Romantic Warrior Makes History Again with a Fourth Consecutive Hong Kong Cup Triumph
James McDonald stood speechless, and Danny Shum Chap-shing breathed a heavy sigh of relief, as Romantic Warrior etched his name further into racing history with a fourth consecutive Group One Hong Kong Cup (2,000m) victory. The outstanding gelding became the first in HKIR history to win four features, as he swept past Bellagio Opera of Japan to win at Sha Tin on Sunday.
“He’s incredibly special. He’s almost a freak,” McDonald said after guiding Romantic Warrior to his 11th Group One win.
Sent as the 1.1 favorite, Romantic Warrior tucked in just off the rail in third behind Galen and Chancheng Glory, before McDonald angled him wide on the turn. The rising eight-year-old surged to the front at the top of the straight, forged clear, and ultimately defeated Bellagio Opera by one and three-quarter lengths.
The French-trained mare Quisisana finished more than five lengths away in third, as the menacing field faded in the wake of the champion.
Romantic Warrior’s 20th career win also pushed his career earnings to a world-record HK$240 million in prize money for a racehorse.
A fetlock injury required surgery in May, yet he came back in style, returning with triumph in last month’s Group Two Jockey Club Cup (2,000m).
“I’m incredibly proud of Romantic Warrior and of my entire stable,” Shum commented. “He brings so much joy not just to me and the team, but to owners, his fans, and even racing enthusiasts who aren’t followers of the sport. He’s loved by Hong Kong.”
Shum admitted the Cup presented substantial pressure but noted the relief that comes with success. “He’s part of my family. My son even told me he loves Romantic Warrior more than him,” the veteran trainer added. “He’s amazing. I can’t fully express it, but I love him. Hong Kong loves him too.”
Looking ahead, Romantic Warrior is expected to head back to the Middle East in 2026, with aspirations centered on the US$20 million Saudi Cup (1,800m) in February. Earlier this year he was narrowly beaten by Forever Young in Saudi, prompting renewed plans and optimism.
“The owner, Peter Lau Pak-fai, makes the final call,” Shum said. “If Peter says we go to Saudi, we go. If he says we stay in Hong Kong, we stay. We have a superb team—owner, trainer, jockey, and staff—and I trust Peter completely.”
Other prospects are on the horizon too, with possibilities of a Dubai return for the Group One Dubai Turf (1,800m) or the Group One Dubai World Cup (2,000m) on dirt in April.
Sunday also delivered a treble for McDonald, who partnered Helene Supafeeling to victory in the Class Three Snow Fairy Handicap (1,200m) and Prestige Good in the Class Three Jim And Tonic Handicap (1,800m).
Jockey Kazuo Yokoyama praised Bellagio Opera’s effort, saying, “I believe he gave his all and demonstrated his true potential. The winner was truly exceptional.”
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