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This magazine visited 'Martha Farm' (Onjuku Town, Chiba Prefecture), where Haru Urara resides, at the end of August for an interview. She was seen running around the farm and enjoying playing in the sand in front of the reporter. Despite her advanced age of 29, her steps were as firm as a young horse. She had no major illnesses and a healthy appetite. Who would have thought she would pass away two weeks later...? It's still hard to believe she's gone.
Haru Urara's active career was truly exceptional. From her debut in 1998, she never won a single race, continuing on a losing streak. Normally, she would have been retired long ago, but her earnest demeanor resonated with the social climate of the "restructuring era," creating a huge boom as the "star of the losers." Because she never came in first, her win tickets were considered "unlucky" and sold like hotcakes as traffic safety charms.
The peak of the boom was in March 2004. Yutaka Take, the top jockey of the time, was scheduled to ride her. On that day, 13,000 fans flocked to the Kochi Racecourse, causing such a panic that admission was restricted. She carried the expectations of all of Japan, but the result was 10th out of 11 horses. Even Yutaka Take couldn't make any headway with Haru Urara.
After retirement, Haru Urara moved between farms in Chiba and Hokkaido, eventually arriving at Ms. Miyahara's retirement boarding facility, 'Martha Farm.' To support Urara's remaining years, Ms. Miyahara established a membership-based 'Haru Urara Kai' (Haru Urara Association). The number of members is limited to 50, and no more are being recruited.
"I strongly felt that I absolutely had to avoid being seen as making money from Urara. The current membership fees are more than enough to support Urara."
