Forever Young completes historic Saudi Cup double

The mighty Forever Young completed an historic Saudi Cup double when he outgunned a very game Nysos at the King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh on Saturday.

Forever Young is the first runner to win the Saudi Cup on two occasions, with Saturday’s triumph in the US$20 million feature etching his name into the record books as a back-to-back winner following his gripping 2025 victory over Romantic Warrior in one of the season’s most memorable finishes.

After initially considering a rematch, the connections of Romantic Warrior opted to remain in Hong Kong this year to pursue the Hong Kong Triple Crown – having already secured the opening leg – leaving the role of chief challenger to Bob Baffert’s Nysos. The 2025 Group 1 Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile winner brought an imposing record of seven wins from eight starts into the contest.

Nysos justified that billing with a bold and relentless performance, but the son of Nyquist fell a length short of denying Forever Young. The defending champion once again proved unyielding in a high-pressure finish, the pair locked in a punishing stride-for-stride duel from the 300m to the 150m. At that point, Forever Young forged a one-length advantage and, despite Nysos refusing to surrender, held that margin to the line.

While nothing can diminish the merit of the victory, there was a pivotal moment shortly after straightening that played decisively in Forever Young’s favour. Racing in fifth position along the rail and momentarily appearing vulnerable behind a wall of runners – including Nysos poised to strike on his outside – the race complexion shifted dramatically.

As Nysos launched three-wide to make his bid, a crucial gap appeared along the inside, granting Forever Young uninterrupted galloping room without needing to circle rivals. That opening proved decisive, allowing the champion to surge through and stamp his authority on yet another historic Saudi Cup success.