Romantic Warrior suffered the most agonising defeat of his extraordinary career at Meydan on Saturday night, going down to Soul Rush by the narrowest of margins in the Group One Dubai Turf (1,800m).
Trainer Danny Shum Chap-shing and jockey James McDonald were visibly shattered after the defeat was confirmed following an excruciating wait for the result of the photo.
“He’s had a long campaign. He ran his heart out,” was all McDonald could manage as he came to terms with the shock loss.
A red-hot favourite to snare his 11th Group One success, Romantic Warrior jumped beautifully and travelled sweetly outside leader Meisho Tabaru.
Oh, my ....
— Dubai Racing Club (@RacingDubai) April 5, 2025
𝐒𝐎𝐔𝐋 𝐑𝐔𝐒𝐇 dramatically lowers the colours of 𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐂 𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐑𝐈𝐎𝐑 in the @DPWorldUAE Dubai Turf! 🇯🇵#DWC25 | @emirates pic.twitter.com/jnEsxiomts
Urged to the lead at the 350m, Romantic Warrior looked to have Soul Rush’s measure for much of the home straight but the Japanese galloper found enough to get his nostril in front when it mattered.
The loss brings to an end Romantic Warrior’s arduous Middle Eastern mission, which began with an electric victory in the Group One Jebel Hatta (1,800m) at Meydan in January.
The seven-year-old then produced a heroic second behind Forever Young in a Group One Saudi Cup (1,800m) for the ages – an effort which must surely have had some impact on the champion galloper and makes his Dubai Turf effort even more admirable.
Saturday night’s runner-up effort pushes Romantic Warrior’s already world-record earnings past HK$214 million and the galloper will now be given a rest until next season.
The win of Soul Rush was part of a big Dubai World Cup night for Japan, with Admire Daytona (Group Two UAE Derby) and Danon Decile (Group One Dubai Sheema Classic) also prevailing.
