November 1, 2025 / Updated: November 3, 2025
Japanese 4-year-old colt Forever Young scored a historic victory in the Breeders’ Cup Classic held at Del Mar Racetrack on November 1, 2025. This marks the first time in the 42-year history of the race that a Japanese-trained horse has achieved this feat, avenging last year’s defeat. Further success is highly anticipated.
Key Takeaways
- First Japanese-trained horse to win the Breeders’ Cup Classic in its 42-year history.
- Avenged previous defeats to last year’s winner Sierra Leone and Kentucky Derby rival Fierceness.
- Marks the third Breeders’ Cup victory for trainer Yoshito Yahagi at his favored Del Mar Racetrack.
- Plans to continue racing in 2026, targeting a return to the Saudi Cup and Dubai World Cup.
Table of Contents
- A Historic Feat that Rewrote Japanese Racing History
- 2025 Breeders’ Cup Classic: Race Recap and Keys to Victory
- Forever Young’s Record and Future Plans
A Historic Feat that Rewrote Japanese Racing History
Forever Young, campaigning from Japan, etched his name in history by winning the $7 million Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) at Del Mar Racetrack on November 1, 2025. This is a monumental achievement, as it marks the first time a Japanese-trained horse has won the prestigious race in its 42-year history.
Trainer Yoshito Yahagi described the victory as being “equivalent to the Japanese soccer team winning the World Cup,” expressing his immense joy. For owner Susumu Fujita, winning in the final showdown against retiring rivals Sierra Leone and Fierceness was a “dream come true.”
2025 Breeders’ Cup Classic: Race Recap and Keys to Victory
This victory was a race of redemption for the Forever Young camp. The colt had finished third in the 2024 edition of the race and also third in that year’s Kentucky Derby, being bested in both events by Sierra Leone (2024 BC Classic winner) and Fierceness. This time, he defeated them in a head-to-head battle.
Jockey Ryusei Sakai delivered a masterful ride. In the 1 1/4-mile (approx. 2000m) race, he secured a prime position in second place from the start. Charging to the lead in the final stretch, he held off a determined Sierra Leone by half a length. The winning time of 2:00.19 was faster than Sierra Leone’s winning time from the previous year.
Trainer Yahagi, nicknamed “Mr. Del Mar,” has a perfect record at the track, with this being his third Breeders’ Cup win, all at Del Mar. “Last year, he was 75% ready, but this year he was at 100%,” Yahagi stated, revealing that the year-long plan had come to fruition.
Forever Young’s Record and Future Plans
Forever Young has had a remarkable 2025 campaign. Following his victory in the $20 million Saudi Cup (G1) in February, the Breeders’ Cup Classic marks his second major G1 win of the year. He also placed third in the Dubai World Cup (G1) on April 5 and won the Nippon TV Hai in Japan on October 1.
Yahagi has confirmed that Forever Young will continue to race as a 5-year-old in 2026. The next major goals are defending his title in the Saudi Cup on February 14, 2026, and another attempt at the Dubai World Cup on March 28.
His career record now stands at 10 wins and 3 third-place finishes from 13 starts, with total earnings reaching $19,358,590. It was announced that Sierra Leone and Fierceness, who finished second and third, will be retired to stud following the race.
Sources: bloodhorse.com, forbes.com, skysports.com
コメント