Who is Grass Wonder? All about legendary racehorse as he dies at 30

Grass Wonder was a very famous Japanese racehorse who passed away on August 8, 2025, at the age of 30. He was born February 18, 1995, in Kentucky, USA, and trained in Japan by Mitsuhiro Ogata. Wonder was a chestnut horse with a white star on his head and was 15.3 hands high at maturity.

He raced 15 times between 1997 and 2000. He won nine races and finished second once, which would place him as a top horse of his time. At just two years of age, he won or was placed in every race that he entered, winning the Asahi Hai Sansai Stakes. What is more, it seems that nearly every race he entered during that season was tough, but he was able to win those races.

Wonder had a hard time when he was three years old. He took a gap because of his injury, but returned at fourth, winning the Arima Kinen. In the following year, Wonder had his best young horse season, winning both the Takarazuka Kinen and the Arima Kinen. Also, that year he won fourteen major races, including Keio Hai Spring Cup, Mainichi Okan, and Arima Kinen with top runners. However, at the end of the year in 2000, he did not win again, and he eventually retired to breeding as a stallion.

Grass Wonder's career as a stud and legacy

In 2001, Grass Wonder began a new life at stud in Japan. He fathered many winners. One of his best foals was Screen Hero, who won the Japan Cup and went on to sire Maurice, a champion in 2015. He also sired Earnestly, who won the Takarazuka Kinen, and Seiun Wonder, winner of the Asahi Hai Futurity Stakes.

His bloodline stayed strong through generations. His great-grandson, Pixie Knight, won a Grade 1 race in 202. He was even called the "second coming of Maruzensky" for his great skill and wins in Grand Prix races.

Wonder also lives on in Umamusume: Pretty Derby, a game and anime where he appears as a calm and gentle character. The character wears the same colors and symbol as the real horse did in races. Fans love this design and connection to the real horse.

Grass Wonder's final days and farewell message

Grass Wonder lived for 30 years, was healthy and at ease until late in life. On the evening before August 8, 2025, his health began to fail. He passed away the next day from multiple organ failure tied to his old age.

An official announcement shared that he died quietly, with care around him, and that he had made “a great contribution to Japanese horse racing.” They stated:

"We pray for the repose of Grass Wonder’s soul. Rest in peace."

Grass Wonder was many things: A fast horse, a gentle champion, a father of champions, and a beloved character in stories and games. He raced hard, he gave many foals a chance to win, and he lived to a good age.

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