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Romantic Warrior, the renowned Hong Kong superstar, has triumphed in a thrilling last-stride win at the prestigious Cox Plate in Moonee Valley. This victory represents a vindication of James McDonald's unwavering faith in the champion, as he secures his second Cox Plate victory as a jockey.
On Saturday, McDonald utilized all his strength to get Romantic Warrior across the finish line in the 2040m contest at Moonee Valley, following his success in last year's Group One weight-for-age championship with Anamoe.
Despite the Danny Shum-trained gelding being beaten during his Australian debut at the Group One Turnbull Stakes at Flemington on 7th October, McDonald never lost faith in Romantic Warrior. The race ultimately resulted in Romantic Warrior, the US$3.60 Australian bookmakers favorite, winning by a nose from Mr Brightside, with Alligator Blood coming in third, a short-neck away.
McDonald's successful partnership with Romantic Warrior included winning the lead-up race to the Hong Kong Cup, as well as the Hong Kong Cup itself, during last year's international meeting. Furthermore, he rode the gelding to victory in the Queen Elizabeth II Cup in April.
“This horse is pretty special to me,” McDonald said.
“I mentioned if he came to a Cox Plate, he’d be a suitable horse. I meant what I said and credit to (owner) Peter (Lau Pak Fai) and Danny.
“It takes a hell of a lot of balls to come out of Hong Kong with all the prizemoney there. It is one of the best racing jurisdictions in the world and they come here and showcase their boy.
“I reckon he’s got more to come, too.
“He’s been bubbling. He showed a significant amount of improvement like I thought he would, and he loves the bloody Valley!”
The horses that finished in the top three spots were initially positioned third, fourth, and fifth in the running line, trailing behind King Colorado and Zaaki.
Alligator Blood took up its place as McDonald eased three wide, racing towards the 600m mark.
Around the turn, both Romantic Warrior and Zaaki wobbled slightly, leading Mr. Brightside to surge towards the front and hit it 50m out, but ultimately getting grabbed on the line.
When asked about Romantic Warrior's race position, McDonald expressed his comfort with where the horse was placed.
“I knew I was on the right horse, and I kept going, ‘he’s the best horse, he’s the best horse’ so I’d ride him like it,” McDonald said.
“I took a gamble about the 1000 (metres) or 1200. We elected to come back a spot and to the minute right now I believe that was the winning move.”
From Quarantine To Victory: Romantic Warrior's Unlikely Triumph
Sending Romantic Warrior from Hong Kong to compete in Saturday's race was a risky decision, according to Shum. The gelding had to adjust to new training conditions while in quarantine at Werribee, having not raced since May in Hong Kong.
Additionally, his preparation was interrupted, as he missed an important trial and initially struggled with a change in feed. However, despite these obstacles, Romantic Warrior was able to triumph and win Australia's top race.
“I don’t know how to tell you how happy I am. I am really happy,” Shum said.
“I want to thank Peter the owner for giving permission to come here. James Mcdonald, all the team, all the Hong Kong fans, my wife Christine, my son Aaron.
“I love you! I love you!”
Shum expressed a slight disappointment after Romantic Warrior's initial loss in Australia, but he remained confident that the gelding would show improvement in future outings.
“He was not really ready, but he got better day-by-day,” Shum said.“I was confident he would run a good race, but it is a strong race.
“He overcame all of the challenges and the difficulties. James McDonald gave me a very good report.”
Shum announced that Romantic Warrior would make an early return to Hong Kong in order to prepare for the highly anticipated Group One Hong Kong Cup, which will take place at Sha Tin on 10th December.