Trainer Danny Shum has announced that Romantic Warrior will not defend his Group 1 Cox Plate title this October.

The star galloper captured one of the most memorable editions of the race at The Valley last year, narrowly defeating Mr Brightside in a gripping finish.

Since that victory, Romantic Warrior has continued his impressive form, winning all four of his subsequent starts at the G1 level, including the Yasuda Kinen in Japan.

However, this international success raised questions about a potential return to Australia this October. Shum has now confirmed that Romantic Warrior will not be competing, with The Valley’s X/Twitter account breaking the news on Saturday evening.

Romantic Warrior was around a $5 chance for the race in pre-nomination markets with betting sites.

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