Japan’s Forever Young Triumphs in $7M Breeders’ Cup Classic
Japan’s Forever Young triumphed in the $7 million Breeders’ Cup Classic, defeating defending champion Sierra Leone at Del Mar, California. Ridden by jockey Ryusei Sakai, Forever Young completed the 1 1/4-mile race in 2:00.19, securing victory by a half-length. The colt, who had previously finished third in last year’s Classic, paid $9 for a win at 7-2 odds.
Key Race Details
- Winner: Forever Young
- Defending Champion: Sierra Leone
- Distance: 1 1/4 miles
- Winning Time: 2:00.19
- Winning Odds: 7-2
- Career Earnings: $19,358,590
- Total Wins: 10 in 13 starts
Unfortunately, the race was marked by the scratch of Sovereignty, the Kentucky Derby and Belmont winner, due to a fever earlier in the week. Trainer Yoshito Yahagi celebrated his third Breeders’ Cup victory, while Sakai achieved his first. “Forever Young is an amazing horse,” Yahagi expressed through a translator.
Race Results
| Position | Horse Name |
|---|---|
| 1st | Forever Young |
| 2nd | Sierra Leone |
| 3rd | Fierceness |
| 4th | Journalism |
| 5th | Mindframe |
| 6th | Baeza |
| 7th | Nevada Beach |
| 8th | Antiquarian |
| 9th | Contrary Thinking |
Additional Races
The Breeders’ Cup also featured other thrilling races on Saturday, including:
- Turf: Ethical Diamond won by 1 1/4 lengths, paying $57.40.
- Sprint: Bentornato secured a two-length victory.
- Distaff: Scylla won by five lengths.
- Mile: Notable Speech triumphed by 1 1/2 lengths.
- Filly & Mare Turf: Gezora won at 9-1 odds.
- Filly & Mare Sprint: Splendora achieved a four-length victory for trainer Bob Baffert.
- Dirt Mile: Nysos won by a head, marking a 1-2 finish for Baffert.
- Turf Sprint: Shisospicy won by two lengths.
The Breeders’ Cup Classic highlighted Japan’s growing presence in the world of horse racing, showcasing not just talent but also the continued success of jockey Ryusei Sakai and trainer Yoshito Yahagi.
