Forever Young will make his career finale in the Tokyo Daishoten

Yoshito Yahagi confirmed that the Japanese champion is targeting the December 29 Grade 1 feature at Oi to conclude his career. The appearance will hinge on his recovery following the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) before he officially enters stud duty

TOKYO, Japan (Special for Turf Diario).— A return home will also serve as a grand farewell. Forever Young, the horse that carried Japanese racing into an unprecedented dimension on international dirt tracks, has targeted December 29 for the final engagement of his career. Yoshito Yahagi announced Sunday at Tokyo Racecourse that the Tokyo Daishoten (G1-2000m) at Oi is the designated target to bring down the curtain on an exceptional campaign. Following the event, the son of Real Steel will commence his second career at stud.

The decision, however, comes with a strict caveat. The trainer made it clear that the superstar's physical well-being supersedes any ceremonial send-off. Forever Young remains in quarantine at Shirai following his return from the United States, and only after passing full veterinary evaluations will a final green light be granted. "If the slightest concern arises, he will be retired immediately," Yahagi cautioned.

Behind the target selection lies a motivation that goes beyond mere purse money. Owner Susumu Fujita wants local racegoers to witness the champion in person once more following his historic triumph in the 2025 Breeders' Cup Classic (G1). Yahagi echoed that sentiment, stating emphatically: "It is not about money." The prize structure of the Tokyo Daishoten adds little to a bankroll that already exceeds 5 billion yen in lifetime earnings.

Alternative options were considered. One route was the Arima Kinen (G1), which would have marked his turf debut and guaranteed a massive public spectacle. Yahagi opposed the idea, deeming such a surface shift late in his career an unnecessary stress. A tilt at a third consecutive Saudi Cup (G1) in 2027 was also evaluated, but the trainer ruled out the trip due to security concerns in the region.

The announcement comes just days after a disappointing fifth-place effort in the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) at Keeneland, where he attempted to become only the second horse in history to secure back-to-back victories in the event. Yahagi offered self-criticism, finding no physical ailments to explain the performance and attributing the shortfall to the mental strain of contesting two major Grade 1 fixtures during the same North American campaign. He admitted to demanding too much of his charge and noted that restoring his focus will be the primary objective leading into December.

The training timeline allows little margin for error. Once cleared from quarantine, Forever Young will ship to Shigaraki to continue his recovery before returning to the main training facility. Yahagi acknowledged that time is tight and rebuilding the colt's confidence poses a challenge, though he stressed that a setback in his final start would do nothing to diminish his broader legacy.

His lifetime record illustrates that stature: 12 wins from 17 starts, highlighted by victories in the 2025 and 2026 Saudi Cup, the 2025 Breeders' Cup Classic, and this season's Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1). His early international campaign featured victories in the Saudi Derby (G3), UAE Derby (G2), and Japan Dirt Classic. In December 2024,he captured the Tokyo Daishoten, setting up the same venue for his potential swansong.

With Ryusei Sakai as his regular partner throughout his global campaign, Forever Young converted Japan's international ambitions into victories on dirt racing's biggest stages. His final chapter remains to be written. Ending his career at Oi would offer a fitting tribute to the fans who supported him from the start—provided the champion proves fully ready to step onto the track one last time.