RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – Forever Young cemented his place in horse racing history on , becoming the first dual winner of the Saudi Cup, the world’s most lucrative horse race. The five-year-old Japanese superstar, trained by Yoshito Yahagi, navigated a challenging race to fend off a strong challenge from Breeders’ Cup Mile hero Nysos in a thrilling finish at King Abdulaziz Racecourse.
The victory wasn’t without its tense moments. Jockey Ryusei Sakai found himself momentarily boxed in behind Banishing on the rail, while Bob Baffert’s Nysos made a menacing move on the turn for home. However, Forever Young found a clear path along the inside, utilizing his proven stamina to surge ahead as Nysos, stepping up to 10 furlongs, began to tire.
“He gave me an unbelievable feeling all the time through the race,” Yahagi said, reflecting on the performance. “Of course I had a lot of pressure on me before the race as he was the best in the field. I think it’s not my training that makes him this great horse, I think the horse is just made like a champion and I have little to do with it.”
The win marks another significant achievement for Yahagi, affectionately known as ‘The Man in the Hat’ within the racing world. He has skillfully campaigned Forever Young internationally, with a previous epic battle against Hong Kong superstar Romantic Warrior in last year’s Saudi Cup being a defining moment. Sakai, Yahagi’s former apprentice and stable jockey, expressed his pride in the horse’s accomplishment. “He’s an amazing horse, two times in the Saudi Cup, and I just trust him. I had no worries, there was no pressure, this is my job, the same every time. I’m very proud of him and I want to thank everyone who supported all the team.”
While Forever Young basked in the glory, Baffert acknowledged the Japanese runner’s superiority. “This race is almost like the Kentucky Derby because unless you win, second isn’t that exciting,” Baffert commented. “The good thing, though, is that Nysos showed up. Forever Young is just so good.” Baffert also expressed disappointment with the performance of Nevada Beach, who finished 12th, noting that the horse “didn’t pick up his feet, at all.”
The Saudi Cup card also featured notable victories for European contenders. Karl Burke’s Royal Champion delivered an ultra-impressive performance in the Neom Turf Cup under jockey Oisin Murphy. Burke is now considering a trip to Dubai with Royal Champion, stating, “It was superb. He’s a very forward-going horse… Once he gets a bit of cover he just travels lovely and Oisin has pulled it off fantastically well.” Burke added that a decision regarding a start in the Dubai Turf will depend on discussions with Darley and the Sheikh Mohammed Obaid family, acknowledging their recent personal loss.
Joseph O’Brien’s Sons And Lovers also secured a win in the Red Sea Turf Handicap, adding to the international flavor of the day’s racing.
Looking ahead, Yahagi has already set his sights on the Dubai World Cup as Forever Young’s next target. However, he admitted uncertainty beyond that. “Of course our next target is the Dubai World Cup, so that is what we have to concentrate on now. And then, well I have no idea. Last year, it didn’t work out in the Dubai World Cup, he just wasn’t good enough. We will try our best to win it this year.” Last year’s attempt at the Dubai World Cup proved unsuccessful, with Forever Young finishing third, but Yahagi is determined to secure victory this time around.
The ultimate ambition, according to Yahagi, is for Forever Young to become the first horse to win the Saudi Cup, the Dubai World Cup, and the Breeders’ Cup Classic – arguably the three most prestigious dirt races for older horses. However, the trainer appeared to temper expectations, acknowledging that Forever Young was perhaps not at 100% fitness. According to reports leading up to the race, Yahagi appeared emotional when discussing his plans for the year, ruling out the Breeders’ Cup and focusing primarily on Dubai.
The victory in Riyadh further solidifies Forever Young’s status as a global racing superstar, with earnings now approaching $20 million. The horse’s consistent performance and Yahagi’s astute training have captivated racing fans worldwide, and all eyes will now be on his pursuit of further glory in Dubai.
