In a dazzling display of talent and composure, Japan’s standout colt Tastiera made a triumphant return to Hong Kong, claiming victory in the HK$28 million FWD QEII Cup at Sha Tin on Sunday, April 27. With a performance that echoed his pedigree and previous Group 1 success, the five-year-old outclassed an elite international field in what turned out to be a gripping edition of one of Hong Kong’s most prestigious races.
Tastiera had previously impressed local racing fans when he placed third behind Romantic Warrior in the Hong Kong Cup last December. This time, with the defending champion absent, the stage was set for another headline act. Under the guidance of Australian jockey Damian Lane and the meticulous training of Japan’s Noriyuki Hori, Tastiera seized the spotlight in style.
Lane, riding in this race for the first time, made the most of the opportunity, showcasing both poise and precision aboard a horse he described as a true champion. The win marked another feather in the cap for Carrot Farm, the ownership group behind Tastiera, and was also a testament to the strong partnership between jockey and trainer. Hori, celebrating his second victory in the QEII Cup, praised the support from the Hong Kong Jockey Club and credited the strategic preparation that followed Tastiera’s run last December.
The plan for Tastiera’s return to Sha Tin was set in motion months ago, with connections believing the horse would thrive under the local conditions. That confidence paid off as Tastiera, breaking from gate ten, found a comfortable position just off the early leaders. As the race unfolded, he moved smoothly into contention, showing no signs of hesitation as he surged past rivals and took command in the home straight.
Finishing with authority, Tastiera pulled clear to win by a decisive margin, leaving his challengers with no chance of closing the gap. Prognosis, a familiar runner-up in this event, once again settled for second place, while the Bahraini contender Calif impressed in third with a game finish.
This victory was especially significant for the visiting Japanese team, as it not only highlighted their dominance on the international stage but also interrupted what might have been a clean sweep by the local stables on FWD Champions Day. While local runners secured the other two Group 1 events—the Chairman’s Sprint Prize and the Champions Mile—Tastiera’s performance ensured that Japan had its moment of glory.
With another major win under his belt, Tastiera is now being aimed at a return to Hong Kong in December, where he will look to turn the tables on his previous defeat in the Hong Kong Cup. If this latest performance is any indication, he will be a serious threat to any rival he faces.
