Globe-trotting champion Forever Young scored a decisive victory in the US$1 million Grade 1 Jockey Club Gold Cup at Belmont Park. Returning to the United States for his first start since a second-place finish in the Dubai World Cup in March, the 5-year-old Japanese-bred superstar handled the 1 1/4-mile distance with ease, completing the course in 2:01.23 over a fast main track.
Breaking from the outside post position, regular rider Ryusei Sakai settled Forever Young just off early pacesetter Phileas Fogg, who set the early tempo along the backstretch.
As the field rounded the turn, Sakai tipped Forever Young wide to unleash his move. The son of Real Steel surged past the leaders, taking firm control at the top of the stretch and hand-ridden clear to solidify the win.
Stars and Stripes made a closing effort to finish second, while Forever Young returned US$2.96 to win as the heavily favoured 3-5 choice.
Race Results & Connections
| Position | Horse | Trainer | Jockey |
| 1st | Forever Young (JPN) | Yoshito Yahagi | Ryusei Sakai |
| 2nd | Stars and Stripes | Bill Mott | — |
| Pacesetter | Phileas Fogg | Gustavo Rodriguez | Kendrick Carmouche |
- Owner: Susumu Fujita
- Pedigree: 5yo H., Real Steel (JPN) — Forever Darling (Congrats)
- Winning Time: 2:01.23 (10 furlongs)
The Jockey Club Gold Cup served as a Breeders' Cup "Win and You're In" Challenge Series race for the Breeders' Cup Classic. Forever Young had already secured his entry following his victory in the Saudi Cup earlier in the year. Having won the 2025 Breeders' Cup Classic at Del Mar, trainer Yoshito Yahagi and owner Susumu Fujita now turn their attention to Keeneland, where Forever Young will attempt to join Tiznow as the only two-time winners of the Breeders' Cup Classic.
