#Japan #Tokyo #Forever Young #TCK #Santa Anita Park

Celebrate 31 Years of Friendship: Santa Anita Week at TCK

This summer, Tokyo City Keiba (TCK) is excited to announce the 31st anniversary of the Santa Anita Week, a special event celebrating the long-standing friendship with Santa Anita Park in the United States. From July 20th to 24th, TCK will host a range of events showcasing the prestigious achievements of the horse Forever Young, who won the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1).

Special Exhibition for Forever Young

During the event, attendees will have the unique opportunity to witness a special exhibition dedicated to Forever Young's victory in the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1). This remarkable horse has not only achieved success in Japan but has also left its mark in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the United States, competing fiercely against some of the world's best thoroughbreds.

Forever Young made history in 2025 by becoming the first Japanese-trained horse to win the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1), etching its name into the annals of global horse racing. The exhibition will feature the winning blanket, trophy, and jockey's silks, alongside insightful panels including special columns from trainer Yoshito Yahagi and jockey Rusei Sakai. This is a rare chance to pay homage to a horse that opened new possibilities for Japanese racing—don't miss it!

Schedule of Events

• - Date: July 20 (Monday) to July 24 (Friday)
• - Location: Oi Racecourse, Special Exhibition Booth
• - Exhibition Items:

- Forever Young’s Breeders' Cup Classic winning items (saddlecloth, victory blanket, trophy, racing silks)
- Interview columns with Trainer Yahagi and Jockey Sakai displayed on panels

JRA Jockeys Talk Stage

On July 22, the Santa Anita Trohpy (SⅢ) day will host the renowned JRA Jockeys Talk Stage, featuring trainer Yoshito Yahagi, jockeys Keita Tosaki, and Rusei Sakai. This lively event will draw a huge crowd, as these champions share their experiences and insights into the world of horse racing.

Trainer Yahagi and Jockey Sakai have been the guiding forces for Forever Young, leading it to significant victories including the Japan Dirt Classic (JpnⅠ) and the Tokyo Daishoten (GⅠ) in 2024. Their remarkable collaboration continued into 2025 with the horse’s triumphant return to the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1), making a lasting impact on horse racing history.

Keita Tosaki also made headlines last year with his stunning performance in the Dubai Sheema Classic (G1) mounted on Danon Desail. His presence is expected to captivate the audience as he speaks about his varying roles, from successful jockey to YouTuber and author.

Schedule of the Talk Stage

• - Date: July 22 (Wednesday)
• - Location: Oi Racecourse, Twinkle Stage
• - Participants: Trainer Yoshito Yahagi, Jockey Keita Tosaki, Jockey Rusei Sakai, MC: Hisashi Shimizu
• - Schedule:

- 1st Session: After Oi Race 7 results (around 18:10)
- 2nd Session: After Oi Race 8 results (around 18:45)

Promoting US-Japan Racing Relations

TCK has built an enduring partnership with Santa Anita Park since 1995, facilitating exchange races such as the Santa Anita Trophy (SⅢ) and the Tokyo City Cup (L). This collaboration has fostered mutual growth in areas such as race structure and customer services. In 2019, TCK began offering spots for their horses in the prestigious Santa Anita Derby (G1), marking a significant step forward in this partnership.

The journey of Mandarin Hero, who placed second in the Santa Anita Derby in 2023 and successfully ventured into the Kentucky Derby (G1), exemplifies the strong ties between these two racing organizations. In 2026, TCK is set to receive expanded support for the prestigious Santa Anita Handicap (G1).

In conclusion, TCK aims to continue deepening our partnership with Santa Anita Park and share the exciting world of horse racing with fans in Japan and the U.S. Make sure to attend the Santa Anita Week and celebrate the extraordinary achievements of Forever Young. It is an event you won’t forget!