"It's a very attractive idea" - Forever Young handed surprise Royal Ascot entry

Jon Vine

Editor

Last updated: Tue 28 Apr 2026 15:41

Jon Vine 28 Apr 2026

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Forever Young ridden by Ryusei Sakai #5 wins the Breeders' Cup Classic race on day two of the 2025 Breeders' Cup. (Getty)

The world's highest-rated dirt horse, Forever Young has been entered in the Prince Of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot 2026.

Forever Young added to his record haul of prize money with a runner-up finish in the Dubai World Cup. Yoshito Yahagi's star has amassed almost £25m during his glittering career, winning prestigious races like the Tokyo Daishoten, the Saudi Cup, and the 2025 Breeders' Cup Classic at Del Mar.

Many expected Forever Young to head to stud after his narrow defeat to Magnitude on Dubai World Cup Night. Yet, when the entries for Royal Ascot were revealed today, his name features in the list of entrants for the Prince Of Wales's Stakes.

"I've been thinking – and saying in public – that I should send Forever Young to a turf race in the future." Yahagi told the press. "His owner Susumu Fujita shares this feeling and the Prince of Wales’s Stakes is one of the turf-race options I should consider."

"It's very prestigious for a trainer to have a runner at Royal Ascot, while I think it's a very attractive idea to send Forever Young for the Prince of Wales’s Stakes, although he has had an easy time since he returned from the Middle East."

Forever Young won't have an easy time of things on his turf debut at Royal Ascot. Arc winner Daryz will make his British debut in that Group One, following a sparkling reappearance victory in the Prix Ganay. Ombudsman will return to defend his crown, and could renew his rivalry with Champion Stakes winner Calandagan.

Shin Emperor and T O Password could also fly the flag for Japan in the Prince Of Wales's Stakes. Lugal, Satono Reve and T O Elvis have been entered in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes. As has American Stage, who could also run in the King Charles III Stakes, along with Ai Sansan.

Meanwhile, four top Australian sprinters have been entered in both sprints at Royal Ascot. Prolific Group One winner Joliestar will head to the Jubilee Stakes, and could be joined by Aussie counterparts Generosity, Overpass and Lady Of Camelot.