Under the shadow of conflict, Forever Young continues to train normally while uncertainty grows

In the mornings at Meydan, activity remains almost normal, but the bombings in the Gulf have left the future of the Dubai World Cup (G1) hanging in the air

In the early hours at Meydan, the silhouette of Forever Young remains a constant on the track / DRC

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (Special for Turf Diario).— The tension between the United States, Israel, and Iranhas ceased to be a strictly diplomatic matter and is now directly impacting the sporting map of the Gulf. The United Arab Emirates—and Dubai in particular—find themselves under a cloud of uncertainty that inevitably touches the world of horse racing, with the Dubai World Cup (G1) scheduled for March 28 at Meydan.

Among the horses already settled in Dubai is none other than the Japanese superstar Forever Young (Real Steel), winner of the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1), the Eclipse Award as 2025 Champion Older Horse in the United States, a two-time winner of the Saudi Cup (G1), and one of the meeting's greatest attractions.

Yesterday, Yoshito Yahagi’s stable offered reassurance via social media: “We apologize for the generated concern. Forever Young and American Stage are working together on the main track at a steady pace and continue their usual preparation. There were no explosions or sounds of interceptions last night, and the staff was able to rest.”

This message arrived a day after Japan's Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, Norikazu Suzuki—whose agency oversees the Japan Racing Association—affirmed that the protection of Japanese citizens is the government's highest priority. Japan has coordinated evacuations from Iran while monitoring the situation of its professionals and horses in Dubai.

In parallel, the evolution of the conflict could directly impact international logistics. U.S. President Donald Trumpindicated that his administration projects military actions could extend between 4 to 5 weeks. Such a scenario would cast doubt on scheduled trips to the Gulf.

One of the names in limbo is Hit Show (Candy Ride), the latest winner of the Dubai World Cup, whose title defense is being evaluated. His trainer, Brad Cox, acknowledged that the flight scheduled for March 14 from Miami to Dubaicould depend on how events unfold. “We are preparing everything as if it’s going to happen, but we are monitoring day by day,” he explained on the BH Monday podcast.

For now, the morning works at Meydan continue, and the countdown hasn't stopped. But the world’s greatest spectacle of dirt racing watches the horizon with caution, knowing that this time, the challenge is not on the track, but in the context.