Danny Shum has indicated that his Hong Kong superstar Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) may yet return to Riyadh for a second attempt at the Saudi Cup at the age of eight.
The 10-time Group 1 winner lost out by a neck to Forever Young (Jpn) (Real Steel {Jpn}) in the $20 million contest, the pair having pulled more than 10 lengths clear of 2024 runner-up Ushba Tesoro (Jpn).
“It was a great run and for the next 10 years they will be talking about what a great race The Saudi Cup 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.”
He continued, “Next year Romantic Warrior will be eight years old and Forever Young a five-year-old so it will be more difficult, but I am not saying no. I am open to the possibility.
“We will take in the Group 2 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.”
Romantic Warrior will be aimed next at the G1 Dubai Turf on April 5, before a possible return to Japan for the G1 Yasuda Kinen, which he won last June.
“I am still talking to the Japan Racing [Association] 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 2 and then the Hong Kong Cup.”
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