Dubai World Cup: Forever Young drills ahead of shot at redemption

Racing’s rock star trio – dirt superstar Forever Young, trainer Yoshito Yahagi and jockey Ryusei Sakai – reunited at Meydan Racecourse on Monday ahead of the 5-year-old’s attempt at history in this weekend’s Group 1 Dubai World Cup.

Victory in the 30th Dubai World Cup would see dual Saudi Cup (G1) winner and Breeders’ Cup Classic hero Forever Young surpass Romantic Warrior as the highest-earning racehorse of all time. It also would be redemption after the Japanese hero was third last year behind Hit Show, who reopposes 12 months on.

Ridden by Yuki Araki, Forever Young took to the Meydan dirt in partnership with stablemate American Stage, who runs in the Dubai Golden Shaheen (G1).

“It was just a lap and a half on the dirt track this morning,” Araki said. “All is well so far.”

Shortly after trackwork, Yahagi and Sakai arrived, only hours after they were in action at Hanshin Racecourse in Osaka. 

In addition to Forever Young and Hit Show, also returning from last year’s Dubai World Cup are Bhupat Seemar-trained Walk Of Stars and Imperial Emperor. Both are Group 1 winners over the Meydan dirt.

“They're doing great,” Seemar said. “I think Imperial Emperor is definitely doing a lot better than last year. I think he was a little bit of a tired horse last year. We freshened him up and he's doing great. And Walk Of Stars has improved with every run this year, so both are in good shape.

“Forever Young is the best horse in the world, you can’t take anything away from him. He’s danced every dance, and it’s great to have a chance to go up against him again.”