The Queen Elizabeth II Cup (G1) took place on April 27, 2025, at Sha Tin Racecourse in Hong Kong, showcasing an exhilarating day of horse racing. The event, run over 2000 meters, saw the 5-year-old mare Tastiera emerge victorious, marking her second G1 victory and her first on foreign soil.
Trained by Noriyuki Hori, Tastiera, who is sired by Satono Crown and out of the mare Palette Tour (by Manhattan Cafe), has now achieved a total of four wins in her 12-race career. The race was a significant moment for Tastiera, who last won the prestigious 2023 Japanese Derby, and her triumph at Sha Tin further establishes her as a formidable competitor in the racing world.
Ridden by jockey Damian Lane, Tastiera displayed remarkable speed and stamina, taking the lead in the final stretch after maintaining a strong position throughout the race. Lane expressed his pride in the horse's performance during a post-race interview, stating, "I’m really proud of the result. I felt she was in great condition today, and I believed we had a big chance from the moment I got the ride."
The race unfolded with a thrilling one-two finish for Japanese horses, as Prognosis, a 7-year-old mare trained by Mitsumasa Nakauchida, finished in second place. Prognosis, ridden by jockey James McDonald, made a strong late charge but could not catch the leading Tastiera. McDonald noted, "She ran well, but we had a bit of trouble at the gate. Overall, she performed admirably."
As the horses entered the final stretch, Tastiera pulled away from the pack, showcasing her exceptional racing skills. This victory adds her name to the list of previous Japanese winners of the Queen Elizabeth II Cup, which includes notable horses such as Eishin Preston (2002, 2003), Rulership (2012), Neorealism (2017), Win Bright (2019), and Loves Only You (2021).
However, the day was not without its tragedies. Liberty Island, another highly regarded competitor and the 2023 Japanese Triple Crown winner, suffered a serious injury during the race and was unable to finish. Jockey Yuga Kawada dismounted the horse in the final stretch, and the racing community was left in shock as Liberty Island was later diagnosed with a severe leg injury, leading to her retirement from racing. Fans expressed their sadness on social media, sharing messages of support and concern for the beloved horse.
This incident overshadowed the celebrations of Tastiera’s victory and raised discussions about the safety of horses in high-stakes races. The Queen Elizabeth II Cup has a storied history, and the events of this year will undoubtedly be remembered for both the triumphs and the sorrows it brought.
Lane's victory on Tastiera is a testament to the hard work of the entire team behind the horse, including the breeding efforts of Northern Farm and the support from Carrot Farm, the horse's owner. Lane remarked, "This horse is truly a star, and it’s a privilege to ride her. I’m confident she has a bright future ahead."
As the racing season continues, all eyes will be on Tastiera to see how she performs in future competitions, while the fate of Liberty Island remains a poignant reminder of the risks involved in the sport.
With this win, Tastiera not only solidifies her status as a top contender but also brings hope and excitement to the Japanese racing community, which has a rich history of success in international competitions. The Queen Elizabeth II Cup will surely be a highlight of the racing calendar, and fans are already looking forward to what the next season will bring.
