Tributes paid to 'talented and well-liked' jockey after death from fall

Racing in New Zealand has been rocked by the death of Japanese rider Taiki Yanagida following a fall.

The 28-year-old jockey had been on life support at Waikato Hospital after suffering serious injuries in the fall at the Cambridge race meeting last Wednesday.

His mother Kayano, and younger sister Chiaki, arrived from Japan last Friday and Taiki’s friend and fellow rider Yuto Kamagai accompanied them to the hospital.

“Our deepest sympathies are with Taiki’s family – his mother Kayano, sisters Chiaki and Ayano, and his grandmother,” said New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing chief executive officer Bruce Sharrock.

“We share their grief at the loss of such a talented, friendly, and well-liked young man.

“Taiki was recently able to spend a month back at home with his family following a lengthy period where he could not travel home due to Covid, and we hope they take comfort from the memories created during that time.”

Yanagida was based at Matamata and Sharrock added: “Our thoughts are also with those at Wexford Stables. Members of the O’Sullivan-Scott team were Taiki’s New Zealand family, and they will all be impacted by his death.

'Tragic loss'

“The tragic loss of one of our own always hits hard and we need to be aware of how others might be feeling and processing this loss. We are also particularly conscious of Taiki’s fellow jockeys and will be ensuring there is support in place for them.”

The NZTR was also focusing on offering support to the family of the rider.

“We have been conscious of the fact that they needed to be comfortable every step of the way, including how and when news of his death was relayed, bearing in mind the fact there are other family members to consider,” said Sharrock.

“We will now be assisting Taiki’s family as they make plans to take their son and brother home.

“Many people have been in touch wanting to contribute to the family in some way, and we will be organising an account for contributions to be passed on to Taiki’s family.”