Forever Young Prepares for Jockey Club Gold Cup at New Belmont Park
Globetrotting equine star, Forever Young, has commenced preparations for his upcoming challenge at the reimagined Belmont Park. Following a transcontinental journey from Japan, the acclaimed racehorse made his debut on the main track after successfully completing his quarantine period. This marks a significant step in his bid for the Grade 1 Jockey Club Gold Cup, scheduled for September 18th, which will serve as a crucial qualifier for the Breeders' Cup Classic.
Under the guidance of trainer Yoshito Yahagi and owned by Susumu Fujita, Forever Young arrived at the new Belmont Park facility in the early hours of a Tuesday morning. After clearing quarantine protocols on Thursday, the magnificent animal was observed on the main track at approximately 10:40 a.m. EDT. He was accompanied by his Group 2-winning stablemate, Shin Emperor, who is set to compete in the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic (G1) on September 26th at the same venue. Forever Young's initial outing involved a relaxed gallop around the track under the supervision of assistant trainer Yuki Araki, suggesting a smooth acclimatization to his new surroundings.
Hiroshi Ando, the stable manager for Fujita, expressed his satisfaction with the horse's condition post-travel. He noted Forever Young's familiarity and comfort with travel to the United States, indicating that the team focused on reinstating his regular training regimen after a 42-hour quarantine period with limited exercise. Plans are in motion for a significant workout on Tuesday, with jockey Ryusei Sakai scheduled to be in the saddle.
The Jockey Club Gold Cup represents Forever Young's inaugural competition in New York. This 10-furlong race for horses aged three and older offers a coveted spot in the Breeders' Cup Classic, slated for October at Keeneland. Ando further elaborated on the successful journey, emphasizing the horse's proficiency in long-distance travel. He also shared the team's positive impressions of the renovated Belmont Park, highlighting the new grandstand and track conditions as favorable for their participation.
Forever Young boasts a notable history in American racing, including a third-place finish in the 2024 Kentucky Derby and a subsequent third-place performance in that year's Breeders' Cup Classic at Del Mar. The following year, he secured a decisive half-length victory in the Breeders' Cup Classic at Del Mar, overcoming his familiar rival, Sierra Leone. The reigning Japan Horse of the Year and Eclipse Award winner for champion older dirt male, he also successfully defended his title in the Saudi Cup (G1) in February at King Abdulaziz Racecourse. His most recent outing saw him finish second to Magnitude in the Dubai World Cup (G1) on March 28th at Meydan Racecourse.
Entries for the highly anticipated Jockey Club Gold Cup are expected to be finalized on Saturday. Other formidable contenders currently listed as possible for the race include Sovereignty, the 2025 Horse of the Year, who is currently recovering from a foot abscess; multiple Grade 1 winner and multimillionaire Nitrogen, an Eclipse Award recipient as champion 3-year-old filly last year; Banishing, victor of the Godolphin Mile (G2); dual Grade 2 winner Phileas Fogg; dual graded stakes winner Willy D's; multiple graded stakes-placed Yo Daddy; and Grade 3-placed Money Game. The field promises a thrilling competition.
As the racing world anticipates the Jockey Club Gold Cup, Forever Young's arrival and initial track work at the newly established Belmont Park signal his readiness to contend. His proven track record on international stages, coupled with his team's careful preparation, positions him as a strong contender in this critical pre-Breeders' Cup race.