Japan’s Forever Young fends off Sierra Leone to win Breeders’ Cup Classic

Forever Young flew all the way from Japan to seek revenge in Saturday’s Grade 1, $7 million Breeders’ Cup Classic — and got it.

The 4-year-old, third in last year’s Kentucky Derby and third in last year’s Classic, seized the lead turning for home this time around, opened a big advantage and held off last year’s winner, Sierra Leone, winning by half a length at Del Mar Race Track in Del Mar, California.

The race was one for the ages. The field included all of last year’s top three finishers, with 2024 runner-up Fierceness this year reporting third. Also in the gate were the second- and third-place finishers from the Kentucky Derby, Journalism, who finished fourth, and Baez, sixth.

All that was lacking was Derby and Belmont Stakes winner Sovereignty, who was scratched earlier in the week with an infection.

Fierceness’ third in the 2024 Kentucky Derby, in a dramatic three-way photo, was impacted by repeated bumping by Sierra Leone, who finished second that day. In the Classic, he was compromised by the inside post position.

Jockey Ryusei Sakai, starting from the No. 5 gate this time, left no doubt and little room for mishap. Keeping his colt clear of traffic just behind the early leaders, he found plenty in reserve when he called on him in the turn.

“So last time here, the horse was 75% conditioned,” trainer Yoshito Yahagi said. “And this time we create 100% condition. Forever Young is an amazing horse.”

Yahagi noted the main rivals in the Classic will be retired so “this was my last chance.”

“It was my dream to beat these horses,” he said.

Tahagi and owner Susumu Fujita have indicated the colt will have a shot at winning the Group 1, $20 million Saudi Cup for the second year in a row.

If so, he might be rematched there with another horse seeking revenge — Hong Kong’s Romantic Warrior, who finished second in this year’s Cup.