<p>The 2025 Breeders' Cup at Del Mar witnessed a pair of landmark triumphs as <strong>Willie Mullins</strong> added to his legendary status with a course-record victory in the Turf, while Japan celebrated a maiden success in the prestigious Classic.</p> <h2>Forever Young Delivers Historic Japanese Breakthrough</h2> <p>In the meeting's marquee event,<strong> Forever Young</strong> created history by becoming the first Japanese-trained horse to capture the Breeders' Cup Classic.</p> <p>The Saudi Cup champion, partnered by jockey<strong> Ryusei Sakai</strong> and prepared by trainer <strong>Yoshito Yahagi</strong>, held off defending champion<strong> Sierra Leone</strong> and<strong> Fierceness</strong> to claim the crown.</p> <p>Yahagi put the achievement into perspective when describing the magnitude of the victory, comparing it to Japan's national football team lifting the World Cup trophy. Forever Young had finished third in last year's renewal, making this year's breakthrough even sweeter for connections.</p> <h2>Ethical Diamond Stuns Field in Record-Breaking Performance</h2> <p>The fairytale weekend continued with<strong> Ethical Diamond's</strong> sensational late charge in the Breeders' Cup Turf, delivering more than £2 million to the winner and cementing <strong>Willie Mullins'</strong> reputation beyond jump racing.</p> <p>The 20-1 outsider, who built his early career competing over hurdles before transitioning to the Flat, unleashed a powerful finishing kick down the outside under jockey<strong> Dylan Browne McMonagle</strong>. The performance eclipsed rivals <strong>Rebel's Romance</strong> (second) and <strong>El Cordobes</strong> (third), while favourite <strong>Minnie Hauk</strong> failed to factor in the finish.</p> <p>Ethical Diamond's triumph followed his impressive Ebor Handicap success at York in August, proving his class at the highest level on American soil.</p> <p>For Mullins, the 69-year-old maestro better recognized for his dominance in National Hunt racing, the victory represents another milestone in a career filled with achievements. The Irishman secured Grand National glory with Nick Rockett in April, making 2025 a year to remember across both codes.</p> <p>When reflecting on his latest accomplishment, Mullins suggested only his National triumph with son Patrick aboard could surpass the emotions of this Breeders' Cup success, admitting he struggled to believe what had unfolded at Del Mar.</p> <p>The newly crowned Irish champion jockey McMonagle, just 22 years old, praised the training performance as one of the sport's biggest achievements. The HOS Syndicate, who own Ethical Diamond, are hoping for another major prize when <strong>Absurde </strong>contests the Melbourne Cup for Mullins on Tuesday morning (04:00 GMT).</p> <h2>Appleby and Buick Continue Mile Dominance</h2> <p><strong>Notable Speech</strong> extended Godolphin trainer <strong>Charlie Appleby</strong> and jockey <strong>William Buick's</strong> remarkable run in the Breeders' Cup Mile, securing their fourth victory in the event over the past five years. The combination has proven virtually unstoppable in the prestigious one-mile contest.</p> <p>The meeting marked the end of an era for retiring jockey<strong> Frankie Dettori</strong>, whose final rides in the United States failed to produce a storybook ending.</p> <p>Dettori's best result came with a third-place finish aboard <strong>Khaadem</strong> in the Turf Sprint. The Italian veteran announced earlier in the week that he would conclude his American career at Del Mar before embarking on a farewell tour in South America.</p> <h2>British Jump Racing Returns with Championship Action</h2> <p>Across the Atlantic, the British jump racing season accelerated into high gear as<strong> Djelo</strong> edged out<strong> Pic D'Orhy</strong> in a thrilling finish to the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby. The victory belonged to trainer<strong> Venetia Williams </strong>and jockey<strong> Charlie Deutsch</strong>.</p> <p>Meanwhile, at Down Royal, <strong>Envoi Allen</strong> continued his remarkable career resurgence under jockey<strong> Darragh O'Keeffe</strong>, capturing a record third Champion Chase for trainer <strong>Henry de Bromhead</strong>. The triumph marked the 10-year-old's 10th career Grade One success, underlining his status as one of jump racing's most consistent performers.</p>