Episode 11

**Welcome Back!** (おかえりなさい! *Okaerinasai!*) is the eleventh episode of the Uma Musume: Pretty Derby anime.

## Summary

The day of the Open Special cup arrives and Silence Suzuka is scheduled to make her comeback in that race. As the commentators talk about the race and Suzuka, the person in question walks down the tunnel way and ties a loose shoelace of hers.

Before the day of the Open Special cup, Team Spica train in the track, until they're visited by Tazuna Hayakawa who informs them about an uproar in the school. The reason behind it is that renown French racer Broye intends on entering the Japan Cup and her reason for entering is to "show everyone what it is to be strong". At school, Suzuka is approached by Mejiro Ryan, Winning Ticket, and Nice Nature who wish her the best of luck for her upcoming race. Meanwhile, Broye trains at the Tokyo racetrack, while both Trainer and Hana sit in the audience seats and watch. They're astounded by how skillful Broye's racing capabilities are and then they talk about the chances Suzuka has against her.

That night in the gymnasium, Suzuka is visited by Taiki Shuttle and Air Groove as she does some stretches, the two decide to train with Suzuka after talking with her. News of Broye partaking in the upcoming Japan Cup continues to spread and Suzuka continues diligently training for the upcoming race. Spe continues her own personal training as well to stay up to par with Suzuka. While Suzuka trains in the racetrack with Trainer, El Condor approaches Spe to talk with her. By the hollow tree stump, El Condor gives Spe her book on her personal racing tips as well as a strategy on how to beat Broye. However, Spe refuses to accept the book, as she wants to win on her own terms. Both Suzuka and Spe are informed of Broye's latest statistics by Trainer, however, the two of them are positive they'll do well in their upcoming races. Spe then recites Trainer's dream that he told them during their summer training and how she's resolved to succeed in his and her mom's dream. Later that night, Spe writes a letter to her mother and Suzuka awakens looking restless and states that she believes she'll win her upcoming race.

Back to the day of the Open Special cup, Team Spica aside from Spe who stays behind to train wait for the race to begin as Suzuka and Trainer walk down the hallway leading into the racetrack. Trainer then confesses to Suzuka that he lied to Suzuka about how her doctor said she may never race again, however, Suzuka is positive she'll win and heads onto the track. On the track a racer named Sun Visor proclaims she'll beat Suzuka on the track. The race then begins and in the end, Suzuka gets first place. Broye who was watching the race, notes that she'll have to put on a spectacular performance in her own race the next day.

Back in the hallway, Sun Visor approaches Suzuka and congratulates her while also noting how she wants to race her again someday. Suzuka is then swarmed by members of her team and of Team Rigil. Hana and Trainer watch from close by and soon after Suzuka and Trainer talk with each other.

On the day of the Japan Cup, Spe resolves herself to win as she's facing off against Broye.

## Characters

* Misato Akasaka
* Junko Hosoe
* Silence Suzuka
* Special Week
* Gold Ship
* Mejiro McQueen
* Tokai Teio
* Vodka
* Daiwa Scarlet
* Trainer
* Tazuna Hayakawa
* Broye
* Hana Toujou
* Symboli Rudolf
* Air Groove
* Hishi Amazon
* Grass Wonder
* Mejiro Ryan
* Winning Ticket
* Nice Nature
* El Condor Pasa
* Sun Visor