Racing fans have been denied the opportunity to witness the eagerly awaited rematch between Forever Young and Romantic Warrior in the 2026 Saudi Cup.
The two horses produced a truly memorable battle in last year’s renewal, with Forever Young defeating Romantic Warrior by a neck.
Romantic Warrior has been a standout performer on turf, but a victory on dirt would have cemented his status as the best racehorse in the world.
However, trainer Danny Shum has confirmed that owner Peter Lau has opted to swerve the rematch in favour of a Hong Kong Triple Crown campaign.
“He won’t be going to Saudi or Dubai, he’ll be staying in Hong Kong for sure,” Shum said.
“Peter made the decision. In the welfare of the horse, he thought it was best to stay in Hong Kong.
“The Stewards’ Cup is his first target and hopefully a mile will be okay for him. He’ll take on Voyage Bubble hopefully, which will be good to see. He’s pulled up very well after the Hong Kong Cup and I’m looking forward to the season.”
Saudi Cup Victory Would Have Cemented Romantic Warrior’s Legacy
The Hong Kong Gold Cup and Champions & Chater Cup are also part of the Hong Kong Triple Crown, which is viewed as a prestigious achievement in Asian racing circles.
While completing the treble would undoubtedly be noteworthy, connections have missed a trick by opting to avoid the rematch with Forever Young.
Their clash at the King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh last year was one of the most hyped races in recent memory, and the two horses delivered an epic battle.
The sportsbooks featured on comparison platform arabswin.com were inundated with wagers on the race, and the rematch would have generated even more activity.
However, bettors will now be denied the opportunity to watch the eight-year-old lock horns with Forever Young in Riyadh during February.
Lau has undoubtedly taken the easier option and his decision denies Romantic Warrior the chance to prove he can triumph on a dirt surface at the highest level.
Nysos on Course to Tackle Daunting Saudi Cup Challenge
With Romantic Warrior out of the equation, Forever Young will be a short price with the bookmakers to win the Saudi Cup for the second consecutive year.
However, a new challenger emerged over the festive period, with 2025 Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile winner Nysos demonstrating his credentials with a thrilling victory at Santa Anita.
He was pushed all the way by stablemate Nevada Beach during a thrilling duel down the home straight, but edged home to win a Grade 2 event by a neck.
The son of Nyquist now boasts a near-impeccable career record, with his only defeat coming after a 15-month absence over an inadequate trip in Grade 1 company at Churchill Downs.
Trainer Bob Baffert said:
“That was a good prep for both and for something bigger. Nevada Beach is a tough customer, and Nevada Beach usually gets it done.
“However, Nysos gets it done. They are two nice horses and they showed up. That’s all you can ask for as a trainer.”
Two-Day Meeting Attracts Stellar Line-up
The two-day meeting on February 13/14 has attracted 57 individual thoroughbred Group or Grade 1 winners, highlighting its growing international appeal.
White Abarrio, Journalism and Magnitude are among the top performers who have been entered to run at the prestigious Saudi Cup extravaganza.
The Godolphin-owned Rebel’s Romance, who has won nine top-level races worldwide for trainer Charlie Appleby, is also expected to run at the meeting.
The Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia chairman, Prince Bandar bin Khaled Al-Faisal, said:
“This is only the seventh time we have staged the Saudi Cup meeting and it has already delivered countless memorable races and performances.
“With the nominations we have received for this year, we can be sure that the spectacular racing will continue. It is wonderful to see such a collection of both familiar and new names from all around the world due to be involved at King Abdulaziz Racecourse next month.
“The Saudi Cup meeting is not only about world-class racing – it is a celebration of the horse as well as the culture and the hospitality of the Kingdom.
“The list of nominations only increases the excitement and we look forward to welcoming connections and racing fans alike next month for an event that has quickly made a huge impact on the global calendar.”
