Forever Young named Japan Racing Association Horse of the Year
The Japan Racing Association has named Forever Young as its 2025 Horse of the Year after the standout runner secured 226 of a possible 248 votes, following a season highlighted by victories in the Saudi Cup and the Breeders’ Cup Classic.
The colt also claimed the Best Older Colt or Horse and Best Dirt Horse titles, becoming the first dirt specialist to be crowned Horse of the Year under the JRA awards system.
MORE: Japan horse racing guide
The annual JRA Awards, which recognise horses, trainers, jockeys and other individuals and organisations for their outstanding performances or achievements during the thoroughbred racing season, were presented to the winners at a ceremony in Tokyo on January 26.
Best Miler Jantar Mantar and Best Steeplechase Horse Ecoro Duel were unanimous selections, while several juvenile and filly categories narrowly missed unanimous backing. A Special Award will be presented to Calandagan for his record-setting Japan Cup triumph.
Among trainers, Haruki Sugiyama led the honours, while Christophe Lemaire swept the flat-racing jockey titles and secured his third Grand Prize.
Lemaire’s victory came about with 140 wins for the season, with this his third successive win in the top jockeys category, and the eighth time he has been crowned the winner.
During the season, the champion Frenchman reached 2000 JRA wins, becoming the first foreigner to do so. He also secured the Jockey Grand Prize after recording most wins, highest winning percentage and highest earnings.
