Forever Young won the Saudi Cup again and the racing world surrenders to his greatness
- Turf Diario
- hace 13 minutos
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The Japanese champion was unstoppable in Riyadh and clearly defeated Nysos, becoming the first horse in history to win the world's most expensive race twice
By Diego H. Mitagstein (Special Correspondent for Turf Diario in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia)
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (From a special correspondent).- History already had a place reserved for him. All that was missing was for him to occupy it once again. Forever Young wrote another golden page at King Abdulaziz by becoming the first double winner of the Saudi Cup (G1), the world's richest race. Twenty million dollars, an elite field, and a finish that lived up to his legend.
The undisputed champion on the sand at a global level, trained by Yoshito Yahagi, found the perfect gap along the rails upon hitting the final stretch. It was a surgical maneuver by Ryusei Sakai, his jockey, who kept him hugged to the rail while Banishing (Ghostzapper) and Thundersquall (Dubawi) set the pace, with Nysos (Nyquist) waiting expectantly.
As they entered the final 400 meters, the race was reduced to a monumental duel: Forever Young against Nysos, the pupil of Bob Baffert. Head to head, feeling each other's breath, with the public in suspense. But when the Japanesehorse takes the lead and feels the bit in his mouth, he is almost impossible to overcome. He won by 1 length in 1m51s027, confirming that his greatness knows no borders.
It was, moreover, his third victory at the meeting—he had already won the Saudi Derby (G3) in 2024—and a ratification of a global journey that last year included a vibrant head-to-head with Romantic Warrior (Acclamation) and the subsequent consecration in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) at Del Mar, in the United States.
“He is an incredible horse. Two Saudi Cups… I just trust him,” said Sakai with serenity. “I had no pressure; it’s my usual job. I am very proud and grateful to the entire team.”
Yahagi, on the other hand, admitted the emotional burden beforehand: “I felt an incredible sensation throughout the race. There was a lot of pressure because he was the best in the field. But it is not my training that makes him great; he is built like a champion.” The trainer already pointed to the next goal: the Dubai World Cup (G1). “Last year was not enough in Dubai. This year we will try to win it.”
From the other corner, Baffert was clear: “This race is like the Kentucky Derby (G1): if you don’t win, second place doesn’t excite you. The good thing is that Nysos lived up to it. But Forever Young is too good.” He was more critical of Nevada Beach (Omaha Beach), who finished twelfth: “He never got involved. I’m disappointed.”
The podium was completed by Tumbarumba (Oscar Performance), with James Doyle proud: “I’m delighted. It’s a great effort for a young team.” His manager, Case Clay, even hinted at the possibility of aiming for Dubai. Fourth was Bishops Bay (Uncle Mo), whose trainer Brad Cox valued the effort: “I’m not usually happy with a fourth-place finish, but here we accept it.”
Further back, the Brazilian Joao Moreira highlighted the recovery of Luxor Cafe (American Pharoah), Oisin Murphy praised the progress of Sunrise Zipangu (Kizuna), and Joel Rosario summarized the demand: “It was a very tough race.”
But the night had an absolute owner. Forever Young no longer competes against his rivals: he competes against history. And in Riyadh, he won again.
