Forever Young swerves European adventure

There will be no European outing for Forever Young this season, with trainer Yoshito Yahagi confirming his dirt superstar will tune-up for his Breeders’ Cup Classic defence at Belmont later in the year.

The five-year-old – who became Japan’s first ever winner of the Classic at Del Mar last November – is also a dual winner of the Saudi Cup, yet despite his proficiency on dirt, has received multiple entries for turf races in Europe this term.

They included the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at the just gone Royal Ascot as well as the Irish Champion Stakes and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

However, connections have elected to stick to Forever Young’s preferred surface and he will head to New York for the Jockey Club Gold Cup before defending his Classic crown at Keeneland in late October.

A statement on the Yahagi X page, read: “First and foremost, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the organisers from around the world, including France Galop and Leopardstown Racecourse, for the wonderful offers we have received.

“After extensive discussions with owner Shin Fujita while closely monitoring the horse’s condition, we have decided that Forever Young will proceed from the September 18 Jockey Club Gold Cup at Belmont Park, to the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Keeneland. We are pleased to announce this plan.”