Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
Romantic Warrior, the world’s richest horse and a Dubai World Cup winner, has been retired by his Hong Kong owners.
Having won Dh139 million during his career, the eight-year-old superstar sustained a leg injury in training last week, just days before the start of the Hong Kong racing season on Sunday at the Sha Tin racecourse.
The champion horse reigned supreme in Dubai at the Meydan Racecourse, winning the 2025 Group 1 Jebel Hatta and finishing a close second to Soul Rush in the $5 million Dubai Turf at the Dubai World Cup race card in April later that year.
Romantic Warrior failed to maximise his winning potential in recent months – he finished second in February’s Saudi Cup – but his record of 15 Group 1 victories remains impressive. This included six wins out of six last season including the prestigious Group 1 QEII Cup for an unprecedented fourth time in April.
Born in Ireland, the Danny Shum-trained superstar arrived in Hong Kong in June 2021 and won 24 out of 31 starts. Owner Peter Lau said he had decided to end the gelding’s career after consulting Hong Kong Jockey Club veterinarians.
Scans revealed "a change in one of the horse's joints" similar to last year when Romantic Warrior had surgery on a fetlock, he said.
