James McDonald and Romantic Warrior after their 2023 Cox Plate victory. (Image: Racing Photos)
He’s conquered Melbourne and Tokyo, now Hong Kong champion Romantic Warrior has his sights set on a mission in the Middle East in 2025.
Trainer Danny Shum has confirmed his intentions to test the 2023 Cox Plate winner on dirt in the world’s richest race in Riyadh in February before running him on the same surface at Meydan in April, which could then lead to another trip to Japan.
“I will run him in the Saudi Cup and then in the Dubai World Cup,” Shum told the Hong Kong Jockey Club on Tuesday.
“I am talking to the JRA (Japan Racing Association) already to see whether I can send him straight to Japan from Dubai. It’s very exciting and it will be a very long trip – it will take five to six months.”
Before his next international adventure, Romantic Warrior is due to make his return to racing on November 17 in the G2 Jockey Club Cup in preparation for a history making tilt at a third G1 Hong Kong Cup in December.
The eight-time group one winner warmed up for his latest racing campaign with a barrier trial at Sha Tin on Tuesday, where he was ridden by regular seat warmer, Hugh Bowman.
“He’s been relaxed since the Yasuda Kinen,” Shum said.
“It was a good trial, Hugh is happy with him, too. It’s just a trial to remind him that the race is coming soon.”
WATCH: Romantic Warrior’s barrier trial on Tuesday