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| Staff Writer |
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The distinctive fedora is as much a part of Yoshito Yahagi as his innovative training methods and global ambitions. When the Japanese maestro arrives at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, this February, he'll be bringing not just his trademark headwear, but also the impressive Forever Young, a horse looking to add the US$20 million Gr.1 Saudi Cup to his already glittering resume. The trainer's journey from relative obscurity to becoming one of the world's most recognisable racing figures is a testament to his unwavering dedication and visionary approach to the sport.
In a career span of over two decades, Yahagi has transformed from a local trainer into a global racing powerhouse. His distinctive approach to international competition has not only brought unprecedented success but has also helped reshape the perception of Japanese racing on the world stage. The Saudi Cup represents more than just another rich prize – it's an opportunity to further cement his position as one of racing's most innovative minds.
Beginning with local success in Japan, Yahagi's methodical expansion into international racing has been nothing short of remarkable. His breakthrough came with victories in major races across Asia, followed by successful raids on Australia, Europe, and America. Each international triumph has added to his reputation as a trainer who can prepare horses for any challenge, anywhere in the world.
Named Japanese Champion trainer six times (2014, 2016, 2020, 2021 , 2022 and 2024), Yahagi's approach to international racing has revolutionised the Japanese racing landscape. His success isn't just measured in victories – though there have been many, including three Dubai Turfs, a Cox Plate in Australia, the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf, and a Hong Kong Cup – but in how he's changed the perception of Japanese horses on the global stage.
His stable's distinctive red and white colours, inspired by French football team AS Monaco, have become a familiar sight at the world's biggest races. The attention to detail extends beyond the track – each horse sports red and white hoods, leg wraps, tack, and nosebands during training, a visual representation of Yahagi's meticulous approach to preparation.
This systematic approach to training combines traditional Japanese horsemanship with innovative international practices. Yahagi's ability to adapt his methods to suit individual horses while maintaining a consistent training philosophy has been key to his success. His stable's high strike rate in international competition isn't a matter of chance – it's the result of careful horse selection, precise preparation, and an understanding of global racing that few can match.
The journey of Forever Young began at the Hokkaido Select Sale, where Yahagi first laid eyes on the son of Real Steel. "I felt he was a good horse from the start, but to be honest, I never expected him to run so well on the dirt," recalls Yahagi, who had trained Real Steel to victory in the Dubai Turf.
Despite his turf-oriented pedigree ,by Real Steel out of a Congrats mare , Forever Young found his calling on dirt. The decision to race him on dirt wasn't just a shot in the dark; it was based on Yahagi's deep understanding of bloodlines and conformation. After winning his debut at Kyoto Racecourse of 1800 metres, he strung together three consecutive victories in Japan, including a commanding performance in the Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushun, before embarking on an international campaign that would reshape perceptions of Japanese dirt horses.
Forever Young's first taste of international success came in the Gr.3 Saudi Derby. This victory would prove pivotal in shaping his future campaigns. Racing at King Abdulaziz Racecourse for the first time, he narrowly edged out Book'en Danno in what would be a preview of greater things to come.
"The horse that came in second was also strong, and the distance of 1600 metres was a little short for Forever Young," Yahagi recalls with pride. "That made it a tough win, but the fact that he still managed to win made me realise just how great his abilities are."
This early success in the Middle East laid the foundation for what would become a remarkable international campaign.
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Forever Young's international exploits reached their zenith in 2024, with a gallant third-place finish in the Kentucky Derby, making history as Japan's highest-placed runner in America's most prestigious race. The performance was particularly noteworthy given his troubled trip, rallying from 16th position to finish just behind Mystik Dan and Sierra Leone in what many considered one of the strongest Derby fields in recent years.
The significance of this achievement cannot be overstated. Japanese horses had previously struggled in the Kentucky Derby, with their best finish being sixth place, achieved by Master Fencer in 2019 and Derma Sotogake in 2023. Forever Young's performance represented a breakthrough moment for Japanese racing, proving their dirt horses could compete at the highest level on American soil.
"His performance in the Middle East backed this up, so I had high hopes for him," Yahagi reflects. "To be honest, I was sceptical, but Marche Lorraine had won the Breeders' Cup Distaff, so I felt that he could hold his own."
The Kentucky Derby performance wasn't a one-off. Forever Young returned to America later in the year for the Breeders' Cup Classic at Del Mar, where he again showed his class with another third-place finish. This consistency at the highest level validated Yahagi's belief in his star pupil's ability to compete anywhere in the world. Forever Young has maintained his form through a gruelling international campaign, which speaks volumes about his constitution and his trainer's ability to keep him at his peak despite the rigours of global travel.
However, success does not come without challenges. The different racing styles and track configurations around the world require careful adaptation of training methods and race tactics. Yahagi's ability to prepare his horses for these varying conditions has become legendary in racing circles. His attention to detail extends to every aspect of his operation, from the specific training regimens for each track to the careful selection of race pilots who understand his philosophy.
Fresh off a commanding victory in the Tokyo Daishoten in December 2024, where he defeated a stellar field including Wilson Tesoro, Ramjet, and Ushba Tesoro, Forever Young demonstrated he's ready for his next international challenge. The win was even more impressive considering Yahagi's admission that the horse was only seventy to eighty per cent ready after returning from the United States. "Compared to that, there is no doubt that he is in good condition this time," the trainer affirms.
The Saudi Cup represents more than just another rich prize for Yahagi, but a chance at glory. He has already tasted success at King Abdulaziz with Panthalassa in the previous year's Saudi Cup, and the experience of winning the world's richest race has only fuelled his ambition.
The unique characteristics of Middle East racing surfaces have become something of a speciality for Yahagi. His success with Panthalassa in the Saudi Cup came despite the horse having limited dirt form, a testament to his ability to read both horses and racing conditions. "Saudi Arabia's dirt was completely different from Japan's," he notes, explaining how this understanding influences his placement of horses.
"The Middle East is difficult to grasp because the conditions are slightly different depending on the year," Yahagi observes. "However, when I watch the races, I feel that in any case, the winner needs the ability to lead and to be able to move freely. In that sense, I think the conditions are not bad for Forever Young, who is strong in competition and can run any race from any position."
The preparation for the Saudi Cup has been meticulous, drawing on all the lessons learned from previous international campaigns. Yahagi's understanding of the unique challenges posed by racing in the Middle East has been honed through years of experience, both triumphant and challenging. The specific requirements of preparing a horse for the desert environment, from managing hydration to adapting to the different track surface, have all been carefully considered in Forever Young's preparation. Forever Young's victory in the Tokyo Daishoten was particularly impressive given that Yahagi considered him only seventy to eighty percent ready for that assignment. The trainer's admission that the horse is now in peak condition sends a clear message to his rivals.
Yahagi's approach to international racing has been revolutionary in Japanese racing. His collection of 200-300 hats might be his trademark, but it's his willingness to challenge conventional wisdom that sets him apart. The trainer's decision to wear hats early in his career was a conscious choice to build recognition, much like his bold strategy of targeting major international races.
"I made a decision at the start of my career to wear hats, to grab the attention of the public so they would know who I am," he explains, demonstrating the same strategic thinking that has guided his training career.
As Forever Young prepares for his Saudi Cup bid, Yahagi's vision extends beyond individual victories to a broader ambition of establishing Japanese dirt horses among the world's elite. With each international success, including Forever Young's impressive third in the 2024 Breeders' Cup Classic, that vision inches closer to reality.
The final gallop is scheduled for February 19, three days before the big race, with Yahagi himself arriving that night. As the Saudi desert sun sets, the man in the hat will be hoping that his next champion can add another chapter to an already remarkable story.
"Of course he has great ability," Yahagi concludes, "but he doesn't mind transportation or changes in environment, so he can run well wherever he goes. Some horses get tired from long-distance transportation, even if they are strong, but with Forever Young, there is no need to worry about that at all."
For now, all eyes turn to Riyadh, where Yahagi hopes that things will go smoothly and that the Japanese national anthem, "Kimigayo," will be played in the night sky of the Middle East again this year.