In the end, history was achieved in the most impressive way imaginable.
Romantic Warrior became the first horse to win the HK$40 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (2000m) three times in a manner befitting his status as his homeland’s pre-eminent equine ambassador.
So easily did the six-year-old defy an array of international competition, in fact, that jockey James McDonald was able to stand up in his irons and salute the packed Sha Tin grandstands as he passed the line a length and a half clear of Japan’s Liberty Island.
The heavy favourite jumped slickly from the gates and McDonald was able to allow him to settle into an easy rhythm in fourth place as Irish filly Wingspan set the pace.
Another Japanese challenger, Tastiera, had tracked in second and really provided the only competition to Romantic Warrior as they turned for home in a race very few got into. Liberty Island edged past her compatriot in the closing stages but the winner had already wrapped up the contest with a quite stunning demonstration of power, speed and grace.
“That was unbelievable, I’m so proud of this horse,” said McDonald. “He’s just been remarkable and it’s some effort by Danny (Shum, trainer) and his team.
“The Japanese (horses) put it to him but with no luck. He’s the best, forget the rest, he’s the best. He’s been flying and anyone could ride him because he’s that easy but I’m the lucky one. He’s the horse of a lifetime. This was our moment to create history and it felt like I was lining up for the winning kick for the All Blacks. It was a ‘pinch-me’ moment.”
Shum said: “He was confident and full of energy. I stayed in the stables the whole time, I didn’t want to go out to talk too much. I work hard, I love my team and my team has done a great job.”
Romantic Warrior has already flown the flag for Hong Kong in several other jurisdictions, winning the G1 Cox Plate (2000m) in Australia in October, 2023. Shum and his team then took the brave decision to head to Japan this June, where he won the G1 Yasuda Kinen (1600m) in Tokyo.
This latest achievement in an unbeaten streak lasting longer than a year sees him move past another Hong Kong great, Golden Sixty, as the biggest money-earner in racing history.
Next February, another enormous date is circled in his diary with a crack on the dirt for the lucrative G1 Saudi Cup (1800m).
“He’s the best, but I have to take another bigger challenge to go to Dubai and Saudi Arabia, just because I haven’t been to Dubai for 25 years,” said Shum.
“At that time, I was assistant trainer for Mr Ivan Allan, I had a new experience. I will make sure the team that go there are in the best form.
“The owner Mr Peter Lau said it’s a once in a life chance to take the challenge in Saudi Arabia for the top prize-money in the world. We are experimenting with dirt but I’ve tried him in an all-weather trial with a pacifier and he was quite good.”
By Tom Peacock
