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According to theHerald Sun, 28-year-old Yanagida was riding his horse, Te Atatu Pash, during a race at New Zealand’s Cambridge Jockey Club last Wednesday when he fell 250 meters from the finish line. The horse fell on top of Yanagida, and he experienced severe injuries to his head and spine, the outlet reported.
NZ Heraldsaid had Yanagida survived, he likely would not have been able to walk again.
In an interview withRaceFormin June, Yanagida, who was nicknamed “Tiger,” said his mother did not want him to become a horse jockey.
“I wanted to try and become a jockey, but my mom didn’t agree, she said I must go to university first, I think she was worried about the gambling,” Yanagida told RaceForm. “I completed one year at university before I said I was going to Australia to train to be a jockey.”
He added: “Now my mother is happy for me, she knows I am doing what I always wanted to, but she still worries about me and is always going to the temple to pray for my luck and safety.”
Yanagida said he was happy with the progress he has made throughout his career, especially in recent months. But, he was especially looking forward to spending time with his family during the summer.
“I’m very happy, this year, I have the best results in my career,” he told RaceForm. “I ride trackwork for lots of different people at Matamata, and once a week, I go to Cambridge. By working hard, I am getting plenty of race rides — and winners too.”
“I’m really looking forward to being with my family for four weeks, then I will be back in time to get ready for the new season — I’m hoping it is going to be another good one,” he continued.
In a statement,New Zealand Thoroughbred Racingsaid they would assist Yanagida’s family in taking “their son and brother home.”
“Our deepest sympathies are with Taiki’s family — his mother Kayano, sisters Chiaki and Ayano, and his grandmother,” New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing CEO Bruce Sharrock said. “We share their grief at the loss of such a talented, friendly, and well-liked young man.”
source: people.com
