Seven Saudi Rival for Romantic Warrior

Romantic Warrior, Danny Shum’s celebrated globetrotter, is set to compete in the AED1.85 million (approx. HK$3.92 million) G1 Jebel Hatta (1800m) at Meydan Racecourse, Dubai, on Friday night (24 January). The world’s top-earning racehorse, boasting HK$177.3 million in career earnings, will face seven challengers, including defending champion and course record-holder Measured Time, trained by Charlie Appleby. Appleby, aiming for a fifth Jebel Hatta title since 2016, also saddles Ottoman Fleet, while jockey William Buick will seek a fifth win in the race aboard dual Group 1 winner Measured Time. Romantic Warrior, fresh off a record-setting third consecutive win in the HK$40 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin, is also prepping for the G1 Saudi Cup (1800m, dirt) in Riyadh on 22 February. Other contenders on Friday include Ancient Rome, Holloway Boy, Poker Face, Royal Dubai, and San Donato. On Tuesday, James McDonald piloted Romantic Warrior through a light training session at Meydan, with the horse effortlessly pulling clear of his stablemate, Romantic Charm, in the final 200m. “He was really good, had only a light piece of work and breezed home nicely,” McDonald commented. “He’s in good form.” Shum has successfully guided Romantic Warrior through international campaigns, including victories in the 2023 G1 W.S. Cox Plate (2040m) and the 2024 G1 Yasuda Kinen (1600m). Confident in his charge’s condition, Shum remarked, “It’s almost the same, not much difference. He’s good, healthy, happy, and strong. He’s now used to all the trips overseas. He’s a tough horse.” The highly anticipated Jebel Hatta marks Romantic Warrior’s latest challenge as he seeks his 18th career win. McDonald is also slated for three additional rides at Meydan on Friday