Why Is Gold Ship So Crazy? Exploring the Stego Lineage in Uma Musume Pretty Derby, Inspired by Real Racehorses

About “ Sutema-haigo(ステマ配合)”

“Sutema-haigo” is an informal term in Japanese horse racing bloodlines, referring to a specific combination of sire and broodmare.
Specifically, it describes a mating between the stallion Stay Gold and a mare whose sire is Mejiro McQueen.
This cross has produced an exceptionally high percentage of G1 winners and achieved many victories in top-level races, earning it the nickname “Golden Cross.”

Stay Gold is known for this famous cross, called the Stema pairing. In the series Uma Musume: Pretty Derby, Gold Ship’s close friendship with Mejiro McQueen is inspired by this pedigree connection.

◆ Basic Information
Sire: Stay Gold (by Sunday Silence out of Golden Sash)
Broodmare Sire: Mejiro McQueen (by Mejiro Titan out of Mejiro Aurora)
The term refers to matings where Stay Gold is bred to mares by Mejiro McQueen.
The name “Sutema” comes from Ste (Stay Gold) + Ma (McQueen).

◆ Notable Offspring
This cross has produced four graded stakes winners, three of whom became G1 champions, with a total of 15 G1 victories.
・Dream Journey
・Orfevre
・Gold Ship

◆ Bloodline Characteristics
・Stay Gold’s dam line carries several “minor” bloodlines, often associated with toughness and a strong temperament.
・Mejiro McQueen contributed stamina, composure, and staying power.
・The combination created a blend of brilliance, stamina, and quirky disposition, producing extraordinary ability when it clicked.

Written by Masamichi Mukai