Romantic Warrior Wins G1 Jebel Hatta at Meydan

Romantic Warrior solidified his status as one of the world's premier racehorses by winning the Group 1 Jebel Hatta at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, clocking a new track record of 1:45.10. The seven-year-old gelding, trained by Danny Shum and ridden by James McDonald, surged to victory by 4½ lengths, marking his 10th Group 1 win and boosting his total earnings to nearly HK$180 million. Despite facing a 10-length deficit during the race, Romantic Warrior displayed remarkable adaptability, showcasing his ability to thrive under varying race conditions. However, the event was overshadowed by the tragic injury of Measured Time, who suffered a fatal breakdown just before the finish. Looking ahead, Romantic Warrior will tackle the dirt surface for the first time at the upcoming $20 million Saudi Cup on February 22. Both trainer and jockey expressed confidence in his abilities, although they acknowledged the uncertainty of his performance on dirt after successful trials in Hong Kong.