Japan has once again made its mark on the world of horse racing, as its representative horse Forever Young triumphed at the sixth annual Saudi Cup held on February 22, 2025. This high-stakes race, considered the highest-paying race globally with prize money totaling $10 million, took place at the King Abdulaziz Racetrack in Saudi Arabia, attracting competitors from around the world.
Riding Forever Young was Japanese jockey Rusei Sakai, who guided the eight-year-old horse to victory among 14 competitors. This momentous occasion marks the second time Japan has won the Saudi Cup, following the success of Panthalassa just the previous year. According to Yomiuri Shimbun, "This win is significant; it marks Japan's second victory at the Saudi Cup since Panthalassa's win last year.”
Forever Young was not the only Japanese competitor on the track. A total of four Japanese horses participated, each with their own hopes of securing glory. Among them, Wilson Tesoro, ridden by Makoto Kawada, finished fourth, and another contender, Ramjet, with jockey Kōsei Miura, secured sixth place. The performance of these horses exemplified Japan's growing prowess on the international racing stage.
The Saudi Cup not only showcases the best horses but also presents enormous value for their connections. With the steep prize pool of $10 million, this race attracts the best from the equestrian field, making every entry feel like it’s entering history. This year’s race featured impressive global competition, but Japan's consistent rise to the top continues to captivate fans and analysts alike.
Prior to this victory, Forever Young had already forged a solid reputation, including competing on multiple occasions against elite field lines. The recent history of Japanese success at such high-stake events paints a picture of determination and excellence. Last year's runner-up performance gives the latest victory even richer significance, demonstrating the strength of Japanese horses on the world stage.
Looking forward, Forever Young’s preparation for other forthcoming races extends the enthusiasm surrounding this victory. After this Saudi Cup, there are plans for him to compete at the esteemed Dubai World Cup set for April 5, 2025, at Meydan Racecourse. Following this, he is expected to retire for breeding, marking the end of his competitive career but leaving behind a legacy of triumph.
The impact of this win stretches beyond just prize money. It reaffirms Japan's status as a formidable competitor in global horse racing. With each race, the country shows off its breeding programs and training facilities, continually raising the bar for horse racing and breeding standards worldwide.
Forever Young’s victory at the Saudi Cup serves as not just personal triumph but as inspiration for trainers and jockeys back home, soaring excitement among fans eager for more successes. This win revitalizes the horse racing community's spirit and sends ripples across the industry, fueling aspirations of future achievements on international racetracks.
With this remarkable accomplishment under their belts, Japanese horse racing faces new horizons. The forthcoming Dubai World Cup will undoubtedly be watched closely, as each competitor vies for what could become another significant chapter for Japan on the global stage. The excitement mounts, and once again, Japan is set to take its place among the elite of horse racing.