@winningstride: 🏆 Can Forever Young Match a Record Only Tiznow Has Ever Achieved? By WinningStride Every Stride Tells a Story Since the Breeders’ Cup Classic began in 1984, some of the greatest Thoroughbreds in history have captured its prestigious title. But only one horse has ever won it twice. His name is Tiznow. On November 4, 2000, at Churchill Downs, Tiznow faced a talented field that included European star Giant’s Causeway. Under jockey Chris McCarron, Tiznow battled Albert the Great for the early lead before facing a relentless challenge from Giant’s Causeway in the stretch. The two fought fiercely toward the finish line, but Tiznow refused to surrender, prevailing by a neck. One year later, on October 27, 2001, Tiznow returned to defend his title at Belmont Park. It was an emotional afternoon for American racing, coming just weeks after the September 11 attacks. This time, his greatest challenge came from another European star, Sakhee. Sakhee swept to the front in the stretch and appeared headed for victory. But Tiznow fought back under McCarron, battling through the final strides to prevail by the narrowest of margins. A nose. As Tiznow crossed the finish line, announcer Tom Durkin delivered the unforgettable words: “Tiznow wins it for America!” Two consecutive Breeders’ Cup Classic victories. Two extraordinary stretch battles. One record that has stood alone since 2001. Now, 25 years later, Japan’s Forever Young has an opportunity to join him. After finishing third in the 2024 Classic, Forever Young returned to Del Mar on November 1, 2025, with unfinished business. Under jockey Ryusei Sakai, he raced close to the early pace, took command approaching the stretch, and opened a clear advantage. But the race was far from over. Sierra Leone, the horse who had defeated him in the previous year’s Classic, came charging from behind, closing relentlessly in the final strides. Forever Young held on by half a length, completing the 1 1/4 miles in 2:00.19 and becoming the first Japan-based horse to win the Breeders’ Cup Classic. His remarkable story continued in 2026. In February, Forever Young captured his second Saudi Cup, followed by a runner-up finish in the Dubai World Cup in March. Then, on September 18, he returned to American soil and dominated the Grade 1 Jockey Club Gold Cup at the newly reopened Belmont Park, winning by 3 1/4 lengths. Now, Forever Young is pre-entered to defend his title in the $7 million Breeders’ Cup Classic at Keeneland on October 31. A victory would make him only the second horse in the race’s history to win twice, regardless of whether those victories came in consecutive years. Tiznow accomplished the extraordinary in 2000 and 2001. Forever Young now has the opportunity to repeat that achievement in 2025 and 2026. Two champions. Two generations. One historic achievement. 🏇 Will Forever Young join Tiznow in the record books, or will Tiznow remain the only two-time Breeders’ Cup Classic winner? #BreedersCup #ForeverYoung #Tiznow #HorseRacing #WinningStride

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Thursday 22 October 2026 18:58:33 GMT