Leading Japanese 5 year-old mare Liberty Island was an equine superstar in the Far East that amassed just over $7m in total prize money, by winning four Grade One races but her glittering career came to a sad end when she broke down and was fatally injured in the 2025 QEII Cup at Sha Tin in Hong Kong on Sunday.
Racing Fans Touched By Final Picture Of Liberty Island Being Comforted By Her Jockey Yuga Kawada
Having been runner-up to the former ‘Japanese horse of the year’ Equinox’ in the 2023 Japan Cup and also finishing third to Rebel’s Romance in the Dubai Sheema Classic last season – Liberty Island was a big name inside and outside of her native land.
However, her final outing turned out to be in Hong Kong on Sunday 27th April, when she was sadly fatally injured after taking a stumble in the Grade One QEII Cup at Sha Tin – which has led to an outpouring of tributes from horse racing fans.
This is due to her jockey Yuga Kawada being pictured in tears comforting Liberty Island soon after the incident.
Holding her head as the track vets raced to her aid.
Liberty Island（JPN）2020-2025
Copyright © The Hochi Shimbun. pic.twitter.com/nv5akqTAB7
— イシカワカズ (@kazishikawa) April 28, 2025
Yuga Kawada Paid An Emotional Tribute To Liberty Island
The leading jockey, who had ridden Liberty Island in all her races, was visibly upset and later posted an emotional tribute to his horse on his Instagram page.
Kawada said: “I’m sorry she had the worst ending. I am so sorry I took Liberty away from you all.
“She gave it her all until the very end. She endured without falling and protected me until the last. Even after she stopped, she acted calmly and remained strong. She was too strong and smart. Thank you very much to the Hong Kong Jockey Club for responding quickly and for hugging her.”
Yuga Kawada, who also won the Dubai World Cup on Ushba Tesoro in 2023, added that Liberty Island fillies Triple Tiara in 2023 was “the greatest gifts the horse racing gods have given me”
“Even though I was her race-rider, she was a nice girl who was always pleased to see me in the stables. She was good to my family.
“So many memories come to mind, but all because she was there. Nothing but gratitude. And I’m just sorry it happened. Thank you so much to everyone who supported her.”
Another of Liberty Island’s big wins was in the 2023 Japanese 1000 Guineas at Hanshin.
It was also announced that a floral tribute to Liberty Island will be shown at the Northern Horse Park. Which is the public-facing part of the giant Shadai and Northern Farm complexes, which is on the northern island of Hokkaido.
Liberty Island was trained by Mitsumasa Nakauchida in Japan.
WATCH: Liberty Island Winning The 2023 Shuka Sho
Liberty Island Horse Profile
- Career Runs: 12
- Career Wins: 5
- Grade One Wins: 4
- Total Prize Money: $7,003,769
