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SARGA.CO – Japanese racehorse Forever Young once again captured global attention after winning the US$7 million (Rp116 billion) Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) at Del Mar on November 1. The victory added yet another milestone to legendary trainer Yoshito Yahagi’s glittering résumé and further cemented Japan’s growing dominance in international racing.
Yet behind the euphoria, Yahagi admitted to feeling a touch of “bittersweetness.” On the same evening, the Los Angeles Dodgers, featuring Japanese superstars Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, clinched the World Series title.
“I was thrilled the Dodgers won,” Yahagi said through an interpreter on November 2.
“But at the same time, I felt a little sad because their victory overshadowed Forever Young’s achievement back home in Japan. So there’s a hint of sadness behind the joy,” he added.
Having conquered America, Forever Young’s journey is far from over. Yahagi confirmed that the superstar will next compete in the world’s two richest races in 2026.
The plan is for Forever Young to enter the US$20 million (Rp333 billion) Saudi Cup (G1) on February 14, followed by the US$12 million (Rp200 billion) Dubai World Cup (G1) on March 28.
“We’ll give him some time off before the Saudi Cup. We want him to be fully recovered. After that, we’ll head to Dubai. If he’s still in top condition, he’ll keep racing,” Yahagi explained.
The flamboyant trainer also hinted that Forever Young might make a one-off appearance on turf, just to test his versatility.
Forever Young’s triumph in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, where he edged out defending champion Sierra Leone by half a length, has positioned him as a top contender for the Eclipse Award for Champion Older Male, and possibly even Horse of the Year.
The 2025 season has been extraordinary for Forever Young — winning the Saudi Cup, finishing third in the Dubai World Cup, and closing the year with a massive victory in the United States.
However, competition for the Horse of the Year title remains fierce. Godolphin’s Sovereignty, who missed the Breeders’ Cup due to illness, remains a strong rival after capturing both the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes.
“This title isn’t for me — it’s for Forever Young,” said Yahagi. “I hope he’s recognized as Horse of the Year. He’s proven his quality all season long.”
Beyond racing, owner Susumu Fujita and trainer Yahagi are already planning Forever Young’s future as a stallion. They intend to open international syndication opportunities, allowing the horse to contribute to the global development of thoroughbred bloodlines.
“We’re not ready to reveal details yet, but we want to invite investors and fans from around the world to be part of Forever Young’s next chapter,” Yahagi said.
With three Breeders’ Cup victories and a rapidly growing global reputation, Yoshito Yahagi has now secured his place among the most influential trainers in modern horse racing history.
But for him, the story of Forever Young is far from finished.
“This is just the beginning. There’s much more to come from Forever Young.”
(Source: bloodhorse.com)
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