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| Staff Writer |
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Romantic Warrior, the world's highest-earning racehorse, is settling into his new surroundings at Dubai Racing Club as trainer Danny Shum prepares for an ambitious three-race Middle East campaign.
The 6YO gelding, who has amassed earnings of US$22.82 million, is adapting well to the facilities, with Shum receiving daily updates from his team.
"He's good. Our team has sent videos of him swimming and at the track with Romantic Charm [companion horse]. The horse is very happy — the facilities are great, it has a huge training track, and the stables are very good," Shum said. "They've been very good; we even had a police escort."
The nine-time Group One winner is targeting Gr.1 Jebel Hatta (1800m) at Meydan on 24 January, where he'll face Measured Time, who recently set a new track record. The Charlie Appleby-trained challenger, ridden by William Buick, became the first dual winner of the Gr.2 Al Rashidiya last Friday, clocking 1m 45.11s to better Just A Way's 2014 mark.
Following the Jebel Hatta, Romantic Warrior will head to Saudi Arabia for the Gr.1 Saudi Cup (1800m, dirt) at Riyadh on 22 February. His Middle East venture will conclude with either the Gr.1 Dubai World Cup (2000m, dirt) or Gr.1 Dubai Turf (1800m) at Meydan on 5 April.
The Hong Kong International Sale graduate has proven his international credentials with victories in Australia's Gr.1 W.S. Cox Plate and Japan's Gr.1 Yasuda Kinen. His most recent triumph came in an unprecedented third LONGINES Hong Kong Cup, adding to his three FWD QEII Cup victories.
Shum is maintaining close oversight of his stable star's preparation, noting: "Every night my team takes a photo of him for me. They go back to the stables and check on him — every night we get an update."
The trainer will join his charge in Dubai on 19 January, accompanied by jockey James McDonald after racing at Sha Tin. A crucial turf gallop is scheduled for 21 January, three days before the Jebel Hatta challenge.
This comprehensive update on Romantic Warrior's campaign in the Middle East reflects the growing international presence of Hong Kong-trained horses on the global stage, with his connections aiming to add to an already impressive resume that includes 17 wins from 22 starts.