ENGLISH TEXTS
1,600 meters in 92.3 seconds . His HKR soared to 133 , and his RPR to 121 . Few horses are capable of stringing together performances of this calibre over such varied distances . The Ultimate Triumph arrived on 24 January 2025 at Meydan , where he set a new record over 1,800 meters in the Jebel Hatta ( Gr . 1 ): 105.10 seconds . He exhibited blistering acceleration , covering the final 600 meters in 33.58 seconds , with a maximum stride of nearly 7.95 metres . Staggering numbers , worthy of the greatest champions .
The Dirt Challenge : a test at the Saudi Cup While Romantic Warrior has dominated the turf , could he compete on dirt ? That was the big question ahead of the Group 1 Saudi Cup 2025 , the richest race in the world with its US $ 20 million in prize money . In his first attempt on this surface , he did not disappoint . In a race run at a rapid pace , he covered the first 1,200 meters in 71.5 seconds , a sustained tempo that wore out many of his rivals . In the final stretch , he appeared capable of prevailing … before succumbing to the breathtaking surge of Forever Young , who set a new record for the race in 109.09 seconds . However , as observers noted , he may have “ went too fast , too wide and too early ,” a strategy that eventually cost him the victory . A strategy that could be improved , but a second-place finish that confirms his status as a versatile champion .
A Consistency Monster The numbers speak for themselves :
• Hong Kong Rating : 134 ( an increase of + 82 points in three years )
• Racing Post Rating : 129 , the highest of his career
• Speed Rating : consistently above 90 , peaking at 106
• 18 wins , including 10 at Group 1 level
• Over US $ 26 million in winnings With such consistency at the highest level , Romantic Warrior stands among the greatest horses of all time .
What ’ s Next for the Legend ? At 7 years old , Romantic Warrior has already proven that he can dominate on turf and compete on dirt . The question now is what challenges lie ahead . A new attempt over 2,000 meters on dirt in the Dubai World Cup or a run in the Dubai Turf over 1,800 meters – a distance on which he is confirmed and where he will be very difficult to beat .
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By Serge Okey
HORSE FEVER AMONG SPORTS- PEOPLE !
What do all these athletes have to do with racing ? More and more sportspeople are being tempted by horse ownership , while others venture into roles as trainers , breeders and even drivers . Behind the iconic duo of Tony Parker and Antoine Griezmann , a multitude of players and athletes are becoming passionate about horses . This enthusiasm goes far beyond the realms of football and basketball - driven by a need for thrill and a quest for identification , top-level athletes are increasingly swept up in the racing culture .
“ My dream is to one day win the Prix d ’ Amérique .” That ’ s the wish of Emmanuel Petit , 1998 World Cup champion alongside Zidane and Deschamps . Now a new owner of a trotter — a maiden named Make Your Day that has just won its debut
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