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| Staff Writer |
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Romantic Warrior, Hong Kong's globetrotting sensation, is gearing up for a thrilling Middle Eastern campaign following his upcoming return to action on home soil.
The 6YO gelding, trained by Danny Shum, has already left an indelible mark on the international racing scene, having conquered Australia's Gr.1 Cox Plate and Japan's Gr.1 Yasuda Kinen. These triumphs have contributed to an impressive tally of eight top-level victories, boosting his career record to 15 wins from 20 starts and amassing over US$19 million in prize money.
Romantic Warrior's immediate focus is on familiar territory, with the Gr.2 Jockey Club Cup at Sha Tin on 17 November marking his seasonal debut. This will serve as a stepping stone to the Gr.1 Hong Kong Cup on 8 December, where he aims to replicate his 2022 success in the prestigious event.
Shum, speaking about the upcoming challenges, said: "He'll return in the Jockey Club Cup. I don't think the field will be too strong."
"The Hong Kong Cup is another story with overseas horses coming, especially from Japan and also Aidan O'Brien's horses, so it's hard to tell at the moment, but he's also the one to beat."
The Hong Kong Cup has a rich history of champions, with previous winners including the likes of Designs On Rome, A Shin Hikari, and Win Bright, all of whom went on to achieve further Group One success internationally.
Following his Hong Kong engagements, Romantic Warrior is set to embark on an ambitious Middle Eastern campaign. The son of Acclamation has received an invitation to compete in the prestigious Saudi Cup, presenting a new challenge as he tackles dirt for the first time.
Shum expressed his excitement about the upcoming venture: "The owner and myself, we're very excited. He's already been invited to run in the Saudi Cup. It is a big question mark (racing on dirt for the first time) but it's a once in a lifetime opportunity."
The trainer's plans don't stop there, as he outlined an extended international itinerary: "I know it's tough because he won't come back for a while, but I will run him in the Saudi Cup and then in the Dubai World Cup."
In a testament to Romantic Warrior's versatility and stamina, Shum is already exploring options for a return to Japan following the Middle Eastern sojourn. "I am talking to the JRA (Japan Racing Association) already to see whether I can send him straight to Japan from Dubai. It's very exciting and it will be a very long trip – it will take five to six months," he added.
As Romantic Warrior prepares for this ambitious global campaign, he stands on the cusp of equalling the recently-retired Golden Sixty's Hong Kong record of 10 Group One victories. With his sights set on new horizons and fresh challenges, the racing world eagerly anticipates the next chapter in the remarkable story of this Hong Kong hero.