The 2024 JRA Awards Selection Committee convened on January 7 at JRA Headquarters in Minato City, Tokyo, where the new dirt king Forever Young earned votes in three categories, Best 3-Year-Old Colt, Best Dirt Horse, and Horse of the Year, but ultimately went home without an official title, instead receiving the Special Award. Last year, Forever Young started the season with back-to-back victories in the Saudi Derby and UAE Derby, both overseas graded stakes. Although he finished third in both the Kentucky Derby in May and the Breeders' Cup Classic in November, he remained unbeaten domestically, claiming the inaugural Japan Dirt Classic and defeating older horses in the Tokyo Daishoten.

Trainer Yoshito Yahagi commented, "It's disappointing that he didn't win any of the category awards despite his accomplishments. Winning in Japan was gratifying, but perhaps he could not secure a victory in the U.S. that made the difference. This year, we aim to ensure he earns not just a Special Award but strives for Horse of the Year."

Forever Young is scheduled to begin his spring campaign in the Saudi Cup (February 22, King Abdulaziz Racecourse) before heading to the Dubai World Cup (April 5, Meydan).