Umamusume: Pretty Derby – Beginning of a New Era

Tracen Academy serves as Jungle Pocket's primary training ground where she develops her racing skills under trainer Tanabe. It functions as a specialized school for aspiring umamusume (horse girls) competing in the Twinkle Series, combining rigorous physical training with competitive racing culture.

The movie explores four core themes: Rivalry, which drives competitive intensity between Jungle Pocket and Agnes Tachyon; Growth, showing Jungle Pocket's development through defeats and training; Mentorship, highlighting the guidance between trainer Tanabe and his trainees; and Legacy, examining what it means to pass the torch as seen through Fuji Kiseki's retirement and the pursuit of Derby victory.

Jungle Pocket, whose real name is Yuri Fujimoto, starts as a freestyle racer who travels with friends to prove herself. After witnessing Fuji Kiseki's legendary performance, she enrolls at Tracen Academy to join her team. Her defining trait is an unrelenting drive to push beyond her limits, constantly motivated by rivalry with Agnes Tachyon.

Agnes Tachyon, voiced by Sumire Uesaka, is an eccentric and calculating rival who approaches racing through research and strategic analysis rather than pure instinct. She quietly observes Jungle Pocket's progress, defeats her in key matchups, and eventually announces an indefinite hiatus from competition, shifting her focus toward research goals.

Fuji Kiseki is a legendary umamusume who is forced to retire due to a leg injury. Despite her limited screen time, she serves as the catalyst for Jungle Pocket's journey, her victory inspires Jungle Pocket to enroll at Tracen Academy, and she promises to help trainer Tanabe achieve his dream of becoming a Derby Trainer.

T. M. Opera O is an undefeated champion who represents the pinnacle of excellence in the Twinkle Series. He wins the Arima Kinen and serves as the ultimate benchmark for Jungle Pocket's growth, a symbol of what can be achieved through skill and consistent dominance.

Their rivalry is defined by opposing approaches to racing, Jungle Pocket relies on raw talent and determination while Agnes Tachyon uses analytical research. Their competition pushes Jungle Pocket to train harder and adapt strategies, making their dynamic a central driver of the story's competitive tension.

Tanabe Trainer leads Fuji Kiseki's team and guides Jungle Pocket with discipline and focus. He pushes his trainees to their limits while maintaining strategic awareness, even suspecting Agnes Tachyon's silent strategic moves. His relationship with Jungle Pocket anchors her development throughout the season.

The legacy theme centers on Fuji Kiseki's forced retirement and how her unfulfilled dreams pass to the next generation. Jungle Pocket's pursuit of the Derby victory becomes not just her own goal but a way to fulfill the promises made to her mentor. Agnes Tachyon's research-driven approach also reflects new methods of carrying forward racing knowledge.

The movie follows Jungle Pocket through several prestigious Japanese races, including the Hopeful Stakes, the Japanese Derby, and the Japan Cup. These races represent the pinnacle of the Twinkle Series and serve as the testing grounds where Jungle Pocket's growth is measured against top competitors.

The story unfolds primarily at Tracen Academy as the training hub, with major racing events taking place across famous Japanese tracks. The setting blends the competitive culture of Japanese horse racing with the personal rivalries that define the umamusume world.