Get ready for a thrilling tale of international horse racing! The Saudi Cup has a new champion, and his name is Forever Young. This Japanese star has dominated the Saudi Cup for three consecutive years, and his story is one of determination and skill. But here's where it gets controversial... Forever Young's latest victory over Nysos, one of America's finest, has left trainer Bob Baffert licking his wounds. With a $10 million prize at stake, the pressure was on, and Baffert's team came up just short.
In the Saudi Cup, held at King Abdulaziz Racecourse, Forever Young and Nysos started comfortably, biding their time at the back of the pack. As they turned for home, jockey Ryusei Sakai made his move, guiding Forever Young along the rail, while Flavien Prat urged Nysos to follow. It was a tense battle, and as they approached the 200-meter mark, Forever Young began to pull away, leaving Nysos in his wake. The final margin was a convincing one length, and Forever Young's victory was assured.
Trainer Yoshito Yahagi, known as "The Man in the Hat," expressed confidence in his horse's abilities. "He's not yet at his peak," Yahagi said, "but when we hit the stretch, I knew we had it." Baffert, on the other hand, couldn't help but admire the confidence of Forever Young's jockey, adding, "Even King Kong would've struggled against that ride."
Forever Young's journey to stardom began in 2023, winning his first three races in Japan. His connections then made a bold decision, opting for the Saudi Derby over the Kentucky Derby path. It was a risky move, but it paid off handsomely. Forever Young went on to win the UAE Derby and earn a spot in the Kentucky Derby, where he finished a close third. His success continued with wins in the Japan Dirt Classic and the Tokyo Daishoten, solidifying his status as a global racing force.
The 2025 Saudi Cup was Forever Young's signature moment. In a thrilling two-horse race, he battled with Romantic Warrior, a renowned globetrotter from Hong Kong. Forever Young surrendered the lead but rallied to win by a neck, showcasing his heart and determination. Trainer Yahagi attributed their subsequent third-place finish in the Dubai World Cup to pre-race issues, but Forever Young's talent was undeniable.
Nysos, despite his impressive record, faced a formidable challenge in Forever Young. Trainer Baffert has been working tirelessly with Nysos, overcoming setbacks to bring him to the Saudi Cup. Baffert's determination to win the Saudi Cup, a missing piece in his illustrious career, is evident. He plans to return, stating, "If we don't win this year, we'll keep coming back."
As for Forever Young, owner Susumu Fujita is considering extending his racing career. "I'm thrilled with how he won," Fujita said. "We planned to retire him at the end of the year, but I might just keep him going for another two months, just for another shot at the Saudi Cup."
The Saudi Cup has become a stage for international horse racing excellence, and Forever Young's legacy is firmly etched in its history. Will he return to defend his title? Will Baffert finally claim victory? The future of this thrilling rivalry is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the Saudi Cup has become a must-watch event for racing enthusiasts worldwide.
