Romantic Warrior Brave Second in G1 Dubai World Turf

Tara Madgwick - Sunday April 6

James McDonald ditched the first day of The Championships at Randwick on Saturday in favour of partnering Hong Kong superstar and Cox Plate hero Romantic Warrior (IRE) in the Group I Dubai World Cup Turf (1m1f) at Meydan overnight and again the formidable partnership had to bow to the Japanese.

Just as happened in the Saudi Cup last month, Romantic Warrior kicked away and looked set to win before being run down late by a Japanese raider and this time it was Soul Rush, who beat him by a nose.

Too cruel, Soul Rush beats a brave Romantic Warrior by a nose - image Grant Courtney

The Champion Miler in Japan in 2024, Soul Rush has the impressive record of nine wins and seven placings from 25 starts.

Long shot Hit Show denies Frankie Dettori a Dubai World Cup win on runner-up Mixto - image Grant Courtney

The showpiece race on the card, the Dubai World Cup (1m2f) on dirt saw Saudi Cup winner Forever Young start favourite, but he too was beaten finishing third to the US entry Hit Show, a rank outside rat 66-1.

Advertisement

A multiple Group winner going into the race, the son of Candy Ride claimed a first G1 win for the Brad Cox stable.

Other feature winners at Meydan below with all images by Grant Courtney.

Japanese again with Danon Decile (Epiphaneia) winning G1 Sheema Classic on turf.

Dubai Future (Dubawi) wins G2 Dubai Gold Cup for Godolphin.

Believing (Mehmas) wins G1 Al Quoz Turf Sprint for Coolmore partners, George Boughey the trainer.

Raging Torrent (Maximus Mischief) wins G2 Godolphin Dirt Mile in the Yulong colours with Frankie Dettori on board.

Advertisment
More Reading...
G1 Blue Diamond Plan for Home Affairs Colt
The much-anticipated debut of Home Affairs colt Guest House lived up to expectation at Cranbourne on Saturday when the powerhouse youngster overcame trouble to win the $150,000 Clamms Seafood Handicap (1000m) for the Price Kent stable.
Back to Back G3 Summer Cup Wins for Tavi Time – Half-Brother K1
Kiwi bred Tavistock gelding Tavi Time made it back to back wins in the $250,000 Group III ATC Summer Cup at Randwick on Boxing Day (2000m) putting the spotlight on his half-brother headed to Karaka Book 1 for Pencarrow Stud.
Vale, Ghibellines
White Robe Lodge has announced the death of proven stallion Ghibellines.
Sires With Winners - Friday December 26
Here is the full list of 103 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Hidden Wealth Shoulders 60kgs To Listed Falvelon Win
Weight can sometimes stop a train, but Tony Gollan’s Better Than Ready gelding carried top weight to victory in Saturday’s $200,000 Listed BRC Magic Millions Falvelon (1200m) at Eagle Farm with the win securing the gelding automatic entry to the $1m Magic Millions Snippets (1200m) on January 17.
Half-Sister to G1 Winner Grail Seeker Scores at Cranbourne
Well-related mare Watersports added a second win to her record with a track-record-breaking victory in the A$80,000 Big Swing Golf Handicap (1500m) at Cranbourne on Saturday.
Sires With Winners - Saturday December 27
Here is the full list of 88 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Second Black Type Victory For Darby Owned Amor Victorious
Successful in the G2 Shannon Stakes last year, the Bjorn Baker trained Amor Victorious has been contesting stronger races of late and a drop in class to the $200,000 Listed BRC Seven Members Mile (1600m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday resulted in victory.
Karaka Graduate Klabel Wins Listed Christmas Handicap
New Zealand-bred gelding Klabel capped a consistent run of form with a welcome return to the winners’ circle in the A$120,000 Listed Adelaide Galvanising Industries Christmas Handicap (1200m) at Morphettville on Saturday.
Written By 2YO Wins for Waterhouse Bott – Half-Sister MM 2026
The Waterhouse Bott stable have had plenty of success with juveniles by Widden Stud’s Written By claiming Group wins with the likes of Straight Charge, The Playwright and The Novelist and they unleashed a talented debut winner by the same sire at Randwick on Saturday in By Choice.