5 Shocking Facts About Folkqueen: The 'Health Land Master' Who Beat Oguri Cap In Uma Musume

The character known only as "Folkqueen" in the highly popular *Uma Musume Pretty Derby* franchise has rapidly become one of the most intriguing and formidable rivals to the protagonist, Oguri Cap, particularly within the ongoing *Cinderella Gray* manga. This enigmatic Uma Musume, who is not yet playable in the main game but whose presence is central to the manga's most dramatic arcs, represents a rare and powerful international challenge, embodying the spirit of a legendary New Zealand Thoroughbred. As of December 16, 2025, her increasing role in the manga and the anticipation for a potential *Cinderella Gray* anime adaptation has brought Folkqueen into the spotlight, making her real-life inspiration and in-game persona a hot topic among fans.

Unlike many other major characters whose identities are immediately obvious, Folkqueen's name is a direct transliteration of her real-life counterpart's nickname, adding a layer of mystery to her fierce, proud, and health-conscious personality. Her defining moment is a direct reflection of a historic, world-record-setting victory that cemented her real-life horse's place in racing history and established her as a truly terrifying opponent to Japan's "Gray Monster."

Folkqueen (Horlicks) Uma Musume Profile & Biography

Folkqueen is an Uma Musume of immense pride and ferocity, whose character is defined by a winning pedigree and an unusual obsession with health and hot springs. Her profile is a direct homage to the New Zealand champion she is based on, emphasizing her international status and formidable racing record.

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• Character Name: Folkqueen (フォーククイーン, *Fōkukuīn*)
• Real-Life Horse Basis: Horlicks
• Origin: New Zealand
• Primary Media Appearance: *Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray* Manga
• In-Manga Nickname: The "Health Land Master" (due to her meeting Oguri Cap at a health resort/hot springs)
• Key Race Victory (Real Life): 1989 Japan Cup (defeating Oguri Cap)
• Personality Traits: Fiercely proud, composed, enjoys hot springs, highly competitive, and possesses a unique spiritual sense of her rivals
• Rival: Oguri Cap (protagonist of *Cinderella Gray*)

Her introduction into the story is a masterclass in building tension, as she is immediately recognized by Oguri Cap as an unparalleled force, even before they officially race. This immediate mutual respect and rivalry set the stage for one of the most anticipated showdowns in the entire *Uma Musume* universe.

The New Zealand Queen vs. The Gray Monster: Folkqueen's Pivotal Role in Cinderella Gray

Folkqueen's importance in the *Cinderella Gray* manga cannot be overstated. She serves as the ultimate international benchmark for Oguri Cap, representing the pinnacle of global racing talent that the Japanese Uma Musume must overcome to prove her worth. Her appearance is not just a cameo; it’s a critical narrative device that forces Oguri Cap to confront her own limitations and drive for victory.

The rivalry is foreshadowed when Oguri Cap encounters Folkqueen at a health resort—the "Health Land"—where the New Zealand Uma Musume is indulging in her love for hot springs and health buffs. It is here that Oguri Cap, with her innate racing intuition, instantly recognizes Folkqueen's overwhelming strength, dubbing her the "Health Land Master." This casual, out-of-race meeting highlights Folkqueen's composed and almost detached nature, contrasting sharply with Oguri Cap's raw, untamed power.

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The true clash, however, occurs during the Japan Cup, which is depicted with intense drama and high stakes in the manga. This race is a direct homage to the real-life 1989 Japan Cup, where Horlicks delivered a devastating defeat to the Japanese champion. Folkqueen's victory in the manga is portrayed as a reversal of fortune in the final meters, where she overtakes Oguri Cap, securing the win by a neck. This defeat is one of the most significant moments in Oguri Cap's story, teaching her a crucial lesson about the global level of competition and fueling her desire for future success.

The *Cinderella Gray* manga continues to explore the fallout of this race, with recent chapters (Volume 14, Chapter 127) still detailing the events and characters surrounding this pivotal rivalry, underscoring Folkqueen's sustained relevance and the freshness of her storyline within the franchise.

Horlicks' Real-Life Legacy: The 1989 Japan Cup and World Record

To truly understand Folkqueen’s formidable presence, one must look at the real-life champion she is based on: the New Zealand Thoroughbred racemare, Horlicks. Born in 1983, Horlicks was an international sensation, known for her incredible staying power and ability to compete against the best male horses in the world.

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The defining moment of her career, and the core of Folkqueen's Uma Musume persona, was the 1989 Japan Cup. This race was a monumental event, pitting the local hero and fan favorite, Oguri Cap, against the formidable international challenger, Horlicks. The race itself was a thrilling contest, but Horlicks ultimately prevailed, beating Oguri Cap by a narrow margin—a neck.

More significantly, Horlicks didn't just win; she set a new world record for the 2,400-meter distance on turf, finishing in an astonishing time of 2:22.2. This record-breaking performance is the foundation of Folkqueen's pride and ferocity in the manga. It establishes her as a true legend, capable of outperforming even the most beloved Japanese champions on their home turf. This victory was a huge moment for New Zealand racing, showcasing the quality of their bloodstock on the global stage.

Horlicks' success wasn't limited to the Japan Cup. She was a champion mare who continued to produce winners after her retirement, further cementing her legacy in the thoroughbred world. Her story is one of international triumph, making her the perfect choice for the character who challenges the national pride of Japan in the *Uma Musume* narrative.

Beyond the Race: Why Folkqueen is the Ultimate International Rival

Folkqueen’s character serves a crucial purpose beyond simply providing a challenging race for Oguri Cap. She is one of the few Uma Musume characters confirmed to be based on an international horse who achieved success in Japan, opening the door for more global champions to enter the franchise. This focus on international competition adds a layer of depth and realism to the *Uma Musume* world, reflecting the global nature of horse racing.

Her design and personality—the composed, health-obsessed "Health Land Master" with a hidden core of immense pride—make her a compelling foil to Oguri Cap's humble, food-loving, and instinctual nature. The rivalry is not just physical; it's a clash of different racing philosophies and national styles. Folkqueen represents the disciplined, world-class professionalism of an overseas champion, while Oguri Cap embodies the raw, passionate spirit of a local hero rising from humble beginnings.

As the *Cinderella Gray* manga continues to be updated, fans are eagerly anticipating Folkqueen's eventual inclusion in the main *Uma Musume Pretty Derby* mobile game. Her unique backstory, her pivotal victory over the protagonist, and her status as a legendary New Zealand champion ensure that Folkqueen, the "Folk Queen" and "Health Land Master," will remain one of the most significant and talked-about characters in the entire franchise.

Her legacy, rooted in the world-record performance of Horlicks, ensures that whenever Folkqueen appears, the stakes are not just personal, but international, making every one of her races a must-read event for fans of the *Uma Musume* universe and the history of thoroughbred racing.