With Umamusume: Pretty Derby finally set to receive an English localised release, developer and publisher Cygames has announced its participation in the 151st Kentucky Derby as a sponsor. As part of this partnership, the company will present the Unbridled Sidney Stakes on Kentucky Oaks Day, taking place on 2 May 2025 at Churchill Downs Racetrack.
The Unbridled Sidney Stakes Presented by Cygames is a Grade III race for fillies and mares aged three years and older, covering a distance of 1,100 metres (5½ furlongs). The race is scheduled to begin at 1:44 p.m. ET on 2 May and will offer a prize pool of $400,000 USD. Cygames’ branding will appear prominently throughout the event, including on the starting gate, saddle towels, and finish line signage.
Alongside its sponsorship of the race, Cygames will host an infield booth at Churchill Downs across 2–3 May, where attendees can try out playable demos of several of the company’s games. These include Shadowverse: Worlds Beyond, Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising, Granblue Fantasy: Relink, and Umamusume: Pretty Derby. A 360-degree panoramic photo area will also be available for visitors.
Koichi Watanabe, President of Cygames, reflected on the significance of the partnership, sharing:
The Kentucky Derby has a long and prestigious history as the first of the races that make up the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing, and I consider it a great joy for Cygames to be a sponsor. My hope is that, through our partnership, we can provide an opportunity for potential fans to get to know Cygames and its content.
