Japan's Forever Young Wins $7M Breeders' Cup Classic

Forever Young, ridden by Ryusei Sakai, won the $7 million Breeders' Cup Classic at Del Mar, marking Japan's first victory in this prestigious race. The four-year-old stallion held off defending champion Sierra Leone by half a length, completing the 1 1/4 mile race in 2:00.19. Trainer Yoshito Yahagi celebrated his third Breeders' Cup win, while Sakai earned his first, with Yahagi likening the triumph to Japan winning the football World Cup. The race featured a strong field despite the withdrawal of Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes winner Sovereignty due to illness. Forever Young improved his record to 10 wins in 13 starts across four countries, with career earnings surpassing $19 million. Other notable winners on Saturday included Bentornato in the Sprint, Scylla in the Distaff, and Ethical Diamond in the Turf, highlighting the high level of competition throughout the event.