Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray [Season 1 Episode 1]

Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray – Episode 1 Review: A Fresh Start for the Franchise

The Uma Musume franchise is back, and this time, it’s taking a slightly different route. Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray, the much-anticipated spin-off, premiered on April 6, 2025, and it’s already making waves among fans. Produced by CygamesPictures, this new series shifts the spotlight to Oguri Cap, a character who’s been lurking in the background of the franchise until now. And let me tell you, this first episode is a ride—pun absolutely intended.

A New Star Rises

For those unfamiliar with the Uma Musume universe, the series revolves around anthropomorphized horse girls who compete in races. Cinderella Gray follows Oguri Cap, a seemingly ordinary girl with an extraordinary appetite (seriously, she eats like there’s no tomorrow) and a hidden talent for speed. The episode wastes no time throwing us into her world at the Kasamatsu Training Center Academy, where she’s just another face in the crowd—until she isn’t.

Fans on MyAnimeList and Reddit have been buzzing about how this spin-off feels different from the main series. One user put it perfectly: “It’s more grounded, a bit grittier, and honestly, I’m loving the focus on Oguri Cap’s underdog story.” And they’re right. While the original Uma Musume had its fair share of drama and heart, Cinderella Gray dives deeper into the struggles of an athlete trying to prove herself.

Animation & Soundtrack: CygamesPictures Delivers

Let’s talk about the visuals—because wow. CygamesPictures has outdone themselves with the animation quality. The race sequences are fluid, dynamic, and packed with energy. One fan noted, “The production quality is VERY good. There’s actually some really interesting camerawork too, unlike what we saw in S3 or To the Top.”

The soundtrack also deserves a shoutout. The opening theme by Alexandros (who also did Ao Ashi’s OP) is an instant banger, and Oguri Cap’s ending theme fits her quirky personality perfectly. Some fans even compared the music choices to Initial D, which is high praise for any racing anime.

Oguri Cap: The Unlikely Hero

Oguri Cap is a breath of fresh air. Unlike the more polished protagonists of the main series, she’s rough around the edges—literally. Her right foreleg is turned outward (a nod to her real-life counterpart’s struggles), and she’s constantly underestimated. But when she runs? Magic happens.

Fans are already obsessed with her. One commenter gushed, “She’s so adorable wtf,” while another joked, “Who would have thought the girl we always saw in the background eating would make a fun character?” Her deadpan expressions and relentless determination make her instantly likable, and her underdog journey is shaping up to be one of the most compelling arcs in the franchise.

What Fans Are Saying

The online discourse around Cinderella Gray is a mix of excitement, nostalgia, and high expectations. Here’s a quick rundown of the fan reactions:

• Newcomers Welcome? Some viewers were worried they’d need prior knowledge of Uma Musume to enjoy this spin-off. Thankfully, the consensus is clear: “You can jump straight in no problem.”
• Comparisons to the Main Series: While some fans miss the lighter tone of the original, others appreciate the shift. “This one’s clearly aiming for something a little deeper,” one Reddit user noted.
• The Manga Factor: Manga readers are hyped for the adaptation. “I read the beginning of the manga, but the anime brings something else,” shared a MyAnimeList user.

Final Thoughts

Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray Episode 1 is a strong start. It balances humor, heart, and high-stakes racing while introducing a protagonist who’s impossible not to root for. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, this spin-off has something to offer.

As one fan perfectly summed it up: “Peak sports anime is back.” And if this first episode is any indication, we’re in for an unforgettable season.

Rating: 9/10 – A must-watch for sports anime lovers and Uma Musume fans alike.

What did you think of the episode? Drop your thoughts in the comments!