Forever Young’s victory in the 2025 Breeders’ Cup Classic at Del Mar, California, marks a historic milestone for Japanese horse racing, heralding a new era of global success. The Real Steel-sired colt, ridden by jockey Ryusei Sakai and trained by Yoshito Yahagi, won the prestigious 1¼-mile race in 2:00.19, narrowly defeating defending champion Sierra Leone. This win is Japan’s first in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, a race that has eluded Japanese horses despite previous close attempts, and is seen as a breakthrough comparable to a World Cup victory in football. The triumph brought immense pride to owner Susumu Fujita and the Japanese racing community, with widespread media coverage highlighting the significance of the achievement.
Forever Young demonstrated exceptional ability and tactical racing, holding second place early before taking the lead and fending off strong challengers in the final stretch. Trainer Yahagi praised the horse’s perfect condition and Sakai’s confident ride, while Sakai expressed gratitude for the support and ambition to continue winning. Plans are already in place for Forever Young to compete in major international races in 2026, including the Saudi Cup and Dubai World Cup. This victory not only elevates Japan’s status in international thoroughbred racing but also sets a new benchmark for future Japanese contenders on the world stage.
