The OVA derives its name from the first initials of three real-life legendary Japanese racehorses who dominated the 1993 Triple Crown races:
Unlike the main series’ focus on "cute girls doing cute races," the OVA throws you directly into the intense, sometimes bitter world of elite competitors who are already at the top.
When most people think of Uma Musume: Pretty Derby , they picture idol singers, energetic races, and the uplifting story of Special Week chasing her dreams. But for those who have ventured into the franchise’s OVA series, Uma Musume: BNW no Chikai (The Promise of BNW), the tone shifts dramatically. This isn’t just a sports anime side story—it’s a raw, emotional character study about rivalry, pride, and the suffocating pressure of legacy.
While the main series has great CGI-enhanced races, BNW no Chikai was produced by the studio (known for Shirobako and Aquatope ). The hand-drawn racing sequences are fluid, weighty, and visceral. When these girls kick into their final spurt, you feel the strain in their legs and the desperation in their breath.
Have you seen BNW no Chikai ? Which of the three rivals do you relate to most—the prodigy, the genius, or the underdog? Let me know in the comments below!
Narita Taishin and Biwa Hayahide are dealing with minor injuries and a loss of motivation, while Winning Ticket is the only one trying to maintain their former camaraderie.
