Image: Darren Winningham
Hong Kong superstar Romantic Warrior continues to rewrite the record books after recording an effortless victory to claim his fourth consecutive Hong Kong International Cup in Sha Tin on Sunday.
The Danny Shum-trained gelding was clinical, finishing third before pulling away from his rivals in the straight to take a 1 ¾ length victory ahead of Bellagio Opera and Quisisana.
Both the winning jockey and trainer were understandably emotional after the race and spoke of their love for Romantic Warrior, who claimed his 11th Group 1 success on Sunday.
“He’s so special, he’s so special,” said winning jockey James McDonald.
“He’s just a freak. I don’t know what to say. I love him.”
It was Romantic Warrior’s second largest winning margin to win a Hong Kong International Cup, having won the 2022 extension by 4.5 lengths.
Trainer Danny Shum was a relieved man after the success of Romantic Warrior, despite going into the race as an overwhelming favorite.
“It’s a lot of pressure and a big relief,” Shum said.
“He is such a great horse, such a good, kind, sweet horse.
“He has always given me a lot of happiness. Not just me, my stable, my family and Hong Kong – racing fans or not racing fans, they all love Romantic Warrior.
“He’s basically part of my family. I love him. My son says I love Romantic Warrior more than him.”
Romantic Warrior suffered two narrow defeats earlier this year in the Saudi Cup and the Dubai Turf.
There are well-documented connections who felt the Hong Kong champion was not his best for that trip and subsequently underwent ball surgery in May.
These campaign connections make him feel like he’s back to his best and once again considering international travel plans for 2026.
“The plan is always made by the owner, Peter,” Shum said.
“Because Peter has a very good vision. We all trust him. When he said, ‘Danny, go to Saudi Arabia’, I’m going to Saudi Arabia. He said, ‘Danny stay in Hong Kong’, I’ll stay in Hong Kong because he has real wisdom and determination.”
“His vision is really good, so we are a good team: owner, jockey, trainer and stable team. So I trust Peter a lot.”
Romantic Warrior’s history-making fourth consecutive Hong Kong International Cup victory came about in part thanks to the quick actions of the track staff who tackled a pitch intruder in the straight just seconds before the field reached that part of the track.
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