Japanese racing star Forever Young (JPN) is set for a major international return as his connections confirmed plans to pursue a second consecutive victory in the Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1), beginning with a comeback run in the Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) at the new Belmont Park on September 18.
Forever Young has become one of the most recognised names in global racing, and his return to the United States is expected to bring further attention to the new chapter of Belmont Park. The five-year-old champion will aim to continue his remarkable career after a season that strengthened his position among the world’s leading dirt performers.
Forever Young will target the Breeders’ Cup Classic title defence after using the Jockey Club Gold Cup as his planned return race.
The Jockey Club Gold Cup, a historic 10-furlong contest for three-year-olds and older horses, will form part of the celebrations marking the return of racing to the rebuilt Belmont Park. The race was first established in 1919 and has been won by legendary names including Man o’ War, Forego and Cigar.
The event will also carry international significance, with the winner earning an automatic place in the Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic through the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series.
NYRA senior vice president of racing and operations Andrew Offerman welcomed Forever Young’s participation, saying the appearance of the Japanese champion would add to the occasion surrounding the reopening of Belmont Park.
Trained by Yoshito Yahagi and owned by Susumu Fujita, Forever Young has not raced since finishing runner-up to Magnitude in the Dubai World Cup (G1) on March 28. His previous campaign included a memorable victory in the Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic at Del Mar, where he defeated Sierra Leone by half a length.
Forever Young enters the latest chapter of his career with an outstanding record. The son of Real Steel (JPN) has won 11 of his 15 starts, added four further placed finishes and remains unbeaten in six appearances in Japan.
His achievements have earned him worldwide recognition, including the Japanese Horse of the Year honour for 2025 and Eclipse Award Champion Older Dirt Horse recognition in the United States.
The Jockey Club Gold Cup will mark a significant test as Forever Young prepares for another international challenge, with racing fans set to follow whether the Japanese star can repeat his Breeders’ Cup Classic success.
The new Belmont Park features a five-storey grandstand, an expanded paddock and multiple racing surfaces, including the main dirt track, two turf courses and a synthetic track. The venue is also scheduled to host the Breeders’ Cup World Championships in 2027, bringing the international event back to New York for the first time since 2005.
For more stories, results, and updates from the world of horse racing, stay tuned to racebuzz