Forever Young Defends Title at Janadriyah
The reigning champion, Forever Young of Japan, faces a formidable challenge on Saturday at the King Abdulaziz Equestrian Field in Janadriyah, as part of the $20 million Saudi Cup, the world's richest horse race.
After winning the title last year and then claiming the Breeders' Cup Classic, the horse carries the hopes of his trainer, Yoshito Yahagi, and owner, Sisoma Fujita, along with jockey Ryusei Sakai, who knows him well and has complete faith in him.
"He never feels the pressure," Yahagi said with a smile, referring to the horse's composure despite the high expectations. The question on everyone's mind is: Will Forever Young become the first horse to win the Saudi Cup twice in a row?
From the United States comes the strongest challenge from Nessus, winner of the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mill, ridden by Flavien Pratt and trained by the legendary Bob Baffert, along with Nevada Beach, ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr., both from Baffert's stable. The challenge isn't solely American. From Saudi Arabia, Punching stands out, ridden by Saudi jockey Adel Al-Furaidi, trained by David Jacobson, and owned by Sharaf Mohammed Al-Hariri & Partners, carrying the hopes of local owners.
Rattles N' Roll, which finished fifth last year, also makes a strong comeback this time around with Joel Rosario and his trainer Kenny McPeek.
From Japan, Luxor Cafe, ridden by the charismatic jockey João Moreira and trained by Noriyuki Hori, is also competing, along with Sunrise Zabanjo, representing the next generation of Japanese racing. As for the Saudi and Gulf horses, they include Bishobz Bay for the sons of King Abdullah, led by Junior Alvarado and supervised by Brad Cox, and Hagit and Star of Wonder, both also for the sons of King Abdullah, under the supervision of the Saudi trainer Saad Al-Junaidi, in addition to Mahli for Sheikh Abdullah Hamoud Al-Sabah, Thunder School for its owner Prince Saud bin Salman, Tombarumba from Wathnan Racing, and Ameera Al-Zaman led by the international Ryan Moore, trained by Sami Al-Harabi, and owned by Prince Faisal bin Khalid.