Uma Musume Creator Cygames Sponsors Horse Racing in Paris

Japanese game developer Cygames sponsors horse racing event in Paris as the official partner of one of Europe’s most prestigious horse races — the Grand Prix de Paris. The 2025 edition of the event will be known as the Cygames Grand Prix de Paris, taking place on July 13, 2025, at the iconic Longchamp Racecourse, located in the Bois de Boulogne area of Paris.

Uma Musume Creator Cygames Sponsors Horse Racing in Paris

The announcement that Cygames sponsors horse racing event in Paris marks another major milestone in what has already been a very active year for the company. In 2025 alone, Cygames launched the global Steam version of Uma Musume: Pretty Derby, topped anime popularity charts, sponsored the 151st Kentucky Derby, and hosted an exhibition at the Kentucky Horse Park.

Now, the company takes its branding to France, becoming the title sponsor for the Grand Prix de Paris, an event first established in 1863. While it may be second in prominence to the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, it remains one of the most respected G1 turf races on the continent. The main event features a 2,400-meter race for 3-year-old colts and fillies, with a prize pool of €600,000 (~USD $700,000).

Cygames branding will appear across the entire venue, including event programs, starting gates, and race signage. In addition to the headline race, two more events will carry the Cygames name:

• Cygames Handicap de la Fête Nationale: A 2,000-meter race for horses aged four and up, scheduled as the first race of the day with a total purse of €59,000 (~USD $68,915).

• Cygames Prix de Malleret: A 2,400-meter turf race for 3-year-old fillies, offering a prize of €119,000 (~USD $139,000).

Although Cygames has not confirmed whether Uma Musume: Pretty Derby will have a dedicated booth at the event, the franchise’s presence is expected to be strongly felt throughout.

Founded in 2011 by CyberAgent, Cygames is a Tokyo-based game development studio known for blockbuster titles such as Uma Musume: Pretty Derby and Princess Connect! Re:Dive. The company has also expanded into anime and manga production through its animation branch, CygamesPictures.

The Uma Musume franchise in particular has achieved international recognition. It centers around anthropomorphized horse girls inspired by real Japanese racehorses like Gold Ship and Haru Urara, who compete in intense racing tournaments. The franchise includes multiple anime series, OVAs, ONAs, manga adaptations, and a mobile game with a large fanbase. The most recent anime installment, Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray, was highly praised by fans and critics alike.

With Cygames sponsoring horse racing in Paris, the company continues to blend entertainment, sport, and culture in unique and globally impactful ways — keeping Uma Musume galloping full speed ahead on the world stage.

via Você Sabia Anime