Romantic Warrior will face only seven rivals when Danny Shum’s globetrotter contests the AED1.85 million (approx. HK$3.92 million) G1 Jebel Hatta (1800m) at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai on Friday night (24 January).
The world’s highest-earning racehorse will challenge last season’s Jebel Hatta winner and 1800m course record-holder Measured Time, who will bid to give trainer Charlie Appleby his fifth victory in the race since 2016.
Appleby will also field Ottoman Fleet on Friday night, aiming to give Godolphin its tenth Jebel Hatta triumph, while jockey William Buick is attempting to snare his fifth Jebel Hatta victory on dual Group 1 victor Measured Time.
Preparing for the G1 Saudi Cup (1800m, dirt) in Riyadh on 22 February, Romantic Warrior will also face Ancient Rome, Holloway Boy, Poker Face, Royal Dubai and San Donato on Friday in quest of an 18th win.
The earner of a record HK$177.3 million, Romantic Warrior worked at Meydan this morning (Tuesday, 21 January) under James McDonald, effortlessly cruising clear of stable companion and workmate Romantic Charm over the final 200m.
“He was really good, had only a light piece of work and breezed home nicely, so very happy,” McDonald said. “He was just breezing – not fast for him. He’s really good – (in) good form.
“He’s obviously got a big challenge ahead, but he’s in good form.”
Romantic Warrior has not raced since recording a record third consecutive win in the HK$40 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin on 8 December.
McDonald is expected to have three other rides at Meydan on Friday.
Shum, who has successfully campaigned Romantic Warrior in Australia and Japan with victories in the 2023 G1 W.S. Cox Plate (2040m) and the 2024 G1 Yasuda Kinen (1600m), is pleased with his charge’s preparation.
“It’s almost the same, not much difference,” Shum said when asked to compare previous overseas ventures. “He’s good, healthy, happy and strong. He’s now used to all the trips overseas. He’s a tough horse.
“He has our stable team and Romantic Charm with him, so he understands he is safe. The idea of his work under James is just to get him used to the turf. He is good.”
The barrier draw for the Jebel Hatta will be announced tomorrow (Wednesday, 22 January).
By Leo Schlink
