Romantic Warrior left his workmate more than 100 meters behind in his final workout

The star runner, a top contender for the Dubai Turf (G1), left his jockey James McDonald in awe

Romantic Warrior is flying high, aiming for another G1 victory / DRC

DUBAI, UAE – (From a Special Correspondent) – In a normal year, James McDonald would have spent his Tuesday riding at Rosehill in Australia, where a G1 race day had been rescheduled.

Instead, while that meeting took place thousands of miles away, the New Zealand-born rider was at Meydan, guiding his longtime partner Romantic Warrior (Acclamation) through his final turf workout ahead of Saturday’s Dubai Turf (G1). It was the first time McDonald had been back aboard the Hong Kong superstar since their unforgettable stretch duel in the Saudi Cup (G1).

“He’s in fantastic shape—he hasn’t missed a step,” McDonald said. “The guys who look after him every day are really happy with him. He’s taken everything in stride.”

“I can feel he’s much more relaxed here in Dubai compared to Saudi Arabia. Obviously, he spent less time in Riyadh than he has here, so he’s had the chance to settle in. Even in his work, he’s calmer and more composed.”

At first glance, the morning gallop seemed like an easy cruise. Romantic Warrior floated over the Meydan turf, which has been his home for the past four months. But the clock told a different story.

He covered his final 400 meters in :23.34, closing his last 200 meters in a swift :11.67, leaving his usual workmate Romantic Charm (Savabeel) trailing more than 100 meters behind at the finish.

McDonald, who arrived in Dubai on Monday, will make his Dubai World Cup (G1) night debut this Saturday.

“He always works well—he knows what he has to do and enjoys it,” said McDonald. “That’s what makes him such a great horse. He loves his job, thrives under pressure, and is ready for the fight.”

“For me, it’s a privilege to be a small part of his journey. It’s worth being here to ride him, even if it means missing a big day back home.”

The world’s top-ranked jockey will also be aboard his other Hong Kong commitments on Wednesday morning, piloting Howdeepisyourlove (Deep Field) in the Al Quoz Sprint (G1) and Sword Point (American Pharoah) in the Godolphin Mile (G2).