After an intense battle on the dirt at King Abdulaziz Racecourse, Forever Young emerged victorious in the prestigious $20 million Saudi Cup. The race saw a dramatic finish with Forever Young overtaking Romantic Warrior by a narrow margin, marking a significant moment in global horse racing history.

Experience the Unstoppable Power of Forever Young: A Champion Reborn

The Epic Duel on Dirt

The world’s richest horse race unfolded under the Arabian sun, showcasing two formidable contenders. Romantic Warrior, known for his prowess on turf, made his debut on dirt, while Forever Young, a seasoned dirt specialist, aimed to secure another monumental victory. As the gates flew open, both horses displayed their strength and determination. Forever Young quickly assumed a prominent position among the leaders, while Romantic Warrior held back, conserving energy for a strategic move.Jockey James McDonald guided Romantic Warrior into contention, positioning him outside the leaders as they approached the stretch. With a burst of speed, Romantic Warrior surged ahead, taking a commanding lead. However, Forever Young, driven by Ryusei Sakai, demonstrated relentless pursuit. The final strides were a spectacle of power and precision, culminating in Forever Young crossing the line just a neck ahead of Romantic Warrior. This thrilling conclusion underscored the unpredictability and excitement of high-stakes racing.

Trainer Yoshito Yahagi's Strategic Mastery

Winning trainer Yoshito Yahagi expressed pride in his horse’s performance. “Forever Young is a strong horse,” Yahagi remarked, highlighting the animal’s exceptional ability. He acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding Romantic Warrior’s adaptation to dirt but remained confident in Forever Young’s capabilities. Yahagi’s strategy paid off as Forever Young executed a flawless race, proving once again why he is a force to be reckoned with in the racing world.Yahagi’s experience and insight played a crucial role in preparing Forever Young for this pivotal event. The trainer’s decision to maintain a steady pace early on allowed Forever Young to conserve energy for the critical moments of the race. This tactical approach was instrumental in securing the win and solidifying Forever Young’s status as a top-tier competitor.

A Field of Elite Contenders

While the focus was on the duel between Forever Young and Romantic Warrior, the rest of the field also delivered impressive performances. Ushba Tesoro finished a distant third, followed closely by Wilson Tesoro in fourth place. The lone American runner, Rattle N Roll, rounded out the top five. These results highlighted the competitive nature of the Saudi Cup and the caliber of horses participating in this prestigious event.The Saudi Cup not only showcased individual talent but also served as a platform for international recognition. The race attracted attention from racing enthusiasts worldwide, emphasizing its significance in the global racing calendar. For many, this event represented a unique opportunity to witness the best of the best competing on one of the most lucrative stages in the sport.

Forever Young's Path to Glory

Forever Young’s journey leading up to the Saudi Cup was marked by consistent success. Having won the 2024 Saudi Derby and the UAE Derby in Dubai, he arrived in Riyadh with high expectations. Despite narrowly missing out on victories in the Kentucky Derby and the Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic, Forever Young’s resilience shone through in his return to Saudi Arabia.The triumph in the Saudi Cup earned Forever Young more than just accolades; it secured a fees-paid entry into the Breeders’ Cup Classic in November at Del Mar. This addition to the Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” Challenge Series program further elevated the prestige of the Saudi Cup. For Forever Young, this win was a testament to his enduring excellence and a stepping stone toward future triumphs.

Straight No Chaser Dominates the Riyadh Dirt Sprint

On the same day, Straight No Chaser added another chapter to his illustrious career by dominating the Riyadh Dirt Sprint. Breaking sharply under Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez, Straight No Chaser took control of the race from the outset. His powerful stride and unwavering focus allowed him to pull away from the competition, finishing 3 3/4 lengths ahead of Muqtahem.Velazquez praised Straight No Chaser’s adaptability, noting that despite the track being slightly slower than American surfaces, the horse handled it exceptionally well. Straight No Chaser’s versatility and consistency have made him a fan favorite and a dominant force in sprint races. Owned by MyRacehorse, which allows microshare ownership, Straight No Chaser has garnered a large following, including over 900 passionate owners who celebrated his victory from around the globe.

Golden Vekoma's Promising Future

Meanwhile, Golden Vekoma emerged as the victor in the Saudi Derby, defeating Japan’s Shin Forever by 1 3/4 lengths. Trained by Ahmed Bin Harmash, Golden Vekoma’s win marked his third consecutive victory and set the stage for potential future successes. With plans to compete in the UAE Derby, Golden Vekoma could be on track for a spot in the 2025 Kentucky Derby.The young sire Vekoma’s influence was evident in Golden Vekoma’s performance, showcasing the promising lineage and potential for continued success. This victory not only highlighted Golden Vekoma’s talent but also positioned him as a key player in upcoming major races, adding excitement to the international racing scene.