In an electrifying finish, the Japanese dirt horse Forever Young emerged victorious in the prestigious Group 1, $20 million Saudi Cup. Battling against the Hong Kong-based turf star Romantic Warrior, Forever Young demonstrated remarkable resilience and tactical racing to claim the top prize. The race saw several lead changes, with Defunded, Al Muzmak, and Walk of Stars initially setting the pace. Romantic Warrior made a strong move mid-race but was ultimately overtaken by Forever Young in the final stretch. This victory marks Forever Young's second top-level win, solidifying his status as a formidable competitor on the international stage.

The Thrilling Race Dynamics

The Saudi Cup unfolded with intense competition from the start. Early leaders Defunded, Al Muzmak, and Walk of Stars set a brisk pace, while Forever Young strategically positioned himself just behind them. Romantic Warrior, favored at 3-5, also remained close to the front. As the race progressed, Forever Young began to inch closer, positioning himself between Defunded and Al Muzmak. Meanwhile, Romantic Warrior made a bold move, shifting wide into the turn and appearing to take control of the race.

Romantic Warrior surged ahead in the upper stretch, establishing a clear lead. However, Forever Young, driven by Ryusei Sakai, refused to yield. With relentless determination, he shifted out near the furlong marker and launched a powerful drive. Despite being pushed to the limit, Forever Young caught up with Romantic Warrior inside the final fifty yards, crossing the finish line first in a time of 1:49.12. The race showcased not only speed but also strategic maneuvering, making it one for the ages.

Forever Young's Remarkable Journey

Forever Young's victory in the Saudi Cup adds another illustrious chapter to his racing career. Trained by Yoshito Yahagi, this horse has now achieved a record of 10 starts with 8 wins, 0 seconds, and 2 thirds. His two defeats came in high-profile races—the 2024 Kentucky Derby and the 2024 Breeders' Cup Classic. Nevertheless, his triumph in the Saudi Cup highlights his adaptability and competitive spirit. This win is particularly significant as it follows his earlier success in the Tokyo Daishoten (G1) on December 29, marking his second career win at the highest level.

Forever Young's performance in the Saudi Cup also underscores the growing prominence of Japanese-trained horses on the global stage. He joins three other Japanese winners on Saudi Cup day—Shin Emperor in the Neom Turf Cup (G2), Ascoli Piseno in the 1351 Turf Sprint (G2), and Byzantine Dream in the Red Sea Turf Handicap (G2). This collective achievement reflects the strength and depth of Japanese horseracing. Ushba Tesoro and Rattle N Roll rounded out the top four, further adding to the drama of this historic event.