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29 December 2024

Forever Young Triumphs At Tokyo Daishoten

The three-year-old showcases dominance, eyeing international races next year.

On December 29, 2024, the 70th Tokyo Daishoten (G1), held at Ohi Racecourse, confirmed the dominance of the favorite horse, Forever Young, who delivered a stellar performance, pulling away to clinch victory.

With this win, Forever Young not only added another triumph to his name but also marked his 13th career victory, continuing his upward momentum after his success at the Japan Dirt Classic earlier this year. His winning time was set at 2:04.9, showcasing his remarkable speed and agility against some of Japan's toughest competitors.

This race saw trainer Yoshito Yahagi (63) and jockey Rusei Sakai (27) celebrating their first victories at this prestigious event. They expertly navigated the challenges posed by seasoned rivals, including Wilson Tesoro, who finished just over one-and-three-quarter lengths behind. Ramjet followed closely behind, rounding out the top three.

Forever Young, just three years old, demonstrated his mettle against older horses, showcasing not only his speed but also his ability to adapt to different racing strategies. "Honestly, I felt the previous race was very good, but this one was about 80% of our capability. We can safely get through the year like this," Rusei Sakai reflected after the race, hinting at the potential still to come.

The owner, Shin Fujita, shared his thoughts, stating, "I thought we would win at the fourth corner, but it was nerve-wracking." This sentiment echoed the challenges of competing against formidable horses, which included past world contenders.

Post-race analysis revealed the strategic mastery of trainer Yoshito Yahagi, who remarked, "He showed us the ideal start we trained for and carried out the strategy flawlessly," shedding light on the intense preparation and planning behind Forever Young's victory.

Sakai's energy and determination did not go unnoticed, as he declared, "It was a rocket start. I didn’t think we would lose, but he really held on well. Next year, he’ll be the world champion." This bold ambition signals the upcoming challenges for Forever Young, with aspirations directed toward the Saudi Cup and Dubai World Cup scheduled for early 2025.

The Tokyo Daishoten has always been more than just a race; it’s a prestigious event where the best of Japanese thoroughbreds showcase their talent. Forever Young's performance adds to the rich history of this race and positions him as one to watch as he takes on the global stage.

With the brilliant combination of Yahagi’s training expertise and Sakai’s skillful riding, horse racing enthusiasts are already eager for what the next racing season holds. The world stage is beckoning, and if Forever Young continues to perform at this level, he may soon carve his name among racing legends.