Japanese star Forever Young poised for Dubai WC glory

The world’s eyes now turn toward the golden sands of the UAE, where the curtain is about to rise on one of the most magnificent spectacles in the sporting world — the prestigious Dubai World Cup.

On Saturday, under the opulent lights of the iconic Meydan Racecourse, a constellation of equine stars will gather to contest not only riches beyond compare, but eternal glory on racing’s grandest international stage.

With a total prize purse exceeding $30 million, including $12 million for the main race alone, 29th running of this event promises a night of sheer drama and brilliance, as a star-studded ensemble of the world’s finest thoroughbreds battle for supremacy.

Trainer Yoshito Yahagi can discern ‘no shadows of doubt’ as his formidable four-year-old, Forever Young, prepares to etch another glorious chapter following his unforgettable triumph in the Saudi Cup.

Just six weeks ago in Riyadh, a breathtaking duel unfolded as Forever Young locked horns with the valiant Romantic Warrior, snatching victory by the slenderest of margins – a neck – as the rest of the esteemed field trailed far behind, vanquished by a significant ten lengths or more.

Yahagi believes that overwhelming Dubai World Cup favourite Forever Young has taken a step forward from his epic defeat of Romantic Warrior in Riyadh last month, while jockey Ryusei Sakai is determined to make up for some heartbreaking near-misses in 2024.

Forever Young finished a narrow third in both the G1 Kentucky Derby (2000m) and the G1 Breeders’ Cup Classic (2000m) during his three-year-old season, while stablemate Shin Emperor — one of the leading contenders for Saturday’s $6 million G1 Longines Dubai Sheema Classic (2410m) - was also third in the G1 Irish Champion Stakes (2000m), as well as going down by a neck to Do Deuce when dead-heating for second in the G1 Japan Cup (2400m).

Looking ahead to the two colts’ major assignments at Meydan on Saturday, Sakai said: “It’s a mixed feeling as obviously there is pressure. But personally I really appreciate the opportunity given to me to ride top-class horses, not only in Japan but also on the world stage.

“Last year we were unable to win a Group 1 overseas with these two horses but this year we’re coming back to win as many races as possible with them, and perhaps every race.”

Such ambition is shared by his mentor Yahagi who, despite playing up to frequent media mentions of Sakai’s youth by referring to him as “my apprentice”, said that both colts were fine-tuned to produce standout performances on Saturday.

“The Dubai World Cup is a race that in Japan we always want to win,” said Yahagi. “In 2011, straight after a devastating earthquake in Japan, Victoire Pisa won it and Transcend finished second.

“That was meaningful for the people; they were encouraged by that and this race, which has a prestigious history, has become more and more popular.”

If Forever Young can do what many — if not most — expect on Saturday, then that affection for the Dubai World Cup will become even deeper and more enduring.

Another highlight of the 29th edition is the winners of four Group 1 races on Dubai World Cup night – including the $12 million main event – will receive direct entry to the Breeders’ Cup in the US later this year thanks to a new partnership between the two prestigious events.

The Dubai Racing Club announced a partnership whereby winners of the Dubai World Cup, Dubai Golden Shaheen, Dubai Sheema Classic and Dubai Turf will gain automatic entry to the Breeders’ Cup meeting.

Ushba Tesoro, who aims to become the first horse to ever reclaim his Dubai World Cup crown, enjoyed the final workout of his career in front of a packed track on Friday morning.

The 2023 Dubai World Cup winner will retire to stud after Saturday’s race and his easy lap was closely watched by those trackside.

“He just likes it here,” said trainer Noboru Takagi. “It is a fitting place for him to have his final start. He has been an amazing horse.”

The final touches to Bhupat Seemar’s Dubai World Cup duo have passed without a hitch as the trainer prepares to defend his title in Saturday’s feature race.

Seemar saddled Laurel River to a dominant success in last year’s event and will be represented by Imperial Emperor and Walk Of Stars this time around.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter