Forever Young Beats Romantic Warrior To Claim Historic US$20 Million Victory

The Race Unfolds

Breaking from gate seven, Forever Young settled comfortably in midfield as the field charged into the first turn. Ryusei Sakai, demonstrating patience that belied his years, positioned his mount perfectly to track the leading group while saving ground along the rail. As the field turned for home, Hong Kong superstar Romantic Warrior made his move, briefly looking like he might provide Asia's other racing powerhouse with a memorable victory.

However, Forever Young's response was immediate and decisive. Asked for his effort with 300m to run, the Japanese champion produced a devastating turn of foot that has become his trademark. Within strides, he had swept past Romantic Warrior, drawing clear in the final furlong to win commandingly. Ushba Tesoro charged home late for third, making it a truly memorable night for Japanese racing.

Hong Kong Hero's Valiant Challenge

Romantic Warrior, the world's highest-earning horse, entered the Saudi Cup with considerable anticipation following his impressive record on turf across various international jurisdictions. The Irish-bred champion, trained by Danny Shum, demonstrated remarkable adaptability in transitioning from turf to dirt, validating his connections' bold decision to target this prestigious event. Under James McDonald, he showed tremendous courage in defeat, proving his versatility across surfaces.

Japanese Champions Battle for Saudi Glory

The finishing order of Forever Young, Romantic Warrior, and Ushba Tesoro represented the pinnacle of Asian racing might. Ushba Tesoro, the 2023 Dubai World Cup winner, demonstrated his trademark late-running style under Yuga Kawada for trainer Noboru Takagi. The 7YO son of Orfevre added another prestigious placing to his remarkable record, which includes multiple Grade 1 successes in Japan alongside his Meydan triumph. While stablemate Wilson Tesoro couldn't replicate his Tokyo Daishoten form, the quality of the Japanese challenge was undeniable.

A Champion's Journey

For Yahagi, this triumph adds another jewel to his growing collection of international successes, following Panthalassa's victory in the 2024 Saudi Cup. This historic back-to-back achievement in the world's richest race showcases the Japanese trainer's exceptional ability to prepare horses for global competition. The victory was particularly significant for Forever Young, who has now come full circle at King Abdulaziz Racecourse, progressing from his win in the 2024 Saudi Derby to claiming the main event just twelve months later.

His remarkable journey includes third-place finishes in both the Kentucky Derby and Breeders' Cup Classic in 2024, followed by a commanding win in December's Tokyo Daishoten. Having overcome a year of health challenges prior to his return in February 2024's Al Mneefah Cup, this latest win takes his record to an impressive ten victories from eleven starts.

International Impact and Future Targets

The triumph adds another significant jewel to Japan's growing collection of international successes, with Forever Young earning his connections the lion's share of the US$20 million purse. The victory showcases the continued evolution of Japanese breeding programmes and their ability to produce versatile thoroughbreds capable of competing at the highest level on both turf and dirt surfaces. Owner Susumu Fujita's investment in top-class bloodstock has been handsomely rewarded with this historic win.

Yahagi, who has now trained the winners of three Dubai Turfs, a Cox Plate, a Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf, and back-to-back Saudi Cups, was characteristically modest in victory. His distinctive fedora has become a symbol of Japanese racing's global ambitions, with each international success further cementing his position as one of the world's leading trainers.

Looking ahead, connections indicated that Forever Young would be aimed at the Dubai World Cup, where he could potentially face a rematch with Ushba Tesoro. The prospect of these two Japanese dirt stars meeting again at Meydan adds another layer of intrigue to what has already been a remarkable season for Japanese racing.

The 2025 Saudi Cup will be remembered as a watershed moment for Japanese racing, with the depth of their talent emphasized by having two runners in the top three of the world's richest race. The result not only highlights Japan's growing influence in global racing but also reinforces Saudi Arabia's position as a premier racing destination, capable of attracting and showcasing the world's finest thoroughbreds. As the desert night fell on King Abdulaziz Racecourse, Forever Young's victory stood as a testament to Japan's continued rise in international racing, with the promise of more success to come.