TM Opera O

King of the End of the Century

A powerful Uma Musume appearing in 'ROAD TO THE TOP'. JRA Hall of Fame horse and 2000 Horse of the Year. A legendary horse boasting historic achievements in the horse racing world.

Quotes

  • A win is a win. There is value in continuing to produce results, even if unglamorous.
  • He was a horse that slacked off as soon as he thought he'd won.
  • The Arima Kinen victory, marked relentlessly with every horse as enemy, is legendary.
  • Horse evaluations vary by observer, but to me, the ideal champion.
  • TM Opera O possessed true inner strength.
  • Scolded harshly many times, yet the bond with the trusted jockey endured to the end.

Trivia

  • Debut as 1.5x favorite yet finished 2nd.
  • Symmetric bones allowing both right- and left-handedness.
  • Resting heart rate of just 25 bpm, exceptionally low.
  • Exceptionally balanced physique with overwhelming long-distance endurance.
  • Famous racetrack announcer performances: 'Shaa!!' '1, 2, 3, Dah!'.
  • Long active post-retirement as privately owned stallion.

Alternate names

T M Opera O TM Opera O King of the End of the Century

Tags

Uma Musume TM Opera O Racehorse JRA Hall of Fame Horse Classic Horse King of the End of the Century Horse of the Year Stallion Japanese Horse Racing History

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Profile

Species
Uma Musume
Gender
Male
Birthday
March 13
Birth year
1996

Appearance

Overall appearance
Chestnut Uma Musume with a well-proportioned physique. Calm and composed, possessing a somewhat sophisticated aura.
Eye color
Brown
Hair color
Chestnut
Distinguishing features
  • Chestnut coat color
  • Well-proportioned physique
  • Imposing running style
Iconic items
  • Racing outfit
  • No. 1 favorite ribbon
  • Performance 'Shaa!!'
  • Performance '1, 2, 3, Dah!'

Personality and abilities

Core personality
Steady
Detailed personality
Calm and steady, demonstrates stable strength over long periods without expending unnecessary power. Victories are by narrow margins and carried out matter-of-factly, yet extremely competitive. On the other hand, stubborn tendencies and a habit of slacking off.
Keywords
  • Competitive
  • Steady
  • Stability
  • Long-distance aptitude
  • Excellent bloodline
  • Cool
  • Serious
  • Neat freak
Motto
A win is a win. There is value in continuing to produce results, even if unglamorous.
Talents
  • Long-distance endurance
  • Superior cardiopulmonary function
  • High stamina
  • Skeletal balance with high ambidexterity
  • Sharp finishing kick
Skills
  • Stable race pacing
  • Overtaking in close finishes
  • Strong in rain and heavy going
Motivation
Conquest of all GI races, Horse of the Year title, maintaining consistent strong performances.
Habits
Tends to slack off after victories. Performs yells ('Shaa!!' '1, 2, 3, Dah!').
Favorite foods
Carrots (finely chopped), Horse feed
Hobbies
Horse races, Exercise load tests
Disliked situations
Intense marking or interference
Disliked insects
None

History

Backstory
Born March 13, 1996, at Kineusu Farm in Urakawa, Hokkaido. Sire is long-distance specialist Opera House, dam is American-bred Once Wed. As a young foal, sturdy with good balance but unremarkable. In 1998, entered Iwamoto Ichizo stable, debuted in JRA central racing partnered with jockey Ryuji Wada. Excelled in classic campaign thereafter, conquering the 1999 Satsuki Sho. In 2000, set record with 5 GI wins in the year to become Horse of the Year and JRA Hall of Fame horse. Retired 2001 to stud career, passed away suddenly at age 22 in 2018.
Debut date
August 15, 1998
Work title
Uma Musume Pretty Derby ROAD TO THE TOP

1999 Satsuki Sho Victory

Significant event
1999 Satsuki Sho Victory
Description
Captured the first leg of the classic triple crown, establishing as one of the 'big three'.

2000 Undefeated 5 GI Wins

Significant event
2000 Undefeated 5 GI Wins
Description
Including Tenno Sho (Spring/Autumn), Takarazuka Kinen, Japan Cup, Arima Kinen; perfect 8-for-8 that year.

2001 Tenno Sho (Spring) Repeat

Significant event
2001 Tenno Sho (Spring) Repeat
Description
First ever three consecutive Spring/Autumn Tenno Sho, achieving 3 Tenno Sho wins.

2004 JRA Hall of Fame Selection

Significant event
2004 JRA Hall of Fame Selection
Description
Inducted into Japan Racing Association Hall of Fame.

Sudden Death May 17, 2018

Significant event
Sudden Death May 17, 2018
Description
Sudden cardiac arrest. Many fans paid tribute at the funeral.

Relationships

Opera House

Father

Father. Long-distance specialist active in Europe and North America.

Once Wed

Mother

Dam. American bred. No graded stakes wins but solid pedigree.

Masatsugu Takezono

Guardian

Owner. Raised TM Opera O alongside childhood friend Iwamoto.

Ichizo Iwamoto

Guardian

Trainer. Handled training and management for TM Opera O.

Masaya Haraguchi

Training groom. TM Opera O was the first horse he managed.

Ryuji Wada

Best friend

Ridden in all 26 races, sharing countless GI triumphs.

Meisho Doto

Rival

Rival with whom intense battles unfolded in numerous GIs.

Narita Top Road

Rival

One corner of the classic big three. Frequent close contests.

Iwamoto Stable

Iwamoto Stable: leader

Kineusu Farm

Kineusu Farm: unknown

Media appearances

ROAD TO THE TOP

Protagonist

Related goods

Figure

Item name
Figure
Category
Figure
Availability
Regular

Plush toy

Item name
Plush toy
Category
Plush or doll
Availability
Limited

Stationery set

Item name
Stationery set
Category
Stationery
Availability
Regular

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