Forever Young Repeats as Saudi Cup Winner

Jockey Ryusei Sakai guided superstar thoroughbred Forever Young to a one-length victory in the Saudi Cup on Saturday, February 14.

Nysos, the 2025 Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile winner, was the runner-up in the 13-horse race at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh. Flavien Prat was the rider. Tumbarumba (James Doyle's ride) finished third, 3¾ lengths behind Nysos in the 1,800-meter race.

Sakai also piloted Forever Young to a win in the 2025 Saudi Cup. The race was first held in 2020.

Owner Susumu Fujita received a winner's share of $10 million USD (¥1.5 billion JPY) for Forever Young's repeat triumph.

Trainer Yoshito Yahagi was impressed with Forever Young's performance on Valentine's Day.

"He gave me an unbelievable feeling all the time through the race," Yahagi said, according to British broadcaster Sky Sports.

Yahagi added, "Of course I had a lot of pressure on me before the race as he was the best in the field. I think it's not my training that makes him this great horse; I think the horse is just made like a champion and I have little to do with it."

Sakai's Insights on Forever Young

Sakai, a rising star on the global horse racing scene who also showcases his talent in Japan Racing Association events, remains in awe of Forever Young's talent.

"He's an amazing horse, two times in the Saudi Cup, and I just trust him," Sakai was quoted as saying by Sky Sports. "I had no worries, there was no pressure, this is my job, the same every time. I'm very proud of him and I want to thank everyone who supported the team."

Sakai has ridden Forever Young in all of his races to date.

The 2025 JRA Horse of the Year now has 11 wins in 14 career starts.

Author: Ed Odeven

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