(23rd Jan 26)

Another Historic Milestone: FOREVER YOUNG Wins Eclipse Award

The 55th Eclipse Awards ceremony, which honors the top performers in North American horse racing each year, was held on January 22nd (morning of the 23rd Japan time) in Palm Beach, southeastern Florida. Forever Young, a five-year-old horse from the stable Yoshito Yahagi who won last year's G1 Breeders' Cup Classic, received the award for Champion Older Dirt Male. He became only the second Japanese-trained horse to earn an Eclipse Award, following Loves Only You—also from Yahagi’s stable—who won the G1 Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf in 2021 and was named Champion Turf Female. In addition, the Breeders’ Cup Classic victory by Forever Young was selected as the “Moment of the Year,” an award determined by fan voting.
At the awards ceremony, trainer Yahagi took the stage and began his acceptance speech with a touch of humor, saying in English, “Good evening, everyone. I’m known as ‘the man with the hat,’” referring to his trademark headwear. He then continued, “It is a great honor to receive such an award. I have the utmost respect for everyone in the United States.” Yahagi delivered his message of gratitude in English, speaking in his own words.
Forever Young is by Real Steel and out of Congrats mare Forever Darling. He was bred by Northern Farm and purchased at the 2022 JRHA Select Sale Yearling session by Susumu Fujita.