Forever Young Will Return to the United States to Defend His Crown in the Classic

As confirmed this Sunday by his trainer, Yoshito Yahagi, the Japanese superstar will use the Jockey Club Gold Cup(G1) at Belmont Park as his prep race

TOKYO, Japan (Special for Turf Diario).– Forever Young's international campaign now has a defined roadmap for the second half of 2026. The extraordinary son of Real Steel, reigning champion of the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1), will make a prior stop in the United States before attempting to retain his title at Keeneland.

Yoshito Yahagi confirmed this Saturday that the Japanese superstar will contest the Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1-2,000 m, dirt) on September 18, during the opening day of the renovated Belmont Park, before targeting the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) directly, scheduled for October 31 at Keeneland.

The decision puts an end to speculations regarding a possible European venture on turf. Following his runner-up finish behind Magnitude (Not This Time) in the Dubai World Cup (G1) in March, the horse's connections evaluated various alternatives, including some of the main turf staying events on the European continent.

"First of all, I would like to express my most sincere gratitude to racing organizations around the world, including France Galop and Leopardstown, for the excellent invitations we received," Yahagi wrote on his social media accounts. "After extensive discussions with owner Susumu Fujita and closely monitoring the horse's development, we have decided that Forever Young will run in the Jockey Club Gold Cup at Belmont Park and then the Breeders' Cup Classic at Keeneland. We are very pleased to be able to announce this plan."

Currently, Forever Young is enjoying his traditional summer rest in Japan after returning from Dubai. In both 2024 and 2025, he followed a similar preparation, making his reappearance in his home country before traveling to the United States for the Breeders' Cup.

The difference this time is that his return to action will take place directly on North American soil, adding immense appeal to the grand reopening of Belmont Park, which has been undergoing remodeling since 2023.

The presence of the Japanese runner was celebrated by the highest authorities of the Breeders' Cup. Dora Delgado, executive vice president and chief racing officer of the organization, highlighted: "Forever Young captured the hearts of racing fans worldwide, and we are thrilled that his team has once again chosen the Breeders' Cup as the ultimate goal of his 2026 season. We look forward to welcoming him back to Keeneland to defend his title in the Longines Breeders' Cup Classic."

Andrew Offerman, senior vice president of racing and operations for the New York Racing Association (NYRA), also expressed his satisfaction with having the Far East visitor in the New York event: "We are delighted to welcome Forever Young to the Jockey Club Gold Cup at the new Belmont Park. It will be a fantastic celebration for the race, for the return of Belmont, and for all the fans."

At 5 years old and already established as a global figure, Forever Young will now seek to continue expanding a legacy that places him among the most popular horses on the planet. The challenge will be immense, but so is the anticipation: defending a Breeders' Cup Classic is a task reserved for a select few, and the Japanese star has already proven he belongs to that elite.