Forever Young Makes History in Breeders’ Cup Classic Victory
After sweeping major U.S. races like the Kentucky Derby (G1), Belmont Stakes (G1), and Travers Stakes (G1), Godolphin’s star Sovereignty was widely expected to claim the 2025 Horse of the Year title. However, since he was scratched from the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) due to a fever, Japan’s Forever Young made a powerful case of his own with an unforgettable victory at Del Mar on Nov. 1.
Before a crowd of 35,173, Forever Young delivered a defining performance in the $7 million Classic, fending off top American rivals Sierra Leone and Fierceness—the same horses who defeated him on this track a year earlier. The win marked the first time in the Breeders’ Cup’s 42-year history that a Japanese-trained horse captured the Classic.
A Global Star
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Horse: Forever Young (JPN), 4-year-old colt
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Sire: Real Steel (JPN)
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Dam: Forever Darling, by Congrats
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Owner: Susumu Fujita
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Breeder: Northern Racing (JPN)
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Trainer: Yoshito Yahagi
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Jockey: Ryusei Sakai
Forever Young was purchased for approximately $720,603 at the 2022 JRHJUL sale by his owner. His sire, Real Steel, stands at Shadai Stallion Station in Japan.
The Classic win was Forever Young’s second major Grade/Group 1 victory of the year, following his dramatic $20 million Saudi Cup (G1) score over Romantic Warrior in February. He also finished third in the Dubai World Cup (G1) and won the Nippon TV Hai in Japan earlier this year.
How the Race Unfolded
Placed comfortably in second early by jockey Ryusei Sakai, Forever Young tracked pacemaker Contrary Thinking through fractions of :23.04, :45.97, and 1:10.48. When the pacesetter faded on the far turn, Sakai let Forever Young take command, reaching the mile in 1:35.70.
Challengers Fierceness and Sierra Leone charged late—Fierceness slipping through on the inside and Sierra Leone sweeping wide—but neither could reel him in. Forever Young held steady to cross the finish in 2:00.19, the fastest Classic time since Flightline’s 2:00.05 in 2022.
He paid $9 to win as the second choice in the betting.
Emotional Triumph for Japan
Japanese fans erupted in celebration as Forever Young returned to the winner’s circle. Many in his team were overcome with emotion, recognizing the historic significance of the moment.
“This horse took me there on his own,” Sakai said through translator Hiroshi Ando, praising Forever Young’s conditioning and determination.
Owner Susumu Fujita called the victory “a dream come true,” especially after Forever Young’s close losses in the 2024 Breeders’ Cup Classic and Kentucky Derby.
Sierra Leone and Fierceness Brave in Defeat
Flavien Prat aboard Sierra Leone believed victory was within reach, but Forever Young never gave way.
Trainer Chad Brown noted the Del Mar dirt favored speed horses, making it difficult for the late-charging Sierra Leone. Still, he called his horse’s effort courageous.
Fierceness, trained by Todd Pletcher, finished third despite a challenging inside trip. Pletcher praised the colt’s consistency across three consecutive Breeders’ Cup appearances.
Both Sierra Leone and Fierceness will retire to stand at Ashford Stud next year.
Final Results (Top Finishers)
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Forever Young
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Sierra Leone
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Fierceness
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Journalism
Followed by: Mindframe, Baeza, Nevada Beach, Antiquarian, and Contrary Thinking.
Career & Horse of the Year Outlook
Forever Young now boasts earnings of $19,358,590 with a record of 10 wins and 3 third-place finishes from 13 starts, including three Grade/Group 1 wins.
Despite his Classic triumph, Horse of the Year honors remain uncertain. Sovereignty’s dominant U.S. campaign may still sway Eclipse Award voters, though Forever Young’s global successes make him a compelling challenger.
Horse of the Year will be announced Jan. 22, 2026, in South Florida.
What’s Next?
Trainer Yoshito Yahagi confirmed that Forever Young will continue racing as a 5-year-old, targeting a return to the Saudi Cup in February and possibly the Dubai World Cup. A Breeders’ Cup appearance at Keeneland next fall is under consideration—weather permitting.
