Forever Young, who triumphed in the Grade 1 Jockey Club Gold Cup on September 18, secured the highest number of first-place votes in the newest NTRA Top Thoroughbred Poll. The 5-year-old colt, trained by Yoshito Yahagi, now holds second place with 13 out of 30 first-place votes and a total of 250 points.
This victory marked Forever Young’s third race of the year and his first start since finishing second behind Magnitude in the Grade 1 Dubai World Cup. Earlier in 2026, he successfully defended his title in the G1 Saudi Cup, starting the year strong.
Sovereignty, the winner of the G1 Whitney Stakes, remains the poll leader with 12 first-place votes and 262 points. Although his only win this year is the 1 ⅛-mile Whitney, he has also placed third in the G1 Stephen Foster and second in the G2 Oaklawn Handicap.
Third place goes to Knightsbridge, who won the G1 Pacific Classic by a commanding 6 ¼ lengths and received two first-place votes. At five years old, Knightsbridge boasts four wins and one second place from six races this year, including impressive victories in the G3 Monmouth Cup and two G3 events at Gulfstream Park.
In fourth, Mark Casse’s trainee Nitrogen is favored for the upcoming G2 Beldame Stakes at Belmont Park on September 25. The 4-year-old filly by Medaglia d’Oro has earned wins in the G1 Ogden Phipps and G3 Bayakoa Stakes, as well as placing in several top-level races against male competitors.
Rounding out the top five is Magnitude from Winchell Thoroughbred, with three first-place votes. Despite suffering his first 2026 defeat with a sixth-place finish in the G1 Whitney, the 4-year-old Not This Time colt boasts significant wins in the G1 Stephen Foster, G1 Dubai World Cup, and G3 Razorback Handicap earlier this year.
Other contenders receiving votes include Leading Change, Burnham Square, Napoleon Solo, Ways And Means, The Puma, Fully Subscribed, Tiffany, Counting Stars, Explora, Survie, Luster, Tam Tam, Caroline St Beat, Baeza, and Nysos.
The NTRA Top Thoroughbred Poll highlights the leading candidates for Horse of the Year and will wrap up on November 3, following the Breeders’ Cup World Championships.
This article was first published by Paulick Report on September 22, 2026.
Fan Take: This update is crucial for horse racing enthusiasts as it highlights emerging champions and thrilling rivalries shaping the 2026 season. Tracking these top thoroughbreds not only fuels fan excitement but also sets the stage for compelling showdowns at the Breeders’ Cup, which could define the sport’s future stars.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
