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Midori Makibao is the central protagonist of the racing story Midori no Makibao. He is a small, white male horse with a highly unusual appearance that defies the norms of a thoroughbred racehorse. His physique is often described as resembling a pig's body with a head like a hippopotamus, and his stature is comparable to that of a large dog, leading many to initially mistake him for a donkey or a mule. This comical and unexpected look is his most defining visual trait. Despite his odd appearance, he possesses an enormous heart and remarkable horsepower, which form the foundation of his exceptional racing abilities.
His background is one of hardship and humble beginnings. Born on April 4 at Midori Ranch in Hokkaido, he comes from impeccable bloodlines, being the son of the famed European champion Tamaking and the accomplished racer Midoriko. However, due to his bizarre looks and the ranch's financial troubles, his breeder, Genjiro Obu, initially planned to have him butchered. Only the intervention of his mother saved his life in the moment, though she was later sold to settle the farm's debts. This traumatic separation becomes the primary driving force behind his desire to become a champion racehorse, as he hopes to earn enough money to reunite with her.
In terms of personality, Midori Makibao is extremely easygoing and has a tendency to get carried away, often using catchphrases like n ah and...is that so?. As a foal, he was timid and clingy, but through his separation from his mother and the mentorship he receives, he gradually develops resilience and toughness. Despite his often laid-back demeanor, he is fueled by a fierce determination and a strong will to win, particularly when facing his rivals. He has a particular fondness for apples, and he is capable of mimicking human actions, such as riding in a car or sitting on a chair.
His role in the story is that of an underdog who must constantly prove himself against more traditionally built and respected horses. He is a racehorse whose career is defined by his rivalry with the powerful dark-coated thoroughbred Cascade, a formidable opponent who serves as his ultimate goal to defeat. His journey takes him from the brink of death to the heights of Japanese horse racing, competing in and winning classic races such as the Satsuki Sho, the Japan Derby, the Kikuka Sho, and finally the Arima Kinen. His story also extends internationally, as he later competes in the Dubai World Cup.
Key relationships profoundly shape his life. The most significant is his bond with his mother, Midoriko, whose absence fuels his ambition. After getting lost in a forest while trying to follow her, he meets a mouse named Chubei, who becomes his self-proclaimed boss, mentor, and closest companion, often riding on his head during races instead of a whip. His trainer, Masatora Obu, is a strict disciplinarian who recognizes his hidden talent, while his jockey, Kansuke Yamamoto, becomes a trusted partner in the races. The intense rivalry with Cascade is the central conflict of his competitive career, pushing him to overcome his limits.
Throughout his development, Midori Makibao evolves from a frightened, bullied foal into a resilient and courageous competitor. He overcomes numerous physical and emotional hardships, including the trauma of losing Chubei, which leaves him temporarily unable to run after the Derby. He learns to refine his raw abilities, mastering techniques that compensate for his strange physique. One of his most notable abilities is his exceptional burst of speed in the final stretch, a classic closer's move, although he has also proven he can lead from the front. He develops two signature techniques: the physically taxing Mustang Special, a powerful two-legged leaping run he learned in Mongolia, and the Woodpecker Tactic, where his jockey adjusts his head position to reduce strain and improve control. His small body and large hooves make him prone to slipping on muddy tracks, but his incredible heart and fighting spirit allow him to triumph against all odds, embodying his status as a white miracle.
His background is one of hardship and humble beginnings. Born on April 4 at Midori Ranch in Hokkaido, he comes from impeccable bloodlines, being the son of the famed European champion Tamaking and the accomplished racer Midoriko. However, due to his bizarre looks and the ranch's financial troubles, his breeder, Genjiro Obu, initially planned to have him butchered. Only the intervention of his mother saved his life in the moment, though she was later sold to settle the farm's debts. This traumatic separation becomes the primary driving force behind his desire to become a champion racehorse, as he hopes to earn enough money to reunite with her.
In terms of personality, Midori Makibao is extremely easygoing and has a tendency to get carried away, often using catchphrases like n ah and...is that so?. As a foal, he was timid and clingy, but through his separation from his mother and the mentorship he receives, he gradually develops resilience and toughness. Despite his often laid-back demeanor, he is fueled by a fierce determination and a strong will to win, particularly when facing his rivals. He has a particular fondness for apples, and he is capable of mimicking human actions, such as riding in a car or sitting on a chair.
His role in the story is that of an underdog who must constantly prove himself against more traditionally built and respected horses. He is a racehorse whose career is defined by his rivalry with the powerful dark-coated thoroughbred Cascade, a formidable opponent who serves as his ultimate goal to defeat. His journey takes him from the brink of death to the heights of Japanese horse racing, competing in and winning classic races such as the Satsuki Sho, the Japan Derby, the Kikuka Sho, and finally the Arima Kinen. His story also extends internationally, as he later competes in the Dubai World Cup.
Key relationships profoundly shape his life. The most significant is his bond with his mother, Midoriko, whose absence fuels his ambition. After getting lost in a forest while trying to follow her, he meets a mouse named Chubei, who becomes his self-proclaimed boss, mentor, and closest companion, often riding on his head during races instead of a whip. His trainer, Masatora Obu, is a strict disciplinarian who recognizes his hidden talent, while his jockey, Kansuke Yamamoto, becomes a trusted partner in the races. The intense rivalry with Cascade is the central conflict of his competitive career, pushing him to overcome his limits.
Throughout his development, Midori Makibao evolves from a frightened, bullied foal into a resilient and courageous competitor. He overcomes numerous physical and emotional hardships, including the trauma of losing Chubei, which leaves him temporarily unable to run after the Derby. He learns to refine his raw abilities, mastering techniques that compensate for his strange physique. One of his most notable abilities is his exceptional burst of speed in the final stretch, a classic closer's move, although he has also proven he can lead from the front. He develops two signature techniques: the physically taxing Mustang Special, a powerful two-legged leaping run he learned in Mongolia, and the Woodpecker Tactic, where his jockey adjusts his head position to reduce strain and improve control. His small body and large hooves make him prone to slipping on muddy tracks, but his incredible heart and fighting spirit allow him to triumph against all odds, embodying his status as a white miracle.