Forever Young, the horse that traveled nearly twice around the world to make history

The Japanese star has logged approximately 70,300 kilometers in international travel—a distance equivalent to circling the globe 1.75 times. Yoshito Yahagi reveals how his star handles the long journeys and highlights the resilience that has allowed him to compete at the highest level across three continents

LEXINGTON, Kentucky (From a special correspondent).— The Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) lasts just over two minutes, but the road Forever Young traveled to get there could be measured in trips around the globe. The extraordinary Japanese champion, who this Saturday seeks another landmark triumph at Keeneland, has logged approximately 70,300 kilometers in international travel heading to his foreign engagements—a figure as astounding as his race record.

To put it in perspective, that equals 1.75 complete rotations around the Earth along the equator, or roughly 43,700 miles. And all to participate in races that, combined, account for barely 21.16 kilometers of actual racing.

The contrast is striking: for every mile Forever Young has run in his starts outside Japan, he has traveled around 3,300 miles just to reach the tracks.

The calculation considers direct routes between his base at Ritto in Japan and his race venues, alongside his recent transfer from Belmont Park to Keeneland. It omits return flights, layovers, and ground transport, meaning his true travel distance is considerably higher.

“We simply like accumulating miles,” joked his trainer, Yoshito Yahagi, when presented with the numbers.

Turning serious, he went on to explain one of the traits that makes Forever Young such an exceptional racehorse.

“He has absolutely no issue with travel. He enjoys the flights, and the moment he steps onto the plane, his competition mode turns on. He knows race day is approaching,” he assured.

A Campaign Without Borders

The international odyssey began in 2024, when Forever Young journeyed from Japan to Riyadh to capture the Saudi Derby (G3) over 1,600 meters. From there he pressed on to Dubai, where he won the UAE Derby (G2) over 1,900 meters, securing his spot in the Kentucky Derby (G1).

The next leg was particularly grueling: approximately 11,900 kilometers between Dubai and Louisville, the longest distance between two consecutive destinations in his career.

The actual flight itinerary included layovers in Brussels and Chicago before finally reaching Churchill Downs. Despite that immense journey, Forever Young finished inches from winning the Kentucky Derby (G1), placing third in an unforgettable three-way photo finish.

That taxing campaign failed to slow his momentum. In the fall, he returned to the United States to contest the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) at Del Mar, a venue he returned to in 2025 to score a historic victory.

His campaigns also featured repeat trips to Saudi Arabia and Dubai during 2025 and 2026, establishing an international record almost without precedent for its consistency and rigor.

This year, he returned to the United States once more to capture the Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) before making the trip to Keeneland, where he will attempt to defend his crown in the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1).

The Strength Yahagi Admires

For the Japanese conditioner, the mileage logged is only part of the story. What is truly extraordinary is that Forever Young has maintained such a demanding schedule without losing his competitive edge or missing a beat in his intended targets.

“The most important thing is that we were able to run in every race we scheduled, exactly as planned. That takes tremendous fortitude,” Yahagi explained.

The trainer makes no attempt to hide the emotion of sharing this journey with his star horse.

“I never dreamed I would live a moment like this. I just want to cherish these days alongside Forever Young,” he confessed.

The final leg of his journey, traveling from Belmont Park to Keeneland, adds another 980 kilometers as the crow flies—a relatively short trip compared to the oceanic crossings he has already conquered.

Yet every trip demands far more than stepping aboard a plane: shifting environments, time zones, feed changes, training schedules, and adjusting to different track surfaces.

Forever Young has overcome every single obstacle to remain firmly among the elite racehorses on the planet.

On Saturday, he will once again need just two minutes to attempt another chapter in his legacy. Supporting that effort will be more than 70,000 kilometers of travel, extraordinary endurance, and a racehorse that seems at home anywhere on Earth.