Episode 20

**A Blessed Name** (祝福の名前, *Shukufuku no Namae*) is the 7th episode of the 2nd season Uma Musume: Pretty Derby anime.

## Summary

On a rainy day, McQueen wins another race which was hailed as a perfect win. In the audience was Trainer and everyone in Team Spica, also there was Rice who heard voices of disdain about her win against Bourbon.

At the Mejiro mansion, McQueen's winning streak is celebrated by Ryan and Dober. The name Rice Shower is noted to be a worthy race rival to McQueen as her time segments are nothing to sneeze at. However, McQueen downplays Rice and denotes that she'll face off against her when the time comes and will win against her in the Spring Tennoushou. News of both McQueen and Rice's race achievements are broadcast in the news much to the embarrassment of Rice who overhears a couple of men talking about her. At Team Canopus' base, the team talk about Rice and soon realize that their Mati was the only one who ever beat Rice. Walking together on campus, Palmer and Helios talk about their recent races and soon run into a aloof Rice who doesn't speak to either of them when she walks past them. Later, reading some articles on a billboard about some star racers including Rice. McQueen the approaches Rice and offers her hand stating, she looks forward to racing her in the upcoming Spring Tennoushou. Timidly, Rice states she has no plans to race in it or ever again and runs off. The information of Rice not wanting to race anymore is relayed to everyone on Team Spica, however, it's note that Rice is still on the race roster. Therefore, her reason is believed to be a personal one than anything else. Although McQueen was looking forward to racing Rice, Trainer states that she should continue training. To that, Tokai suggests she train with her as do the rest of the team.

Eventually, Tokai and the rest of the team try and ask Rice about the Spring Tennoushou, but fails until Gold manages to capture her. The captured Rice is brought back to the Spica base and is asked why she's dropping out of the race. From there she details her reason for not wanting to enter was mainly due to her not being wanted around others. Rice then elaborates her reason detailing how Bourbon inspired her and how distraught she felt after she won against her. Taking her leave, Rice walks past a perplexed Syboli and the details surrounding Rice are explained to McQueen by Tokai.

The following day, Tokai runs into Bourbon and the two talk to each other about recovering from their injuries and during it, Bourbon states her anxious desire to redeem herself. When Rice is mentioned by Bourbon, Tokai then informs her of the situation surrounding her. Soon after, Rice is confronted by the two and Bourbon gives her a "Words of encouragement", however, this frightens her and she runs off. This escalates into the two having to chase after Rice all across the campus into dusk. When they finally are able to talk with her, Rice opens up of why she aimed to beat her in the Kikkoushou race to have people accept her. Her plans backfired, though, and instead people started to resent her instead. In her own words, Rice is nothing more than a "Heel" It's then that Bourbon confesses that she's heavily injured and considered giving up racing all together. However, it was Rice herself that inspired her to continue racing. Bourbon then states that Rice isn't a "Heel", but a "Hero". Hearing these words, gives Rice the courage to continue racing once again.

## Characters

* Ikuno Dictus
* Nice Nature
* Gold Ship
* Vodka
* Daiwa Scarlet
* Special Week
* Tokai Teio
* Trainer
* Rice Shower
* Mejiro Ryan
* Mejiro Dober
* Twin Turbo
* Matikanetannhauser
* Symboli Rudolf