Forever Young made Belmont Park’s return to racing his own on September 18, winning the Grade 1 Jockey Club Gold Cup in his first start since March and strengthening his position among the leading contenders for the Breeders’ Cup Classic.
The Japanese champion defeated Stars and Stripes by 3 1/4 lengths, with Baeza third and Phileas Fogg fourth. He completed 1 1/4 miles on a fast dirt track in 2:01.23 under Ryusei Sakai for trainer Yoshito Yahagi.
Forever Young takes control on the far turn
Phileas Fogg supplied the early pace while Forever Young settled within striking distance. Sakai asked the favorite to advance on the second turn, and Forever Young moved past the leader before opening a clear advantage into the stretch.
Stars and Stripes rallied for second, while Baeza finished third after another slow beginning. The race was reduced to four starters after Render Judgment joined the previously announced withdrawals of Banishing and Chunk of Gold.
Forever Young was returning from nearly six months away from competition. His previous start came in the Dubai World Cup on March 28, when he finished second to Magnitude.
Breeders’ Cup Classic defense comes next
The victory adds another major international Grade 1 to a campaign that already includes the Saudi Cup. Forever Young is the defending Breeders’ Cup Classic winner and is expected to return to Keeneland for the $7 million Classic on October 31.
The Jockey Club Gold Cup is part of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series and awards an automatic berth to the Classic. Forever Young had already secured qualification through his Saudi Cup victory, but the Belmont performance provided an important test over the same 1 1/4 mile distance he will face at Keeneland.
The result also keeps alive the possibility of a championship meeting with Sovereignty. The reigning Horse of the Year missed the Jockey Club Gold Cup because of a foot abscess but returned to light training this week.
A historic winner on Belmont’s reopening day
Forever Young’s victory came on the first day of live racing at the rebuilt Belmont Park following a multiyear reconstruction. The Jockey Club Gold Cup served as the centerpiece of the reopening program and the first Grade 1 race at the new facility.
For permanent race history and future editions, visit the Jockey Club Gold Cup guide. Follow the championship picture in the Breeders’ Cup Classic guide, and explore the venue in the Belmont Park guide.
Sources
Thoroughbred Daily News, September 18 result and race chart
New York Racing Association, Belmont Park September schedule
