Cygames has renewed its partnership with Breeders' Cup Limited and will sponsor the Cygames Breeders' Cup Sprint for the third year in a row.
According to a release, the Japanese developer and publisher will once again put its name to the race at the 2026 Breeders' Cup World Championships. Cygames, which is based in Shibuya, Tokyo, and led by President Koichi Watanabe, is the studio behind the horse racing game Umamusume: Pretty Derby. Its logo will appear on the starting gate and on the saddle towels of every horse in the race.
What is the Breeders' Cup?
The Breeders' Cup is a horse racing event that brings together leading horses, owners, trainers and jockeys from around the world. This year's edition runs on October 30th and 31st at Keeneland Racetrack in Lexington, Kentucky, and features 14 Grade 1 (G1) races. According to the release, more than $34m in purses and awards is up for grabs across the two days.
Cygames Breeders' Cup Sprint cheat sheet
The Sprint is a short dirt race for thoroughbreds aged three and older, and it carries a $2m purse. Here are the key details:
- Race: Cygames Breeders' Cup Sprint
- Date: Saturday, October 31st
- Venue: Keeneland Racetrack, Kentucky, USA
- Distance: 1,200 metres (six furlongs) on dirt
- Eligibility: Thoroughbreds aged three and up
- Purse: $2m
- Organiser: Breeders' Cup Limited
Race start times weren't included in the announcement. Fans have been pointed to the official Breeders' Cup website, as well as its Facebook page and its account on X (formerly Twitter), for the full schedule.
Umamusume figure heads to Keeneland
Cygames will also have a life-size figure on display during the event. The figure shows an Umamusume: Pretty Derby character based on Forever Young, who won last year's Longines Breeders' Cup Classic. The Classic is the main G1 race of the Breeders' Cup, run over 2,000 metres (ten furlongs) for thoroughbreds aged three and up.
What is Umamusume: Pretty Derby?
Umamusume: Pretty Derby is a sports life simulation game in which players take on the role of a rookie trainer at Tracen Academy, a school for Umamusume. Through daily training and conversations with their trainee, players work towards winning races together. The game also includes 'winning concerts', where the characters perform songs on stage after races.
According to the release, the game won Best Mobile Game at The Game Awards 2025. Cygames also singled out its storytelling and race presentation as big draws for players.
Cygames beyond horse racing
Outside of Umamusume, the Tokyo-based company develops and runs a number of mobile and console games, including Granblue Fantasy: Relink: Endless Ragnarok. It has also expanded into animation and comics. In its company description, Cygames said its vision is to be 'the best in entertainment'.
