Speed Symbol

Biodata

Feature	Value
Name	Speed Symbol (速度象征)
Alias(es)	Old Symbol
Species/Race	Uma Musume
Gender	Female
Affiliation	Symbol family
Occupation/Role	Head of the Symbol family; retired professional racer; Inari Kagura's employer and guardian
First Appearance	Chapter 1

Background / History

Speed Symbol is the head of the influential Symbol family and a former professional Uma Musume known as the family's “Glory.” During her racing career, she won numerous G1 championships; though retired and aged, she maintains the baseline speed of a professional athlete through continued training. 4

She found the badly injured Inari Kagura collapsed outside the Symbol family manor during heavy rain. Speed Symbol immediately ordered the gate opened, summoned the family doctor, and had Kagura brought inside for treatment. 1 When Kagura worried that she was imposing and considered leaving, Speed Symbol offered her a place in the manor while they searched for her family. 2

To let Kagura accept assistance without feeling like a burden, Speed Symbol formally hired her as a maid, while privately intending to arrange light duties through the Head Maid. 2 She later secured Kagura an official orphan identity, employment contract, salary, bank account, and phone. 7 8

Speed Symbol recognized Kagura's running potential early. She took Kagura to the family track, encouraged her to run without restraint, and had observers record the session. Kagura's explosive acceleration, stamina, and lack of visible fatigue convinced Speed Symbol that she had found a talent comparable to Rudolph Symbol. 3 4

Although she initially considered having Kagura debut under the Symbol family name, Speed Symbol ultimately decided not to bind her to the family unless Kagura chose that path herself. 4 34

Appearance

Speed Symbol is an elderly Uma Musume whose public appearance is usually understated and practical.

• Often addressed as an “old woman” or “Old Symbol” by peers and younger family members. 7 9
• Wore light sportswear while running with Kagura on the Symbol family track. 3
• Wore sunglasses, a sun hat, and a white tracksuit while traveling to Niigata, blending into the crowd by keeping her ears pressed down. 8
• Once appeared at Tracen Academy in a student uniform without revealing her identity. 18

Personality

Speed Symbol is warm, protective, and openly affectionate toward Kagura. She regularly hugs her, pats her head, and keeps her close because Kagura's presence helps her feel calm and temporarily forget her worries. 3 She treats Kagura as one of her own children despite Kagura not being a blood relative. 40

Her kindness is paired with decisive authority. She arranges Kagura's identity, employment, education, clothing, and rest without allowing Kagura's reluctance to prevent her from receiving necessary support. 7 8 12 38 She also protects Kagura from premature recruitment attention by publicly stressing that Kagura is underage and has no trainer. 9

Speed Symbol was historically strict with Rudolph Symbol, whose hot temper caused problems when she was younger. Rudolph recognizes that this discipline helped shape her into the person she became. 31 In contrast, Speed Symbol is notably gentler with Kagura, a difference Rudolph observes with surprise. 31

Abilities & Skills

Racing Experience

A retired champion, Speed Symbol retains considerable racing knowledge and physical ability.

• Won many G1 championships during her professional career and was known as the Symbol family's “Glory.” 4
• Could still set a pace that pushed Kagura to accelerate during their run, despite no longer having the body to compete at her former level. 3 4
• Recognized Kagura's unusually strong acceleration before her peak and arranged an observed 1600-meter talent test. 4
• Served as referee for Kagura and Sirius Symbol's 2000-meter race, accurately judging Kagura's improved start, stamina, and finishing burst. 40

Family Leadership and Support

As family head, Speed Symbol can provide both protection and practical resources.

• Housed and medically treated Kagura after finding her injured at the manor gate. 1
• Created a formal maid position for Kagura, including food, lodging, wages, identity documents, and a bank account. 2 7 8
• Authorized Kagura's access to the Symbol family's training grounds for future exercise. 4
• Supported Rudolph Symbol's plan to bring Kagura to Central Tracen Academy as her Logistics Uma Musume. 11
• Took Kagura home from the academy when her workload became excessive, enforcing rest rather than allowing her to overwork. 38

Relationships

• Inari Kagura — Rescued her, employed her as a maid, arranged her legal identity, and regards her with grandmotherly affection. 1 2 7 40
• Rudolph Symbol — Her granddaughter; Speed Symbol was strict with her in childhood but remains invested in her racing career and supports her relationship with Kagura. 3 8 11 31
• Sirius Symbol — Her second daughter; Speed Symbol worries about Sirius's unconventional behavior, especially her refusal to use starting gates. 40
• Old Mejiro — Longtime friend and fellow family head. They discuss family matters, including Mejiro Ardan's worsening health. 7 8
• Toujou Hana — Evaluated by Speed Symbol during the trip to Niigata; Speed Symbol approved of Hana's professionalism and planning as Rudolph's trainer. 8
• Mejiro McQueen — Speed Symbol observed Kagura's gentle treatment of McQueen and appreciated that side of Kagura. 31

Story Role / Major Arcs

• Kagura's rescue and employment — Finds Kagura injured outside the Symbol manor, takes her in, and offers her a maid position so she can live with dignity. 1 2
• Discovery of Kagura's talent — Takes Kagura to the family track and confirms her exceptional speed, explosive power, and stamina. 3 4
• Securing Kagura's place in the world — Arranges Kagura's identity, income, and legal employment after the Mejiro family expresses interest in adopting her. 7 8
• Rudolph Symbol's debut — Travels to Niigata with Kagura to watch Rudolph's debut race and discreetly signals Kagura's potential to influential Tracen figures. 8 9
• Transition to Tracen Academy — Cooperates with Rudolph Symbol to bring Kagura into the academy as a Logistics Uma Musume. 11
• Kagura's continued development — Watches Kagura race Sirius Symbol, recognizes her rapid improvement, and continues to treat her as family. 40

Notable Quotes

“Living freely and happily was the greatest reward for her.” 8

“I don't want to miss any of my children's races, so naturally, I came.” 40

Trivia

• Speed Symbol's cooking preferences differ slightly from those of the other Symbol family members, and Kagura adjusts meals specifically for her palate. 18
• She initially considered entering Kagura into races under the Symbol family name, but later decided Kagura should be free to choose her own future. 4 34