Romantic Warrior Brave Second in G1 Dubai World Turf

Tara Madgwick - Sunday April 6

James McDonald ditched the first day of The Championships at Randwick on Saturday in favour of partnering Hong Kong superstar and Cox Plate hero Romantic Warrior (IRE) in the Group I Dubai World Cup Turf (1m1f) at Meydan overnight and again the formidable partnership had to bow to the Japanese.

Just as happened in the Saudi Cup last month, Romantic Warrior kicked away and looked set to win before being run down late by a Japanese raider and this time it was Soul Rush, who beat him by a nose.

Too cruel, Soul Rush beats a brave Romantic Warrior by a nose - image Grant Courtney

The Champion Miler in Japan in 2024, Soul Rush has the impressive record of nine wins and seven placings from 25 starts.

Long shot Hit Show denies Frankie Dettori a Dubai World Cup win on runner-up Mixto - image Grant Courtney

The showpiece race on the card, the Dubai World Cup (1m2f) on dirt saw Saudi Cup winner Forever Young start favourite, but he too was beaten finishing third to the US entry Hit Show, a rank outside rat 66-1.

Advertisement

A multiple Group winner going into the race, the son of Candy Ride claimed a first G1 win for the Brad Cox stable.

Other feature winners at Meydan below with all images by Grant Courtney.

Japanese again with Danon Decile (Epiphaneia) winning G1 Sheema Classic on turf.

Dubai Future (Dubawi) wins G2 Dubai Gold Cup for Godolphin.

Believing (Mehmas) wins G1 Al Quoz Turf Sprint for Coolmore partners, George Boughey the trainer.

Raging Torrent (Maximus Mischief) wins G2 Godolphin Dirt Mile in the Yulong colours with Frankie Dettori on board.

Advertisment
More Reading...
Zoustar Mare Chasing Another G2
Stephen Marsh will be chasing a third victory in Saturday’s Gr.2 Thorndon Mile (1600m) at Trentham and is confident he has the firepower on reasonable ground to go close.
Pencarrow’s Elite 24-Strong Draft Selling at Karaka 2026
Karaka 2026 will mark 100 years of the National Yearling Sale, and Pencarrow Stud are pleased to offer another outstanding draft of 24 yearlings for their 31st year of selling under their own banner.
$2million Extreme Choice Colt Stars on MM Day 2
An outstanding colt by Newgate Farm's superstar sire Extreme Choice has sold for $2 million and now shares top spot on the leaderboard after a red hot second day of the 2026 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale on Wednesday.
People at Magic Millions Day Two
New records, famous families, emotions, hungry horses, farm favourites and Baby Amy - it was all happening on Day Two at Magic Millions as Maree McEwan found out on her travels.
Hot Lots Day 2 - Magic Millions
With the opening day of selling at Magic Millions finished for the day, Frankel (GB) hit the heights, topping the sale with a $2m colt, while I Am Invincible took top honours on averages, 3 or more sold.
Australian Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards Announced for 2026
The Awards formerly known as the Stud and Stable Staff Awards will enter a new chapter in 2026, with a refreshed name, the Australian Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards (ATIEA), and an expanded industry partnership to further strengthen the recognition and celebration of the people who underpin Australia's world-class racing and breeding sector.
Yarramalong Park Celebrate Best Ever Result with $650,000 Home Affairs Colt
Exciting young sire Home Affairs made his mark at Magic Millions on Wednesday with an outstanding colt that made $650,000 for Queensland nursery Yarramalong Park.
$600,000 Hellbent Filly Sets New Benchmark for Her Sire
Yarraman Park's Hellbent was always going to have a good sale at Magic Millions with his best ever draft of yearlings to be offered and a slew of smart gallopers racing up a storm over the summer and on Wednesday he made a splash with a cracking filly that sold for $600,000.
$1.6Million for Sister to Caffe Florian
Three year-old Snitzel filly Caffe Florian has been one of the finds of the summer in Sydney reeling off three successive wins culminating with a Black Type success in the Listed Gosford Guineas and her full sister lit up the Magic Millions sale ring on Thursday selling for $1.6million.
Likely Autumn Superstars Set to Trial on Thursday
Autumn Glow, Sir Delius, Via Sistina, Lady Shenandoah and Apocalyptic and more - Punters and racing fans can see a suite of Australia’s best horses live in action at Royal Randwick on Thursday as campaigns begin for many of the looming Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival’s biggest feature races.