Soul Rush upstaged Romantic Warrior in a thrilling renewal of the G1 Dubai Turf, delivering a performance to remember on the Meydan grass

The Japanese runner unleashed a powerful late kick to topple one of the night’s heavy favorites in dramatic fashion

Tipping out wide, Soul Rush surged past a weary Romantic Warrior in the shadow of the wire / DRC

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, (Special to Turf Diario)—In a heart-pounding stretch run, Soul Rush and Cristian Demuroswooped late to shatter the hopes of a roaring crowd behind Romantic Warrior, nailing the Hong Kong champion in the final stride to capture the G1 Dubai Turf in spectacular fashion.

Three years after the unforgettable dead-heat between Lord North and Panthalassa, Meydan was once again held in suspense as the photo finish teased another split verdict. This time, though, the No. 9 flashed up on the screen, and Demuro pumped his fist in triumph.

Trained by Yasutoshi Ikee, Soul Rush has blossomed into a top-level performer later than most, claiming his first Group 1 only last season at age six in the Mile Championship. Runner-up to Voyage Bubble in the Hong Kong Mile in December, the son of Rulership has clearly hit his career peak and delivered a performance worthy of the world stage.

Romantic Warrior, under James McDonald, broke sharply and tracked fellow Japanese runner Meisho Tabaru through the early going. He loomed ominously at the top of the stretch and was set down for the drive, but couldn’t quite shake loose from the pack. All the while, Soul Rush was threading his way through traffic and beginning to roll.

As the finish line approached, Romantic Warrior fought back gamely, but Soul Rush had the momentum, surging past in the final yards to win by the slimmest of margins. The tension lingered as the two returned to be unsaddled—McDonald stone-faced, Demuro quietly hopeful—before the verdict sparked jubilant celebrations from the Japanese team.

With the victory, Japan-trained runners have now won five of the last 10 editions of the Dubai Turf, further cementing the country's dominance in global middle-distance turf events. For Ikee, who has campaigned stars like Orfevre and Satono Diamond around the world, this marked his most significant international triumph.

Maljoom, rallying from last, flashed home to complete the trifecta with an eye-catching finish.

“Last year I lost by a nose with Namur. This year, I won by a nose. Luck was on my side,” said an emotional Demuro. “This was the best performance of his life. He beat the best horse in the world today. He traveled well and gave everything at the end. I’m thrilled.”

“Last year I thought I had won until the very last second. This time I felt more confident, but I didn’t want to assume anything. This is a special win because now we’re part of Romantic Warrior’s story—he doesn’t lose often, but tonight he met a very good horse.”

“The Dubai World Cup night is the most special of all. I love coming back here every year. I’ve been fortunate to ride some great horses and have had a bit of success at this meeting.”