Romantic Warrior cemented his legacy at Sha Tin by claiming a third Longines Hong Kong Cup on the 8th of December, delivering a performance that confirmed his status as one of the sport’s greats.
Dubbed "the perfect racehorse" by jockey James McDonald, the six-year-old lived up to the praise with a decisive win in the 10-furlong Group One contest, comfortably holding off Japanese star Liberty Island.
A Masterful Ride
Aidan O’Brien’s Wingspan set a brisk early pace, with McDonald settling Romantic Warrior in fourth, carefully positioning him for an unobstructed run. Unleashing his charge with a furlong and a half to go, McDonald sent Romantic Warrior into another gear, powering clear of the field. Confident of victory, he saluted the Sha Tin crowd before crossing the line.
"I’m so proud of this horse," McDonald said. "It’s been a remarkable effort by Danny [Shum] and his team. Forget the rest, he’s the best. He’s the horse of a lifetime."
Global Challenges Ahead
Trainer Danny Shum confirmed Romantic Warrior’s next targets include the lucrative Saudi Cup and the Dubai World Cup, marking an ambitious foray onto the global stage.
"He’s the best, but we want to take on bigger challenges," Shum said. "The Saudi Cup is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the top prize money. He’s shown promise on dirt in trials, and we’ll ensure he’s in top form for the journey."
British and Irish Contenders Struggle
Andrew Balding’s The Foxes made a late surge to finish fourth, securing over £240,000 in prize money, while Spirit Dancer faded to ninth. O’Brien’s leading contender, Content, finished seventh, with pacemaker Wingspan dropping back to 10th after setting the early tempo.
Romantic Warrior’s historic achievement, coupled with his upcoming international ambitions, underscores his reputation as one of the world’s most versatile and dominant middle-distance stars.