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| Staff Writer |
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Romantic Warrior could make a sensational return to Riyadh for another tilt at The Saudi Cup 2026 after his neck defeat in last weekend's US$20 million showpiece.
Trainer Danny Shum has left the door open for the Hong Kong star to contest the world's richest race again following his pulsating duel with Forever Young at King Abdulaziz Racecourse.
The 10-time Gr.1 winner went down fighting after an epic battle with the Japanese raider in the straight, with the pair drawing more than 10 lengths clear of last year's runner-up Ushba Tesoro.
"It was a great run and for the next 10 years they will be talking about what a great race The Saudi Cup 2025 was," said Shum.
"The horse is fine since the race and he recovered fast and has eaten well. He is already back to his normal body weight and seems very happy in himself."
While Romantic Warrior's long-term future was initially expected to be in Hong Kong, such was the thrilling nature of The Saudi Cup finish that Shum is contemplating a return to the Middle East next year.
"It depends," explained Shum. "Next year Romantic Warrior will be 8YO and Forever Young a 5YO so it will be more difficult, but I am not saying no. I am open to the possibility.
"We will take in the Group Two in November and then the Hong Kong Cup and see then if he takes the same plane and goes to Dubai with the same plan. We will know more after the Hong Kong runs."
The three-times Hong Kong Cup hero has returned to Dubai, where he has been based since December, and will now target the Dubai Turf at Meydan Racecourse on April 5, having already won the Jebel Hatta there.
A trip to Japan could follow, potentially in a repeat bid for the Yasuda Kinen which Romantic Warrior claimed last June under James McDonald, who was again in the saddle at Riyadh.
"I am still talking to the Japanese Racing Authority and the Hong Kong agricultural department about the possibility of going to Japan, but it will depend on quarantine," Shum added.
"I'd like to maybe go there but if not we will go back to Hong Kong for the Group Two and then the Hong Kong Cup."