Romantic Warrior was all heart as he courageously went down in a storybook finish with Japan’s Forever Young in the US$20 million (approx. HK$156.43 million) 2025 G1 Saudi Cup (1800m, dirt) at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Facing his biggest challenge yet in his first start on dirt as a 10-time Group 1 winner on turf in Hong Kong, Australia, Japan and the United Arab Emirates, Romantic Warrior broke from draw three under jockey James McDonald to sit behind leader Walk Of Stars.

The seven-year-old led until the final 50m of the world’s richest race as Forever Young wore down Hong Kong’s Horse of the Year (2023/24) in a rallying 1m 49.09s – a stakes-record time – with jockey Ryusei Sakai for trainer Yoshito Yahagi.

After fighting out one of world racing’s most epic finishes, Romantic Warrior next ships to Meydan for the US$6 million (approx. HK$46.62 million) Dubai Turf on 5 April on Dubai World Cup Night – the third and final stop on his daring Middle East campaign.

Click here to relive the excitement of 'Romantic Warrior' at the Saudi Cup, or here for more stories of our Hong Kong Champion.