ROMANTIC WARRIOR once again proved why he is regarded as one of the world’s finest racehorses with a commanding performance in the G1 Jebel Hatta, presented by Longines, at Meydan’s Fashion Friday meeting at Dubai Racing Club. The nine-time G1 winner, already the world’s highest-earning racehorse, faced a formidable challenge during the 1800-metre turf race but displayed his trademark brilliance to claim victory here on Friday.
MEASURED TIME appeared poised for a major upset after establishing a ten-length lead mid-race. However, jockey James McDonald remained composed, gradually urging ROMANTIC WARRIOR to close the gap. With an effortless turn of foot, the Hong Kong superstar swept past his rivals, crossing the finish line four and a half lengths ahead of POKER FACE, with HOLLOWAY BOY taking third. Tragically, the race was overshadowed by the loss of MEASURED TIME, who suffered a fatal injury just before the finish.
Trainer Danny Shum, relieved yet somber, lauded ROMANTIC WARRIOR’s exceptional qualities. “He’s talented, smart, and easy to look after,” Shum said. “He’s one of the best in the world and has a great turn of foot.” Looking ahead, Shum remains cautious about a Saudi Cup tilt due to the challenges of racing on dirt. Jockey McDonald echoed his praise, calling ROMANTIC WARRIOR a “superstar” with a tremendous will to win.
The evening also saw thrilling upsets and standout performances, beginning with the shock victory of KING GOLD in the G3 Firebreak Stakes. In a dramatic finish, Adrie de Vries guided KING GOLD to his first dirt win, edging past LAUREL RIVER, the reigning Dubai World Cup champion, who had set a blistering pace but tired late. Marine Henry, assistant to trainer Nicolas Caullery, expressed disbelief at the win, calling it a “dream result.” Despite the defeat, LAUREL RIVER remains on track for the Saudi Cup.
In the G3 Al Shindagha Sprint, TUZ extended his winning streak to four, displaying his usual dominance under jockey Tadhg O’Shea. Securing a three-and-a-quarter-length victory, the reigning G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen champion further cemented his status as a top sprinter. O’Shea praised TUZ as “a machine” and a “jockey’s dream.”
European success came in the G2 Blue Point Sprint, where three-year-old WEST ACRE broke the track record with a late surge to deny PONNTOS. Trainer George Scott hailed the lightly raced gelding’s performance and announced plans to target the Nad Al Sheba Turf Sprint and Al Quoz Sprint later in the season.
GOLDEN VEKOMA showcased his class with a decisive win in the G3 UAE 2000 Guineas. Trained by Ahmad Bin Harmash and ridden by Connor Beasley, the colt overcame a late challenge from HEART OF HONOR and is now set to contest the Saudi Derby. Beasley described GOLDEN VEKOMA as a horse with unlimited potential, saying, “The world’s his oyster.”
Jockey James McDonald, fresh from his victory aboard ROMANTIC WARRIOR, enjoyed a Meydan treble that included wins on MARBAAN in the G2 Al Fahidi Fort and KEFFAAF in the G3 Al Khail Trophy. McDonald’s impeccable timing and skill solidified his reputation as the world’s best jockey.
Finally, Arabian star UNLEASHED dazzled in the G1 Al Maktoum Challenge R2, breaking his own track record under Richie Mullen. Dominating the 1900-metre contest, the six-year-old looks poised for further glory in the Kahayla Classic.
As the Dubai Racing Carnival unfolds, the spotlight remains firmly on the world-class talent competing at Meydan. Next week’s feature, the G3 Dubai Millennium Stakes, promises another chapter in this thrilling festival of global racing excellence.
