Romantic Warrior wins fourth straight Hong Kong Cup

Romantic Warrior captured an unprecedented fourth consecutive Hong Kong Cup (G1) on Sunday (Dec. 14), defeating a field of seven by 1 3/4 lengths under jockey James McDonald at Sha Tin.

The 7-year-old gelding, who turns 8 in January, has now won 11 Grade 1 races across four countries. He sat behind the pace set by Galen and rider Dylan Browne McMonagle before taking command. Bellagio Opera finished second, with Quasisana third.

Trainer Danny Shum expressed relief after the victory.

"I'm proud of Romantic Warrior and our stable team, they work really hard," Shum said. "He always gives me a lot of happiness, not only me but my stable, owners, my family and in Hong Kong, even racing fans or non-racing fans, they all love Romantic Warrior.

"To be honest, there was a lot of pressure. He had his surgery (when a screw was inserted in his left front leg at the end of May), but he is such a good, calm, lovely horse. He's part of my family, I love him. My son says I love Romantic Warrior more than him.

"He's easy to train. He doesn't need too much work and his body weight will tell you, his appetite will tell you how fit he is."

McDonald struggled to find words after the race.

"He's so special, he's so special," he said. "He's a freak. I don't know what to say … I love him. I love him."

Romantic Warrior became the first horse to win the Hong Kong Cup three times when he took the 2023 edition, and he extended that record on Sunday. His global campaign has included a second-place finish in the Saudi Cup (G1) earlier this year, where he battled Forever Young to the wire.

A rematch with Forever Young could come next in Saudi Arabia, though Shum said plans rest with owner Peter Lau.

"I always say, we know he's turning eight soon, but he doesn't know he's turning eight," Shum said.

"This is amazing. He's been in Australia, Japan, Dubai, second in the biggest prize money in the world in Saudi (Arabia). Also second in the Dubai Turf. He's come back and had two wins.

"The plan is always made by the owner, Peter. He has wisdom, we all trust him. If he says, 'Danny, go to Saudi Arabia', I'll go to Saudi Arabia. If he says, 'Danny stay in Hong Kong', I'll stay in Hong Kong. We're a good team, I trust Peter a lot."

Coverage of the entire Hong Kong Thoroughbred season at Horse Racing Nation is made possible through a sponsorship by the Hong Kong Jockey Club.