Forever Young (11-8F) reeled in Hong Kong superstar Romantic Warrior in the final few strides to get the better of a truly epic duel for the Saudi Cup in Riyadh.
The pair dominated the betting for the nine-furlong showpiece, with the Japanese runner Forever Young already proven on a dirt track with placed finishes in the Kentucky Derby and Breeders' Cup Classic – while in contrast Romantic Warrior was taking a step into the unknown on the surface.
It looked as though James McDonald had made a winning move aboard the Danny Shum-trained Romantic Warrior – the world’s highest-earning racehorse – when he switched five wide on the bend and set sail for home.
Forever Young was caught for pace as Romantic Warrior accelerated in tremendous fashion, but entering the final furlong Forever Young was gaining with every stride, eventually just putting his head in front on the line to secure top honours in the world’s most valuable race.
Yahagi – whose exploits on the international stage need no introduction and who was successful with Shin Emperor earlier on the Saudi Cup card – said: "It’s unbelievable how he is so good. Unbelievable!
"Of course Romantic Warrior is such a strong horse and we respect him, but our horse was better today.
"I was believing he’d still come back to pass Romantic Warrior.
"He loves travelling and I love travel too!"
The Japanese dominated the supporting races on the card as Oisin Murphy reaped the benefits when landing the Longines Red Sea Turf aboard Byzantine Dream (16-1).
The chestnut was making his first start outside of his homeland for trainer Tomoyasu Sakaguchi, teaming up with Murphy for the Group Two prize.
The duo took up the lead within the final two furlongs and though David O'Meara’s Epic Poet was finishing fast, Byzantine Dream held on to score by a length and a quarter.
Murphy said: "He broke OK but I thought there would be a reasonable amount of pace and they went quicker than I expected.
"He felt super under me yesterday morning, although I only had about two hours of sleep when I got on him, but it was worth it.
"These are very famous colours (owner Kazumi Yoshida) and it was great to wear them and get on him. He had a good run in the Japanese St Leger, only beaten four lengths, and that was good enough here.
"He has a great turn of foot and I never had to touch his mouth on the run around and that always helps. From the time they went by the winning post the first time, as long as I did everything right from there he was going to win."
Shin Emperor (5-6F) also flew the flag for Japan to take the highly valuable Howden Neom Turf Cup for Saudi Cup-winning duo of trainer Yoshito Yahagi and jockey Ryusei Sakai.
The performance was a first run since November last year for the full-brother to the 2020 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner Sottsass and he sauntered to an easy length-and-a-quarter success from Fawzi Nass’ Calif.
Haunted Dream was fourth for Hamah Al Jehani, with Richard Fahey’s Spirit Dancer just coming home in the money in sixth place and Joseph O’Brien’s duo of Al Riffa and Trustyourinstinct third and eighth respectively.
Yahagi said: "Shin Emperor was definitely the best horse in the field. For our strategy, as long as he jumped well, he would take the lead to avoid some disadvantages or interference.
"With 200 metres remaining, I was convinced he would win. In consideration of today’s track condition and bias, we thought the front position would be advantageous.
"Right after the Japan Cup last year, we have been targeting this race. He is a very versatile type of horse and can handle any distance, so I would like to ask someone who can tell me which distance is the best for him.
"We will go to the Dubai Sheema Classic next but as for the further plan, we have to discuss with the owner. In my mind, I would like to go to Ascot and York."
Japan shone too in the 1351 Turf Sprint, where the first two horses home were bred and trained in Japanese stables.
In a thrilling finish it was Ascoli Piceno (2-1F) who prevailed for Yoichi Kuroiwa and Christophe Lemaire, coming home a head in front of Win Marvel for Masashi Fukayama and Kohei Matsuyama.
