Commemorating 31 Years of Japan-U.S. Friendship and Exchange Event "Santa Anita Week" - Special Exhibition to Celebrate Forever Young's Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) Victory to be Held at TCK!!

Tokyo City Keiba (TCK) is pleased to announce that it will hold "Santa Anita Week," an event commemorating 31 years of friendly exchange with Santa Anita Park in the United States, during the 6th Ooi Race Meeting (July 20 - July 24).

As a special event during this period, a special exhibition will be held to honor the achievements of Forever Young, who won the world's highest-level dirt race, the Breeders' Cup (BC) Classic (G1). Visitors will be able to see the race trophy up close. Furthermore, on July 22 (Wed.), the day of the Santa Anita Trophy (SIII), a JRA Jockey Talk Stage will be held featuring trainer Yoshito Yahagi and jockeys Keita Tosaki and Ryusei Sakai, who have deep ties with TCK. We hope you will look forward to "Santa Anita Week" in 2026.

[Santa Anita Week Special Event]

Special Exhibition Commemorating Forever Young's BC Classic (G1) Victory

Forever Young has consistently performed well against world-class strong horses not only in Japan but also in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the United States. At TCK, the horse demonstrated overwhelming strength in the 2024 Japan Dirt Classic (JpnI) and Tokyo Daishoten (GI), leaving racing fans in awe. In 2025, the horse achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the first Japanese-trained horse to win the U.S. BC Classic (G1), etching its name in world racing history.

During this Santa Anita Week, in addition to valuable memorabilia such as Forever Young's saddle cloth, winner's wreath, and trophy from its BC Classic (G1) victory, panels featuring special columns by trainer Yoshito Yahagi and jockey Ryusei Sakai will be exhibited for five days.

Please come and experience firsthand the achievements of Forever Young, who has opened up new possibilities for Japanese horse racing.

Forever Young, winner of the BC Classic (G1) (Photo: Tomoya Moriai)

Date: July 20 (Mon, Hol) - July 24 (Fri)

Location: Ooi Racecourse, Special Booth

Exhibition Contents: Forever Young's BC Classic (G1) victory memorabilia (saddle cloth, winner's wreath, trophy, racing silks), special interview columns with trainer Yoshito Yahagi and jockey Ryusei Sakai (displayed as panels)

*Content is subject to change or cancellation without notice.

JRA Jockey Talk Stage

The JRA Jockey Talk Stage is an annual event held on the day of the Santa Anita Trophy (SIII) and is a highlight of Santa Anita Week. For the 2026 event, trainer Yoshito Yahagi, jockey Keita Tosaki, and jockey Ryusei Sakai will be on stage.

Trainer Yoshito Yahagi and jockey Ryusei Sakai, as the horse's trainer and primary jockey respectively, have boldly challenged major races both domestically and internationally, thrilling TCK with their victories in the 2024 Japan Dirt Classic (JpnI) and Tokyo Daishoten (GI). In 2025, they guided the same horse to victory in its second attempt at the BC Classic (G1), marking their names in racing history.

Jockey Keita Tosaki also showcased his talent on the world stage last year, winning the Dubai Sheema Classic (G1) with Danon the Kid, and his memorable quote praising the horse became a topic of conversation throughout Japan. In 2026, his victories in the Haneda Hai (JpnI) and Tokyo Derby (JpnI) with Finger are still fresh in memory, while he has also expanded his activities as a YouTuber and published his first book.

We invite you to pay close attention to what these three individuals, who have made history in world horse racing, will discuss at TCK, which can be considered the roots of their careers as horsemen.

Trainer Yoshito Yahagi, Jockey Keita Tosaki, Jockey Ryusei Sakai, Mr. Hisatsugu Shimizu

Date: July 22 (Wed)

Location: Ooi Racecourse, Twinkle Stage

Performers: Trainer Yoshito Yahagi, Jockey Keita Tosaki, Jockey Ryusei Sakai, Hisatsugu Shimizu (Moderator)

Schedule: <1st Session> After Ooi Race 7 results are confirmed (around 18:10) -

<2nd Session> After Ooi Race 8 results are confirmed (around 18:45) -

*Content is subject to change or cancellation without notice.

★Other events planned for Santa Anita Week will be announced separately as they are finalized.★

[Reference: About Friendly Exchange with Santa Anita Park]

TCK established a friendly exchange agreement with Santa Anita Park in California, USA, in 1995. Since then, the "Santa Anita Trophy (SIII)" has been held at Ooi Racecourse, and the "TOKYO CITY CUP (L)" at Santa Anita Park as exchange races. In addition to exchanges of people and horses, the two racecourses have contributed to development by providing mutual inspiration in areas such as race systems and customer service.

Furthermore, since 2019, we have been offered a maximum of two slots for TCK-affiliated horses to participate in the "Santa Anita Derby (G1)," a key step race in the North American Classics. In 2023, Mandarin Hero, with TCK's support for its overseas campaign, finished second in the race and subsequently competed in the "Kentucky Derby (G1)." In 2026, support will also be expanded for overseas participation in the "Santa Anita Handicap (G1)," the highest-level race for older horses.

TCK will continue to deepen its friendly exchange with Santa Anita Park and convey the charm of TCK and horse racing to people in both Japan and the United States.

Mandarin Hero (2023 Santa Anita Derby)