FOREVER YOUNG TO BOW OUT IN TOKYO DAISHOTEN AS YAHAGI CONFIRMS RETIREMENT

Forever Young, the Japanese dirt superstar who landed last year's Breeders' Cup Classic, will end his career in the Tokyo Daishoten at Ohi on December 29, trainer Yoshito Yahagi has confirmed.

The five-year-old, owned by Susumu Fujita, is currently completing a three-week quarantine at Northern Farm Shigaraki after his latest trip to the United States. He was sent off favourite for this year's Classic at Keeneland on October 31 but could only finish fifth, the one and only time in 17 starts that he has failed to reach the first three.

Yahagi explained the decision in a post on X, saying: "We wanted to give Japanese fans a final chance to see him race." He was equally clear when speaking to Netkeiba, telling the Japanese racing site: "Our target is the Tokyo Daishoten. He'll retire after that."

The plan does carry a caveat. Yahagi stressed that the colt's condition can only be properly assessed once he leaves quarantine, and that connections would call time sooner should there be any worry at all about his legs.

A GLOBAL CHAMPION

Forever Young has been one of the great international travellers of recent seasons. His 12 wins include seven at the highest level, and his earnings stand at more than $32.5 million. He was named Japan's Horse of the Year in 2025 and is the reigning American champion older dirt male.

His victory at Del Mar in last year's Classic remains the high point, but 2026 has hardly been a quiet year. He added the Saudi Cup, went down narrowly in the sense of finishing second in the Dubai World Cup on March 28, and returned to form in the Jockey Club Gold Cup at Belmont Park on September 18.

The Tokyo Daishoten, run over 2,000 metres on dirt, is familiar territory, as he won the 2024 edition. It will give home supporters one last opportunity to see him before he begins his next career.

No stud plans have been announced, although Shadai in Hokkaido, where his sire Real Steel stands, has been reported as a likely destination.