In the dirt racing world, Forever Young and jockey Sakai are considered the world’s best. They were the overwhelming favorites. Due to armed clashes with Iran, air-raid sirens sounded at night and drone activity was confirmed, creating a tense atmosphere on site. On race day, the stands were nearly empty, a scene symbolizing a wartime Dubai. Even so, Japanese fans had placed their hopes on one absolute champion. That horse was Forever Young, who had become the undisputed world’s strongest dirt horse after becoming the first Japanese horse to win the Breeders’ Cup Classic in the United States last autumn. As the reigning champion, many believed this year—after finishing third in this race last year—would finally bring victory. As the gates opened, Forever Young settled into an ideal position in second place, tracking the leader. He followed the front-runner Magnitude within striking distance throughout the race and, entering the final straight, responded to Sakai’s strong urging to accelerate. However, he was unable to catch the horse in front. The result: second place. Once again, the Dubai crown slipped away.