Trainer Yoshito Yahagi claimed another major victory as Forever Young ($2.60) denied Romantic Warrior ($2.50) in the Group 1 Saudi Cup (1800m). The four-year-old unleashed a powerful late surge to secure Yahagi’s second title in the event, following Panthalasa’s success in 2023.

Romantic Warrior’s jockey James McDonald was left with few options as the Hong Kong star found himself trapped in traffic before swinging wide for his final push. Despite a determined run, he fell just short of Forever Young, who stormed home under Ryusai Sakai.

“It was a tough race,” McDonald admitted. “We had a smooth start, but the moment we got caught up, things got tricky. Once clear, he gave everything, but Forever Young was exceptional.”

Trainer Danny Shum took positives from the race, emphasizing the challenge of transitioning to dirt. “He performed well for his first dirt run. Of course, we wanted the win, but this was a great experience,” he said, looking ahead to the Dubai World Cup.

Yahagi, thrilled with the victory, spoke highly of Forever Young. “I believed he could challenge Romantic Warrior, and he delivered. He might be the best horse I’ve trained,” he remarked.

While the win secures a spot in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, Yahagi is focused on history, aiming for the first Saudi Cup and Dubai World Cup double.

The Japanese contingent dominated the race, with Ushba Tesoro ($34) and Wilson Tesoro ($19) also finishing in the top four. Earlier, Yahagi and Sakai celebrated another major win in the Turf Cup with Shin Emperor.