James McDonald believes ROMANTIC WARRIOR (IRE) has what it takes to shine on dirt as the multiple Group 1 winner gears up for the USD $20 million Saudi Cup in Riyadh next Saturday. The Sydney-based jockey, who has steered the Hong Kong champion to nine elite-level victories, acknowledges the switch in surface presents a new challenge but remains quietly confident in the horse’s ability to adapt.
“It’s an interesting one, and I probably know as much as everyone else because he’s pretty untried on dirt,” McDonald admitted on the Nick Luck Daily Podcast. “The one thing we’re grasping onto is that he has trialled really well in Hong Kong on dirt. I know it’s a completely different surface, but he’s gone particularly well on it, and that gives us a little inkling that he might adapt pretty well.”
McDonald, who has formed a formidable partnership with the Danny Shum-trained star, believes ROMANTIC WARRIOR possesses the attributes needed to make a successful transition. “If there’s one horse in the world who I think can transfer his turf form to dirt, it’s him. He’s got an incredible heart, an incredible will to win, and a great racing style. I’m quietly confident he’ll handle it, and if he does, he’s going to be one hell of a horse to beat.”
ROMANTIC WARRIOR has been preparing for this test since December, based in Dubai following his track-record win in the JEBEL HATTA. The seven-year-old touched down in Saudi Arabia on Monday, and early signs suggest he has traveled well. “He arrived at the same weight, only left one pound of feed, and trotted up sound,” McDonald reported. “Danny said he normally leaves a dipper on the first day, so he’s taken the journey well.”
The Peter Lau-owned gelding has already conquered elite company across Hong Kong, Japan, Australia, and Dubai, though McDonald admits his enthusiasm can sometimes spill over. “He’s a very enthusiastic horse but has an extremely good temperament. He can get overexcited at times, and we saw that in Dubai. Everyone was a little worried before that race because he was very on his toes. It was the same in Japan, but in Hong Kong, he’s an absolute lamb,” he said.
While Shum has praised the deep connection between jockey and horse, McDonald downplays his role. “Anyone could strap themselves to this horse and be pretty successful. Every time I get on him, I feel like he’s unbeatable—he just gives you that feeling, and that’s incredible going into these big races.”
Looking beyond Riyadh, the superstar galloper is set for a return to Meydan for the Dubai turf. But first, McDonald has a warning for his Saudi Cup rivals: “I just feel like he’s getting better and better, so there’s no reason why he can’t be the horse to beat in Saudi, and then the one to beat back in Dubai. He’s still on an upward spiral and at the peak of his powers.”
