The renowned racehorse, Romantic Warrior, under the guidance of trainer Danny Shum, has completed its final preparatory exercise at Meydan, in anticipation of the highly anticipated G1 Dubai Turf, scheduled for this coming Saturday, April 5th. With regular jockey James McDonald in the saddle, the champion thoroughbred engaged in a light workout alongside a stable companion, Romantic Charm. Shum expressed his satisfaction with the horse’s condition, noting that McDonald delivered a highly encouraging report after the session, highlighting the horse’s exceptional fitness and apparent contentment in the Dubai environment.
Looking back on Romantic Warrior’s recent victory in the G1 Jebel Hatta, achieved with a record-breaking time, Shum suggested that the horse was not yet at its peak fitness during that race, emphasizing the impressive nature of the performance. With a remarkable record of 18 wins from 24 starts and a record-setting accumulation of prize money for a Hong Kong-based horse, Romantic Warrior now has the opportunity to surpass the legendary Golden Sixty’s record for the most Group 1 wins.
Despite a close second-place finish in the G1 Saudi Cup, where the horse still managed to set a new track record, Romantic Warrior has adapted well to the Meydan racecourse. Shum conveyed his feelings about the Saudi Cup race, acknowledging the superior performance of the winning horse and the substantial distance between the second and third-place finishers. When discussing the upcoming Dubai Turf, Shum recognized the formidable challenge posed by the strong contingent of Japanese horses, including notable competitors. He places trust in McDonald’s skill and adaptability to navigate the race, emphasizing the horse’s inherent speed and versatility.
A substantial bonus is available to Romantic Warrior should it emerge victorious in the Dubai Turf, where it will face formidable opponents, including the previous year’s winner and a powerful group of Japanese runners. The race is scheduled for the late evening in Hong Kong. In addition, John Size’s trained horse, Howdeepisyourlove, will participate in the G1 Al Quoz Sprint, seeking to continue Hong Kong’s winning streak in this event. Also, James McDonald, will also ride Sword point, in the Godolphin Mile.
