Soul Rush pips Romantic Warrior in Dubai Turf thriller

Japan’s Soul Rush inflicted heartbreak on supporters of odds-on favourite Romantic Warrior by claiming the Dubai Turf following a tense photo-finish at Meydan.

Hong Kong superstar Romantic Warrior arrived for the Group One contest over a mile and a furlong having won 18 of his 23 career starts and earning over £20million in prize money.

The Danny Shum-trained gelding was prominent throughout before making his charge inside the final two furlongs to surge clear.

Romantic Warrior was a length ahead and looked to be keeping his rivals at bay, but Soul Rush clicked into top gear and thundered home in the closing stages as the pair crossed the finish line together and needed a photo to determine the winner.

Murmurs of a dead heat followed, like the 2022 renewal when Lord North and Panthalassa shared the top prize, before Yasutoshi Ikee’s charge was declared the victor by a nose, providing redemption for jockey Cristian Demuro after his defeat by a short head on board Namur in last year’s race.

“Last year I was beaten by a nose, this year I win by a nose, so the luck was with me today,” Demuro said.

“He beat the best horse in the world, it was a fantastic travel behind him and he got there in the end – I’m so happy.

“Last year, I thought I had won but was beaten by a nose in second, I was more sure this year but was waiting for the final announcement.

“Like I say, we have beaten the best horse in the world. He doesn’t lose many races Romantic Warrior, but today he met a good horse.”

Soul Rush had been third on home turf last month but trainer Ikee said: “When he was beaten last time, I didn’t think it was all over, when we came here, I thought we had a strong chance.

“He is improving even though he is seven years old. We try not to race him too often, 10 furlongs is a bit too far and at his age he can take just a little bit longer than a mile.

“We discussed at dinner about a European campaign. Everything is now an option, including the Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville.”

British raiders took the minor honours, with Maljoom third for William Haggas and Tom Marquand, while Clive Cox’s Ghostwriter was fourth under Rossa Ryan.

Cox said: “I was thrilled with that, it was a spirited performance and shows he’s at or close to the top flight. We will get him home and see how he is, then make a plan.”