Yahagi Returns With Sights Set on a Desert Double-Double

Leading Japanese trainer Yoshito Yahagi is represented by returning champions Forever Young and Shin Emperor in Riyadh

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Yoshito Yahagi, one of the world's most successful racehorse trainers, is returning to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia with a team of three horses, including two champions from last year's Saudi Cup meeting - Forever Young and Shin Emperor. Yahagi is aiming to achieve a "double-double" by winning both the Saudi Cup on dirt and the Neom Turf Cup on turf.

Why it matters

Yahagi has become a dominant force in major international races in recent years, winning the Saudi Cup twice and the Breeders' Cup Classic. His ability to travel horses globally and have them perform at the highest level has made him one of the most respected and followed trainers in the sport.

The details

Forever Young, a 5-year-old stallion by Real Steel, is the defending champion of the $20 million Saudi Cup. He has already earned over $21 million in his career and is looking to add another $10 million to that total. Shin Emperor, a 5-year-old French-bred by Siyouni, is the defending champion of the newly upgraded G1 Howden Neom Turf Cup. Yahagi believes both horses have excellent chances of repeating their victories from last year.

  • Forever Young last raced on November 1, 2025.
  • The Saudi Cup and Neom Turf Cup will take place on Saturday, February 15, 2026.

The players

Yoshito Yahagi

A leading Japanese racehorse trainer who has become a dominant force in major international races in recent years, winning the Saudi Cup twice and the Breeders' Cup Classic.

Forever Young

A 5-year-old stallion by Real Steel who is the defending champion of the $20 million Saudi Cup, having already earned over $21 million in his career.

Shin Emperor

A 5-year-old French-bred by Siyouni who is the defending champion of the newly upgraded G1 Howden Neom Turf Cup.

Ryusei Sakai

Yahagi's regular jockey who will ride five horses on Saturday, including Forever Young and Shin Emperor.

Bob Baffert

The American trainer who fields two rivals against Forever Young in the Saudi Cup and has expressed great respect for the horse.

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What they’re saying

“He's unbelievable, I have so much respect for that horse.”

— Bob Baffert (Thoroughbred Daily News)

“It's an honour to be back here for myself, and also Forever Young loves this place, so I am very pleased to be here.”

— Yoshito Yahagi, Trainer (Thoroughbred Daily News)

“Honestly speaking, I would like to compete with him again. It was like something from a movie script. I wanted to give Forever Young an Academy Award.”

— Yoshito Yahagi, Trainer (Thoroughbred Daily News)

“For me, it's something I can be proud of in Japan. For horseracing in Japan, the Breeders' Cup Classic was a big obstacle. Everyone was reluctant to participate in it but I'm glad that it has been overcome, and I'm glad that there will be more challengers in the future.”

— Yoshito Yahagi, Trainer (Thoroughbred Daily News)

“Shin Emperor has a very big chance because this race track – 2,100 metres on a left-hand course – is perfect for him, so he has a great chance.”

— Yoshito Yahagi, Trainer (Thoroughbred Daily News)

What’s next

After the Saudi Cup, Forever Young will head to the Dubai World Cup.

The takeaway

Yoshito Yahagi has established himself as one of the world's premier racehorse trainers, with the ability to travel his horses globally and have them perform at the highest level. His quest to achieve a "double-double" by winning both the Saudi Cup and Neom Turf Cup in Riyadh showcases his talent and the quality of the horses in his care.