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| Staff Writer |
In a masterful display of racing excellence at King Abdulaziz Racecourse, Forever Young delivered a performance that will be remembered for generations, securing victory in the US$20 million Gr.1 Saudi Cup. Under the skilled guidance of trainer Yoshito Yahagi, sporting his signature blue fedora, the 4YO son of Real Steel demonstrated why he's considered one of the world's premier dirt performers. The victory marked a fitting continuation of Forever Young's remarkable journey, following his impressive third-place finishes in both the Kentucky Derby and Breeders' Cup Classic in 2024, and a commanding win in December's Tokyo Daishoten. His preparation was vindicated as he outduelled Hong Kong superstar Romantic Warrior in a thrilling finish that had the capacity crowd on their feet. Noboru Takagi's powerful Ushba Tesoro finished third behind Forever Young.
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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. Forever Young's victory was particularly significant given his progression from winning the 2024 Saudi Derby to claiming the main event just twelve months later. Having overcome a year of health challenges prior to his return in February 2024's Al Mneefah Cup, this latest win further cements his status as one of racing's most formidable competitors, now boasting an impressive record of ten wins from eleven starts. The success marked Yahagi's second victory of the evening, contributing to Japan's extraordinary total of six wins across the prestigious card. This dominant display further cements Japan's growing influence in international racing, particularly in the Middle East, where their runners have become a formidable force.
The Gr.2 Longines Red Sea Turf Handicap fell to Byzantine Dream, providing Japan with another international success. Oisin Murphy's masterful ride for trainer Tomoyasu Sakaguchi proved decisive over the testing 2800m journey. The Japanese raider demonstrated remarkable resilience, with Epic Poet, trained by David O'Meara, mounting a spirited challenge under Daniel Tudhope but ultimately settling for second. The Aidan O'Brien-trained Continuous secured third place with Ryan Moore aboard, though never threatening the leading pair in the closing stages.
Japan's dominance continued in the Gr.2 1351 Turf Sprint as Ascoli Piceno led home a Japanese quinella, delivering a stunning performance under Christophe Lemaire for trainer Yoichi Kuroiwa. The Sunday Racing Co. Ltd-owned sprinter demonstrated exceptional acceleration in the final furlong. Win Marvel, trained by Masashi Fukayama, secured second place with Kohei Matsuyama aboard, while the British-bred Goemon, trained by Haider Ebrahim, claimed third under Alberto Sanna.
The Gr.2 Howden Neom Turf Cup saw Yahagi secure his first winner of the evening as Shin Emperor triumphed through a remarkable display of tactical brilliance. The French-bred colt demonstrated exceptional acceleration in the final furlong under Ryusei Sakai. Calif, trained by Fawzi Nass, mounted a spirited challenge before settling for second, while Al Riffa, representing trainer Joseph O'Brien, secured third position with a determined run under Yutaka Take.
Austral delivered a tactical masterclass in the Saudi International Handicap, with Christophe Soumillon timing his run to perfection for trainer Jean de Mieulle. The Al Shaqab-owned five-year-old settled comfortably in midfield before producing a devastating turn of foot at the 400-metre mark. Cracksking, under Tom Marquand for trainer Allan Smith, and Qaader, trained by Fawzi Nass, filled the minor placings in an internationally diverse finish.
The Gr.2 Riyadh Dirt Sprint provided a memorable moment for American connections as Straight No Chaser, trained by Dan Blacker, secured victory under John Velazquez. The success secured an automatic berth in the 2025 Breeders' Cup Sprint, adding to his remarkable story that includes victories in the Grade 2 Santa Anita Sprint Championship and the Breeders' Cup Sprint at Del Mar. The locally-trained Muqtahem, prepared by Thamer Aldaihani, delivered a spirited performance under Muhammad Aldaham for second, while Japanese contender Gabby's Sister, trained by Kazutomo Mori, showed tremendous heart under Christophe Lemaire for third.
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Golden Vekoma's victory in the Gr.3 Saudi Derby marked another milestone for trainer Ahmad Bin Harmash. Under Connor Beasley's guidance, the American-bred thoroughbred exhibited both tactical speed and resolute determination, building on his impressive performance in the Gr.3 UAE 2000 Guineas at Meydan. The Japanese-trained Shin Forever, piloted by Akira Sugawara for trainer Hideyuki Mori, mounted a formidable challenge for second, while British-bred Mhally, under Ricardo Ferreira for trainer Thamer Aldaihani, secured third position.
The Gr.1 Obaiya Arabian Classic saw Tilal Al Khalediah continue his remarkable run of form, adding to his recent Dubai Kahayla Classic triumph. The Saudi-bred champion, trained by Nasser Mutlaq, dominated proceedings under Adel Alfouraidi. French-bred challengers Eifrit, trained by Gassim Ghazali, and Nirehazz, conditioned by Omar Altuwilei, claimed second and third respectively in a display that showcased Arabian racing at its finest.
The Saudi Cup meeting began with a stirring local victory as Almobeer captured the Ministry of Culture-presented handicap under Joel Rosario. Trainer Hamad Alrasheed's charge prevailed over Ibn Toulon, trained by Bassim Almousa, and Lelah Doroh, prepared by Ahmed Mohamoud, in an all-Saudi trifecta that highlighted the kingdom's developing racing prowess.
The Saudi Cup weekend opened in spectacular fashion with the Gr.1 Al Mneefah Cup, where RB Kingmaker demonstrated exceptional prowess under Cristian Demuro. The American-bred stallion, trained by Helal Alalawi for National Stables, showcased remarkable acceleration in the closing stages. The victory added to an already impressive international campaign that has seen the champion secure Group race victory in France and multiple placed efforts at the highest level. French challenger Nabucco Al Maury, representing trainer Asfan Al Khalediah, secured second place under Christophe Soumillon, while local hope Asfan Al Khalediah, trained by Nasser Mutlaq, claimed third.
The Saudi Cup delivered another thrilling chapter in Japanese racing history as Forever Young triumphed over his compatriots, with Ushba Tesoro claiming a valiant third place for trainer Noboru Takagi. The Dubai World Cup winner demonstrated his trademark late-running style, making up significant ground in the final stages of the contest. While stablemate Wilson Tesoro couldn't replicate his Tokyo Daishoten form, Ushba Tesoro's performance reinforced his status as one of dirt racing's most consistent international performers. The 7YO son of Orfevre added another prestigious placing to his remarkable record, which includes victory in the 2023 Dubai World Cup and multiple Grade 1 successes in Japan.
The 2025 Saudi Cup meeting will be remembered as a watershed moment for Japanese racing, with their six victories across the card, including both Yahagi's remarkable double and Forever Young's historic Saudi Cup triumph, establishing new benchmarks for international success. The depth of Japanese talent was further emphasized by Ushba Tesoro's excellent third-place finish in the feature race, continuing Japan's remarkable run of success in the Middle East's premier racing events. The results not only highlight Japan's growing influence in global racing but also reinforce Saudi Arabia's position as a premier racing destination, capable of attracting and showcasing the world's finest thoroughbreds. Yahagi's achievement in securing back-to-back Saudi Cup victories, first with Panthalassa and now with Forever Young, cements his position as one of the world's leading trainers, while Japan's dominance across the card sends a clear message about their continued rise in international racing.