KUALA LUMPUR, Feb. 16 -- From animated horse girls to real thoroughbreds, Japan's multi-billion-dollar video game franchise Umamusume: Pretty Derby continues to exert a global, cross-cultural influence, inspiring collaborations that blend pop culture with the sport of kings and help revive interest in horse racing in regions where the fandom is established.

In Malaysia, the Selangor Turf Club (STC) recently teamed up with local Umamusume fans, giving anime enthusiasts a first-of-its-kind opportunity to leave their mark on real-life racing by naming horses, branding a racing stable, and designing jockey silks for competition.

Held from February 1 to 8, the public contest allowed fans and members of the public to name four Irish-bred geld...