Event Report: A Cygames Staffer Goes to the 151st Kentucky Derby!
In early May 2025, Cygames participated in the 151st Kentucky Derby. On May 2 (all times local), Kentucky Oaks Day, Cygames sponsored a race called the “Unbridled Sidney Stakes Presented by Cygames,” and on May 2 and 3, the company hosted a booth in the venue’s infield.
In this installment of Cygames Magazine, we report on the atmosphere of the event and the Cygames booth. We also interview a staffer for behind-the-scenes tidbits about how the company came to sponsor a race and the details that went into setting up the exhibition booth!
Cygames is proud to sponsor the 151st Kentucky Derby and present the Unbridled Sidney Stakes on Kentucky Oaks Day!
— Cygames (@Cygames_EN) April 21, 2025
Attendees can find our booth in the Infield area May 2–3 to play demos and take photos!
More:https://t.co/PvDzHhjMGA#KyDerby #Cygames
What is the Kentucky Derby?
The Kentucky Derby® is an American horse race run by three-year-old thoroughbreds, and the first of three events comprising the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing. The event boasts a storied history dating back to 1875 and is the most watched horse racing event in North America, earning it the reputation of being “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports®.” Additionally, Derby Week, held in the same week as the Kentucky Derby, features the prestigious Kentucky Oaks, a race for three-year-old fillies that has run for 150 years, among other races and events.
For the first time in its history, Cygames partnered with Churchill Downs Racetrack, home of the Kentucky Derby, to become a sponsor at the 151st Kentucky Derby. The skies on the day of the Derby were rainy and gray, but that didn’t stop 147,400 racing fans from descending upon Churchill Downs to watch the races in person.
Queen Maxima Reigns!
A Look at Cygames’ Sponsored Race
The Unbridled Sidney Stakes Presented by Cygames was held on May 2, Kentucky Oaks Day. The race, a 1,100-meter (5 1/2 furlong) Grade III turf race for fillies and mares aged three and older, featured many a fine contender.
Just before the race, the downpour grew so severe that spectators were encouraged to seek shelter. Thankfully, the storm passed and the race resumed, allowing Queen Maxima to thunder into first place!
Festivities and Fancy Fits!
The Passion Surrounding the Kentucky Derby
Churchill Downs on the day of the Kentucky Derby (May 3) was also rainy. However, the visitors rallied splendidly with expressive big-brimmed hats, elegant dresses, and dapper suits with colorful neckties or bow ties.
The rain meant conditions on the track were akin to a rice paddy. Nevertheless, the audience sang the national anthem and the state song of Kentucky boldly and with pride, lending the proceedings a ceremonial air. Then, the starting gates opened and the air shook with roars from the crowd—a fitting soundtrack to commemorate the victory of Sovereignty!
The two contenders from Japan, Luxor Cafe and Admire Daytona, placed 12th and 19th, respectively. Seeing the spectators wish the horses and their entourage luck left an indelible impression in my mind.
A Sneak Peek at the English Version of
Umamusume and the Cygames Booth
Cygames set up a booth at the venue’s infield during May 2 and 3, which included a 360-degree panoramic photo spot, and a demo play area for its titles including Shadowverse: Worlds Beyond, Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising, Granblue Fantasy: Relink, and Umamusume: Pretty Derby (hereinafter: “Umamusume”)
In the Cygames booth, we spotted visitors lounging on the sofas while playing Granblue Fantasy: Relink, while in another area, Umamusume cosplayers had gathered to play the demo of Umamusume’s English version. The panoramic photo spot especially was buzzing with activity.
Cygames’ First Foray into the Prestigious Kentucky Derby!
An Interview with Staff Member O
Following up on our report, we interviewed Staff Member O, who featured in a previous article about the Kentucky Derby. This time, we talked about how the sponsorship came to be and about the Cygames booth.
Could you tell us about why Cygames partnered with the Kentucky Derby and why the company chose to set up a booth?
- Staff Member O
- Churchill Downs, the organizer of the Kentucky Derby, approached us about entering into a partnership and exhibiting at the venue. Since Umamusume features characters inspired by real-life racehorses, we thought bringing the game there would be a small but significant way to give back to horse racing community.
At around the same time, preregistration for both the English versions of Shadowverse: Worlds Beyond and Umamusume were underway, and the animated series Umamusume: Cinderella Gray was a hit both in Japan and overseas. We thought this was a good time to establish our presence with a booth, so that more people could get to know Cygames and what we have to offer.
What’s the biggest adaptation you made when bringing the Cygames booth to this event?
- Staff Member O
- We were located in the infield, so we thought carefully about how we could draw the gaze of visitors, as well as how the booth would look to spectators in the main stands. Of course, it goes without saying that we wanted everyone to interact with our content, but we also kept in mind that many people would come dressed to the nines, so we went for a more sumptuous feel by placing sofas and plants throughout the booth. The 360-degree panoramic photo spot was really popular, and we were graced with many visitors of all ages and backgrounds.
Did you encounter any similarities or differences to events held in Japan?
- Staff Member O
- I thought the way audiences from both countries cheer on the horses and their racers was the same, but the music blasting throughout the venue is probably the biggest difference, giving the event a festive feel (of course, they didn’t play anything while the actual races were going on). The way the audience seemed to be enjoying each individual race and indeed, the whole “sports festival” atmosphere, from the bottom of their hearts left an impression on me—it’s clear that American horse racing is a huge part of the national sports landscape.
What was the reception from the visitors like? Could you tell us about an experience that stuck with you?
- Staff Member O
- Many people came dressed to impress, and there were quite a few students from local high schools* in attendance as well. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves, and I came away with the impression that this event was the highlight of the year for many people.
Also, during the Cygames-sponsored race, I happened to be seated near to Queen Maxima’s owners and family, so I witnessed their joy firsthand when their beloved horse came out the winner. Through my involvement with our partnership, I got to see how special a day this was for everyone involved. It was truly an honor.
*High school students in the USA under the age of 18 cannot purchase betting tickets, nor can they consume alcohol until the age of 21.
That concludes our event report of the Kentucky Derby and interview with Staff Member O.
Umamusume: Cinderella Gray, available across multiple streaming platforms, captured the hearts of many overseas anime fans. We’re also delighted that many trainers have joined the ranks with the release in June of the English version of the Umamusume mobile game.
Partnering with the Kentucky Derby gave us an opportunity to deliver the best in entertainment to a wider global audience. Going forward, we’re eager to take on more opportunities to exhibit abroad, across multiple languages. Please keep an eye out for Cygames’ next venture!
We’re thrilled to announce that today’s Unbridled Sidney race at @ChurchillDowns is sponsored by Cygames!
— Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) May 2, 2025
Race over to the @Cygames_EN infield booth for a peek at the upcoming title, #Umamusume: Pretty Derby!
🥕Follow @umamusume_eng and pre-register now at… pic.twitter.com/t6Dunt5Glh
*Photos courtesy of Churchill Downs Racetrack
Related Articles
