‘He ran his heart out’: James McDonald, Romantic Warrior fall agonisingly short in Group 1 Dubai Turf at Meydan

Star jockey James McDonald and Hong Kong idol Romantic Warrior have fallen agonisingly short in a second successive Middle Eastern Group 1, beaten a nose by Soul Rush in a thrilling Group 1 Dubai Turf (1800m) at Meydan overnight.

So close … the photo finish of the Dubai Turf, in which Soul Rush nosed out Romantic Warrior.

Star jockey James McDonald and Hong Kong idol Romantic Warrior have fallen agonisingly short in a second successive Middle Eastern Group 1, beaten a nose by Soul Rush in a thrilling Group 1 Dubai Turf (1800m) at Meydan overnight.

Ridden close to the pace throughout, Romantic Warrior travelled boldly outside Meisho Tabaru before McDonald asked for a supreme effort inside the 350m.

But Soul Rush, ridden by Cristian Demuro, was able surge between runners before lunging late and nailing the champ right on the line.

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After an agonising wait for the official result to be declared, a disappointed McDonald had few words to offer.

“He’s had a long campaign. He ran his heart out,” McDonald said.

Romantic Warrior, whose three-race Middle Eastern mission started with a victory in the Group 1 Jebel Hatta (1800m) before his brave second to Forever Young in the Group 1 Saudi Cup (1800m), will now head to the paddock for a well-earned spell.

Oh, my ....

𝐒𝐎𝐔𝐋 𝐑𝐔𝐒𝐇 dramatically lowers the colours of 𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐂 𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐑𝐈𝐎𝐑 in the @DPWorldUAE Dubai Turf! 🇯🇵#DWC25 | @emiratespic.twitter.com/jnEsxiomts

— Dubai Racing Club (@RacingDubai) April 5, 2025

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The seven-year-old Acclamation gelding now has career earnings of more than $A45 million from 25 starts featuring 18 victories and 5 minor placings.

For Soul Rush, victory last night delivered a measure of revenge against McDonald, who beat the Japanese star aboard the Australian-bred Voyage Bubble in the Group 1 Hong Kong Mile at Sha Tin last December.

Originally published as ‘He ran his heart out’: James McDonald, Romantic Warrior fall agonisingly short in Group 1 Dubai Turf at Meydan