transforms — baring fierce determination — but whether she wins or loses, she never boasts or breaks down, an unaffected nature that at times feels unfathomable. She isn’t bothered when others antagonize her, and she remains poker-faced even in the face of praise. But beneath that calm exterior burns the hottest desire to run.
Her mix of innocence and mystery has even drawn comparisons to Gon, the protagonist of Hunter x Hunter, in how she quietly exudes an awe-inspiring aura. Oguri’s words and actions, outwardly cool, carry a hidden intensity that keeps readers entranced. Because running is the only way she can truly express herself, every moment she’s on the track feels like a “wordless scream” from her soul. It’s from her silent back that readers sense a profoundly eloquent drama. Her reticence makes her cuteness stand out all the more, and when she’s on the course, her charismatic presence explodes. Oguri Cap is a heroine with a one-of-a-kind aura and appeal.
Resonance and Conflict with Fujimasa March — Pride Clashing with Pride

The rival relationship with Fujimasa March serves as one of the major linchpins of the story. In fact, the character of March, who is in many ways Oguri Cap’s opposite, helps highlight Oguri’s appeal even further. March is expressive and always earnest — a model honor student type. Oguri, by contrast, doesn’t show emotion and defies conventions with her unorthodox ways. When these two polar opposites meet, they reflect each other’s missing qualities, creating both a resonance between them and a clash of values neither is willing to surrender.
At first, the two are almost friends. However, once Oguri’s talent blossoms, March undergoes a change of heart. Confronted with a natural genius that hard work alone couldn’t overcome, March is consumed by jealousy and distances herself from Oguri. Yet even as she struggles and wavers, she ultimately can’t give up running and decides to challenge Oguri once more. This whole sequence of events portrays, with raw honesty, the real emotions of someone who experiences jealousy, failure, and still yearns to make a comeback. Fujimasa March embodies the tug-of-war we all face between our better and worse natures — between pride and inferiority — and the psychological depiction of her inner turmoil is handled with great care.
Eventually, the two meet again, not as friends, but as true competitors staking their pride on the race. Only then, through the prism of March, do we see the light that is Oguri Cap refracted into many colors. This is more than a simple win-or-lose rivalry; it’s a confrontation that forces each of them to choose how they will live, a collision of convictions. Pride crashing against pride elevates their story into something far deeper than just a “rival showdown.” The relationship between Oguri and March leaves a lingering resonance in your heart long after you finish reading. It’s a rich drama born from their resonance and conflict — one that makes you want to flip back and savor those pages over and over again.
Tamamo Cross – The Fateful Rival and Legendary G1 Showdowns

Tamamo Cross appears in the latter half of the story as Oguri Cap’s destined rival. In real-life horse racing history, Oguri Cap and Tamamo Cross competed during the same era and delivered numerous legendary duels. In the manga as well, whenever the two collide on the big stage of Central’s G1 races, the result is nothing short of spectacular. Oguri Cap, the rising star from the countryside, versus Tamamo Cross, standing in her way as the reigning champion of Central — their pride-fueled battles sent crowds into a frenzy.
One particularly famous example is the showdown at the Arima Kinen (Grand Prix) and the Japan Cup. In real history, at the 1988 Arima Kinen, Oguri Cap defeated Tamamo Cross, instantly propelling her into fame as “the Central Monster.” The following year, in the 1989 Japan Cup, Oguri took on formidable international competitors, and alongside Tamamo Cross delivered one of the most epic races in Japanese racing history. In the manga, these legendary races will no doubt serve as climactic episodes. In fact, in chapters not yet compiled into volumes, their first head-to-head race has already been depicted, thrilling fans to no end.
Tamamo Cross, unlike Oguri, has her own background and convictions. She has her own “unbreakable reason” to win, and the manga hints that her personal story will gradually come to light. Because each of them runs with such unwavering motivations, their races touch the hearts of those watching. The numerous legendary G1 duels between them will move horse racing fans to tears by recalling the real events, and they will overwhelm even first-time readers with sheer intensity. Having met her lifelong rival Tamamo Cross, what new legends will Oguri Cap forge from here on? Oguri’s battles with Tamamo Cross stand as the series’ biggest highlight, and they promise to keep us on the edge of our seats.Fun for Those Who Don’t Know Horse Racing — Why Cinderella Gray Grips Even Newcomers

Although Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray uses horse racing as its theme, it can be thoroughly enjoyed even without any prior horse racing knowledge. That’s because the story functions as a universally compelling sports drama in its own right. A classic underdog tale of climbing up from the bottom, the clash of hard work versus raw talent, the bonds of friendship and the heat of rivalry — these exciting elements will set any sports manga fan’s heart ablaze. Even if you’ve thought “horse racing sounds complicated,” once you start reading, the characters’ stories will draw you in, and you won’t be able to stop turning the pages.
Moreover, the races and results depicted in the story generally follow historical fact. But even if you know how a race ends beforehand, it doesn’t diminish the thrill. On the contrary, you may find yourself even more moved thinking, “I can’t believe such an intense event actually happened!” The series invites you to dive deeper: you might watch real Oguri Cap race footage because of the manga, or conversely, being a horse racing fan might make you appreciate the manga’s presentation even more. The story focuses on the characters’ emotions and growth, so even someone with zero horse racing knowledge can get immersed in the narrative — and as you read, you might naturally start growing curious about horse racing itself.
In fact, this work is beloved by a wide range of readers: fans who discovered Oguri Cap through the Uma Musume game, fans who came from the anime, and even long-time real horse racing enthusiasts. Because it’s welcoming no matter what doorway you enter from, this is exactly the kind of story I’d recommend to someone thinking, “I don’t know anything about horse racing, will I still enjoy it?” Cinderella Gray is packed with the straightforward appeal of a sports manga, delivering a level of passion and universal themes that resonate even with complete beginners.
A Perfect Balance of Serious and Comedic — An Engaging Rhythm That Keeps Readers Hooked

This series isn’t a one-note, serious, hot-blooded sports manga all the time. It strikes a perfect balance between serious drama and comedy, mastering the art of tension and release. Just when the story stirs your heart with an intense race or a dramatic development, the next moment it slips in a scene that makes you chuckle. This contrast gives the entire work a lively rhythm and is a big reason why you’ll find yourself thinking, “Reading this is so much fun!”
For example, right after a nail-biting race, we often see Oguri Cap indulging in a massive meal — a much-needed heartwarming moment in the story. Following a life-or-death competition, a scene of Oguri biting into a gigantic rice ball (onigiri) drawn in a cute, chibi style instantly eases the tension. The sight of her munching away with nori seaweed stuck on her face, her stomach growling “gruu…” as she single-mindedly scarfs down food, will undoubtedly make readers grin. These comedic scenes aren’t just about getting a laugh; they serve the important role of giving the audience a breather amidst the serious narrative.
And the humor in Cinderella Gray isn’t one-note either. There’s a delightful variety: the boke-and-tsukkomi banter between Oguri’s natural airheadedness and March’s sharp retorts, the exaggerated reactions of trainers and other background characters, and more. Each joke ties into the characters’ personalities, so instead of feeling like the reader is being made to laugh, it feels like we’re laughing along with the characters. By skillfully leveraging the gap between high-stakes drama and lighthearted comedy, the story manages to be both profound and cheerful, never losing the reader’s interest. Truly, this series offers the full emotional spectrum — making you both cry and laugh — and as a coming-of-age sports saga, Cinderella Gray showcases a wide range of tones right up to the end.
Recreating Historic Races — Realistic Details to Thrill Horse Racing Fans

For horse racing aficionados, one of the biggest pleasures of Cinderella Gray is the recreation of historic races. Races that Oguri Cap actually ran, and showdowns with rival horses of the era, are portrayed in the manga with an extra layer of dramatic flair that only this medium can provide. For instance, Oguri’s triumph in the Tokai Derby during her local days (a highlight of the Kasamatsu arc), her first experience on the big stage in the Japan Cup after moving to the Central circuit, and the legendary final run in the Arima Kinen are all woven into the story as iconic moments.
The progression and outcomes of each race in the manga largely mirror historical reality. But as a fiction, it adds characterization and spectacle, allowing us to savor the excitement and emotion on an even deeper level than history alone might offer. One fun aspect is that turning real racehorses into horse girl characters lets the story portray their inner thoughts and the drama between them during races. We might even get dream showdowns that play to the cross-media concept’s strengths — imagine the “Gray Monster” Oguri Cap vs. the “Emperor” Symboli Rudolf (depicted as her senior in the story) facing off, something sure to delight fans.
The manga is packed with fine details that will make horse racing fans grin in recognition. Oguri Cap’s distinctive habits and the anecdotes from her races — like a certain tremble of excitement before entering the starting gate, or a particular expression she showed after a race — are faithfully recreated in the story. Even the designs of each character’s racing uniforms (silks) and running styles show a deep respect for the source material, prompting knowledgeable readers to think, “Oh, I see what they did there!” These realistic touches and homages give depth to the world of Cinderella Gray. Even if you know the historical outcomes, the manga delivers fresh excitement and, conversely, might spark interest in real-life episodes you weren’t aware of. It’s often said that this series is “doubly, triply delicious” — and this is exactly why.
Masterful Pacing That Leaves You Hungry for More — Oguri Cap’s Innate Star Quality Lights the Way

The storytelling in Cinderella Gray has an excellent sense of pace, hooking you with a “I have to know what happens next!” sort of craftsmanship. At each major juncture, a new challenge or trial is introduced that propels the reader eagerly into the next chapter. After the prologue Kasamatsu arc wraps up, there’s the major step up of transferring to the Central circuit; as she wins in Central, even stronger rivals await; beyond that looms the Japanese Derby, the Takarazuka Kinen, and eventually the international stage of the Japan Cup. There’s a constant, tantalizing promise of the next stage, and that excitement never fades.
What supports this addictive forward momentum is the natural star quality of the protagonist, Oguri Cap. She simply loves to run, and she’s so pure about winning that she’s almost guileless. Because of that, no matter how formidable the opponent, she faces them head-on without fear, revealing new possibilities within herself each time. As readers, we’re always wondering, “What kind of performance will she show us next?” or “How will she confront that seemingly unbeatable rival?” We turn each page filled with both anticipation and a bit of anxiety. And each time, the story meets and exceeds our expectations with even more heated and thrilling developments.
On top of that, the series excels at planting and paying off foreshadowing. Experiences from the countryside days end up having significance in Central, and flags set up during encounters with rivals lead to rematches later on — these elements are carefully woven in, rewarding attentive readers with little epiphanies on a re-read. The pacing is brisk when it needs to be, yet it lingers on pivotal episodes to leave a lasting impact; this balance of ebb and flow is handled masterfully. The result is that readers become almost addicted to this world — once you finish a chapter, you can’t wait to dive into the next.
Oguri Cap as a character possesses an immeasurable “power to pull the story forward.” You can’t help but want to see more of her in action, to find out what new sights she’ll show us in the races to come. She truly is a born heroine, a character that naturally compels you to follow her journey. Whether you’re reading the series week by week or binge-reading the volumes, the moment you close the book, you’ll already be itching to read more.
Even the “Losing Scenes” Are Beautiful — The Depth Added by Defeat and Comeback

In Cinderella Gray, it’s not only the moments of victory that are given weight — even the protagonist’s defeats are imbued with deep drama. In fact, you could say this story shows that “even losing scenes can be beautiful.” By depicting both the heartbreak of failure and the resolve to rise again, the narrative gains a rich depth.
Oguri Cap herself was not undefeated in real life. In the Central circuit, she suffered her first loss, tasted bitter defeat against stronger opponents, and even experienced a slump before her legendary final race. The manga portrays these losses, but not as simple moments of frustration; instead, it carefully chronicles the story of the defeated in each case. In horse racing, for every horse that finishes first, there are many that don’t — and each of them has their own story. By acknowledging that the shadows of the winners are filled with countless losers each with their own life and drama, the world of the story suddenly feels much broader and more profound.
Take, for instance, when Fujimasa March loses to Oguri. She is consumed by jealousy and nearly loses her spirit. Yet, precisely because she experienced defeat, she begins to see things she couldn’t before, and she struggles to climb back up and try again. Her journey is painful but beautiful in its own way. Readers can see themselves in March’s anguish and can’t help but cheer, “Don’t give up — stand up and fight again!” Similarly, when Oguri Cap loses to a formidable rival, the manga poignantly depicts how she savors that bitterness and turns it into fuel for the next challenge, striking a chord in the reader’s heart. Because the story is colored by both setbacks and comebacks, it delivers a deeper emotional impact than a simple string of victories ever could.
What’s more, showing moments of defeat makes the triumphs shine even brighter. When a character who is not invincible sheds blood, sweat, and tears to claw their way back to glory, the catharsis is overwhelming — you’ll likely be moved to tears by the time they finally succeed. The horse girls, who continue to shine even in the face of loss, teach us that there’s something in this story more important than just winning or losing. By portraying the contrast between crushing setbacks and glorious victories in such an exquisite way, Cinderella Gray delivers one of the greatest delights found in sports manga.
A Heroine Etched in Racing History — The Allure of Merging Idol Glamour and Gritty Sports Spirit

Oguri Cap as a figure is not just a character in a story; she’s a legendary heroine etched into Japanese horse racing history. The real Oguri Cap was nicknamed “the Monster of the Heisei era,” achieving extraordinary success and popularity, to the point of being adored like an idol by many fans. In the manga, the depiction of her miraculous rise from local races to the Central circuit similarly gives readers a sense of dreams and inspiration.
The Uma Musume franchise itself is built on a unique concept that merges cute idol-like characters with intense horse racing drama. Cinderella Gray is a perfect embodiment of that charm — melding idol appeal with classic sports grit. On the racetrack, Oguri Cap displays almost inhuman strength, yet her plain, unassuming personality off the track endears her to everyone and gives her an undeniable charisma. In the world of horse girls, winners traditionally perform a “Winning Live” concert after a race victory (though this isn’t shown directly in the manga), but every time Oguri wins and the crowd showers her in applause, you get that same exhilarating, idol-like rush. The thundering cheers from the stands, the gazes of admiration, the hopes and dreams placed on her shoulders — Oguri Cap is a beacon of hope for the fans, an idol in the truest sense.
At the same time, the story itself stays true to being a raw, passionate sports drama at its core. The journey of a single horse girl running with all her heart and rising to the top against all odds carries the kind of inspiring emotional weight you’d expect from the very best sports manga. The creators have respected the “ultimate original story” that is reality, while skillfully weaving in the dramatics of sports storytelling. The result is a captivating blend of idol-like sparkle and gutsy sports spirit. Oguri Cap’s character encapsulates seemingly opposing qualities — she’s both adorable and mighty, a dreamer and a hard worker — and it’s this miraculous balance that captures the hearts of so many, far beyond just horse racing enthusiasts.
For fans of the Uma Musume game or anime, Cinderella Gray offers a fresh take on Oguri Cap. The manga adds fine details about her background and inner thoughts that weren’t explored in the game, so much so that it’s said Cinderella Gray has created even more devoted “Oguri fans.” The manga’s surging popularity speaks to that effect: despite being a spin-off, its total copies in print keep climbing, and it consistently ranks near the top in various charts. Oguri Cap has truly become a heroine who stands tall in both horse racing history and manga history. Her appeal is built on that perfect fusion of idol-like brilliance and the heartfelt passion of a sports saga.
Conclusion — The “Cinder Girl” Teaches Us to Never Give Up

Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray is the story of one ash-covered girl from the countryside, Oguri Cap, as she overcomes countless challenges and ascends to the status of a legend. The series is jam-packed with the very best elements of an emotional Cinderella story, so even if you know nothing about horse racing, if you enjoy sports manga or coming-of-age dramas, this tale will undoubtedly move you. You’ll find yourself sweating with excitement at the breathtaking race scenes, shedding tears during fierce battles with rivals, laughing at the comedic interludes, and ultimately feeling inspired by the growth of the protagonist. This work delivers an experience that can only be described as masterful, and it’s a must-read.
When the ash that smoldered in the local circuit finally blazes into a star on the Central stage, readers fully grasp the meaning behind the title. The message — that if you never give up and keep working hard, someday you will grasp the light — is one that transcends horse racing and shines as a universal truth applicable to our own lives. Oguri Cap teaches us the value of believing in yourself and continuing to run forward no matter the adversity. Whenever you feel close to breaking, recalling her earnest figure gives you the courage to take one more step.The story of the ash-covered girl Oguri Cap goes far beyond a mere spin-off of a pretty-girl game; it’s brimming with so much passion and emotion that it stands as a monument in the history of sports manga. If you haven’t read it yet, I strongly encourage you to witness her legend with your own eyes. With each turn of the page, each time the “gray monster” charges forward, your heart will undoubtedly be seized. And when the story reaches its finale and that gray turns into a star, you’ll be ready to shower it with applause and cheers. Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray is an electrifying and uplifting Cinderella story that shows how an unwavering heart and passion can spark miracles. Ash has turned into a star — make sure you witness that shining moment for yourself.