 |
|
| Staff Writer |
In a stirring display of skill and determination, Forever Young, representing Japan, soared to a remarkable triumph at the Dubai World Cup under the expert guidance of jockey Ryusei Sakai, despite a challenging wide draw and an arduous journey.
 |
Executing a meticulously crafted strategy, Sakai strategically positioned Forever Young, enabling a decisive surge past Auto Bahn on the final turn and ultimately clinching the victory.
As a progeny of the esteemed Real Steel, 3YO colt emerged as a standout contender on World Cup night. He maintained an impeccable record of five consecutive wins, including victories at the UAE Derby and the Gr.3 Saudi Derby. Clocking in at 1:57.89 for 1 3/16 miles on fast dirt, Forever Young's performance solidified his position with 100 points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, a challenge eagerly anticipated by Yahagi and owner Susumu Fujita.
Trainer Yoshito Yahagi, a revered figure in Japan's racing community, seized the moment to honour his late father, who had passed earlier on the day of the race. In a poignant gesture, Yahagi dedicated the victory to his father, conveying his emotions in a heartfelt address to the international press.
"My teacher, mentor, and father passed away this morning, and I want to dedicate this win to him," Yahagi shared, underscoring the triumph's deeply personal significance.
Forever Young's dominance was palpable as he effortlessly surged ahead of the competition, leaving Pandagate to secure third place. Descended from the illustrious Dubai Turf Champion Real Steel, Forever Young showcased his pedigree with a stellar performance, firmly establishing himself as a premier contender on the racing circuit.
With this victory, the son of Real Steel earned 100 points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, solidifying his position in the prestigious event.
Trainer Yoshito Yahagi and owner Susumu Fujita expressed their enthusiasm for the upcoming challenge at Churchill Downs, highlighting their confidence in the horse's capabilities despite the logistical challenges of international travel.
"It will be a challenge to manage the horse's condition from Dubai to Kentucky, but I have full faith in my team's ability to prepare him," Yahagi affirmed, emphasising their unwavering belief in Forever Young's potential.
"He did not travel well from Japan to Saudi Arabia, so he was not in great condition, but he still performed very well. After travelling from Riyadh to Dubai, he improved, and he has so much potential. I always have a lot of confidence in him," he added.
 |  |  |
For jockey Ryusei Sakai, this victory marked a significant milestone, adding to his previous triumph at Meydan. Sakai expressed his unwavering confidence in Forever Young, noting the horse's remarkable improvement since the Saudi Derby.
The 26YO said, "His condition improved from the Saudi Derby, and so I was very confident that the horse would perform for me. I really trust the horse, and it was a great performance." This underscored his dedication to preparing Forever Young for future challenges.
Optimism For The Future
Looking ahead, Sakai and owner Susumu Fujita voiced optimism about Forever Young's prospects, including the possibility of further success at the Dubai World Cup and the Kentucky Derby.
On the challenge to come at Churchill Downs, Sakai added, "This horse has yet to be beaten, and I feel he's the champion 3YO in Japan. I will do everything to prepare for Kentucky."
Trainer Yoshito Yahagi announced plans for the next challenge, "We're heading to Kentucky to face the world's finest dirt horses, hoping for a commendable performance."
Currently occupying the third spot on the Kentucky Derby points leaderboard with an impressive tally of 100 points, Forever Young's pedigree reflects his promising lineage. This talented colt fetched a notable price tag of US$720,603 at the 2022 Japan Horse Racing Association Select Yearling and Foal Sale, further underscoring his pedigree and potential in the esteemed racing circuit.
Fujita added, "I was a little concerned before the race, but this horse has shown great ability. This is only my third season as an owner with the Japan Racing Association, and I have already found a champion racehorse. He continues attracting international attention for the Kentucky Derby, which tells me he should have a good chance."
Sakai asserted, echoing Fujita's sentiments about the horse's immense potential on the global stage.
Despite finishing second, trainer Julio Olascoaga commended Auto Bahn's performance, recognising Forever Young as a formidable adversary.
"A perfect horse has beaten us, but Mickael [Barzalona, jockey] was super happy with him. He's a horse who has improved all season, and off level weights [no Southern Hemisphere penalty], he'll be a good horse for next season, perhaps to target at the Dubai World Cup. He will stay here for the summer," said Julio.
Jockey Dylan Davis, aboard Pandagate, praised his horse's resilience in facing challenges and expressed confidence in their future endeavours on the racetrack.
Dylan Davis said, "He broke OK; he is not a good gate horse. The kickback hurt him when he tried to get a position early. It's a lot rougher here than it is at Aqueduct. But once we went to the backstretch, we found some good rhythm. When they punched, they just had a better kick than me, and my horse just kept fighting for third, and he managed to prevail for third. Shipping all the way and performing on this stage—he showed that he improved again. He got there well; he is a stayer. He hasn't got a big turn of foot, but getting further should be no problem."
As the journey continues towards Churchill Downs, optimism abounds among Sakai, Yahagi, and Fujita, with an unwavering belief in Forever Young's potential to shine on the grandest stages of horse racing.
| RACE REPLAY |
Winner Race 2024 |