Romantic Warrior narrowly beaten in epic Saudi Cup finish
Hong Kong's champion galloper almost claimed the world's richest race on his dirt debut, but was denied by Japan's Forever Young
by Jay Rooney on Sunday, February 23, 2025 8:11 AM Forever Young narrowly denies Romantic Warrior (inside) in a pulsating finish to the 2025 Saudi Cup. Photo: Alex Evers/HKJC
Champion Hong Kong galloper Romantic Warrior fell narrowly short of conquering the world's richest race when a close second to Forever Young in the US$20 million Saudi Cup (1,800m) in the early hours of Sunday morning Hong Kong time.
After sweeping to the lead on the turn, Romantic Warrior appeared set to claim an 11th Group One on his dirt debut, but Japanese dirt star Forever Young rallied to get the better of Danny Shum Chap-shing's superstar in an epic finish.
'We all did our best,' Shum said.
'I hope to win every time, but racing is racing. As long as he tries his best and it's a really good race – I think most of the people enjoyed the race.
'It's a good run for his first time on the dirt, only beaten by Forever Young. He is a top dirt horse, and he was only beaten by a head – it's a good run.' — Racing TV (@RacingTV) February 22, 2025
Jockey James McDonald was proud of Romantic Warrior's fighting performance.
'He was gallant in defeat. We had a great pitch in behind and he got a little bit of kickback, so I thought I'll get him into clear air and he made ground just beautifully,' the Kiwi said.
'He went through his paces really nicely all the way to the line and I can safely say I wasn't stopping. I did not alter my stride pace at all.
'Of course, I'm gutted he got beaten tonight but he went down on his sword that's for sure and made one hell of a race out of it.'
Shum confirmed Romantic Warrior's next target will be the Group One Dubai Turf (1,800m) on the Meydan turf in April.
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