Photograph: Hong Kong Jockey Membership
romantic warrior On Sunday (December 14), he defeated a subject of seven horses ridden by James McDonald at Sha Tin Racecourse by 1 3/4 lengths to win the Hong Kong Cup (G1) for an unprecedented fourth consecutive yr.
The seven-year-old gelding, who will flip eight in January, has now gained 11 Grade 1 races in 4 nations. He sat behind the tempo set by Galen and rider Dylan Brown McMonigle earlier than taking command. Bellagio Opera took second place and Quasisana took third place.
Coach Danny Shum appeared relieved after the win.
“I am pleased with the Romantic Warriors and our steady staff. They work actually onerous,” Shum stated. “He all the time brings me a whole lot of happiness. Not simply me, the steady, the proprietor, my household, and everybody in Hong Kong, each horse racing followers and non-racing followers, love Romantic Warrior.
“To be sincere, there was a whole lot of strain on him. He had surgical procedure (on the finish of Might for screws inserted in his left entrance leg), however he is an excellent, calm, pretty horse. He is a part of my household and I like him. My son says I like Romantic Warrior higher than him.”
“He is simple to coach. He does not require an excessive amount of effort, so his weight and urge for food inform you how wholesome he’s.”
McDonald struggled to search out phrases after the race.
“He is very particular, very particular,” he stated. “He is a weirdo. I do not know what to say…I like him. I like him.”
Romantic Warrior turned the primary horse to win the Hong Kong Cup thrice in 2023, extending his report on Sunday. His worldwide efforts embrace a second-place end within the Saudi Cup (G1) with Ceaselessly Younger earlier this yr.
A rematch with Ceaselessly Younger could possibly be subsequent in Saudi Arabia, however Shum stated plans have been as much as proprietor Peter Lau.
“I all the time say, we all know he is nearly eight years outdated, however he does not know he is eight years outdated,” Shum stated.
“That is wonderful. He gained in Australia, Japan, Dubai, he was second on the earth’s highest cash listing in Saudi Arabia, he was second within the Dubai Turf, he got here again and gained twice.
“The plan is all the time made by Peter, the proprietor. He has the knowledge and all of us belief him. If he says, ‘Danny, go to Saudi Arabia,’ I am going to go to Saudi Arabia. If he says, ‘Danny keep in Hong Kong,’ I am going to keep in Hong Kong. We’re a great staff. I’ve a whole lot of belief in Peter.”
