 |
|
| Staff Writer |
 |
Previous winners include California Memory (2011, 2012), A Shin Hikari (2015) and Designs On Rome (2014), all multiple Group One winners internationally
Romantic Warrior made a spectacular return to racing, demolishing his rivals in Sunday's Gr.2 BOCHK Jockey Club Cup (2,000m) at Sha Tin, setting the stage for an unprecedented third consecutive Hong Kong Cup triumph.
The Danny Shum Chap-shing-trained champion, under the masterful guidance of James McDonald, powered to a commanding four-and-a-quarter-length victory over Ka Ying Generation and Nimble Nimbus.
Making light work of his first appearance in five months, the eight-time Group One winner settled beautifully three back on the fence before asserting his dominance.
"He's like the prize fighter, isn't he? Heavyweight champion of the world," McDonald beamed. "You never really get nervous on him because he's so good. He's an incredible horse. I love him to bits and he's very good."
The victory was particularly poignant as McDonald's young daughters, Evie Belle and Mia, watched from the stands wearing their father's mount's distinctive turquoise and white silks.
Fresh from an historic campaign featuring five consecutive Group One victories across three countries, including June's Yasuda Kinen triumph in Japan, the son of Acclamation has now accumulated earnings of US$19.8 million, edging closer to Golden Sixty's world record of US$21.4 million.
Shum is maintaining a cautious outlook ahead of the Gr.1 Hong Kong Cup, noting: "[McDonald] told me the horse is still improving, but I told him on December 8 it will be two different stories. The field will be totally different – much, much, much stronger than today."
Adding intrigue to the champion's preparation, he faces vaccination on Monday ahead of ambitious overseas targets. Owner Peter Lau Pak-fai has outlined plans for a dirt campaign, targeting the US$20 million Saudi Cup and US$12 million Dubai World Cup, with a possible preparatory run in the Gr.1 Al Maktoum Challenge.
"Tomorrow is the right time for his vaccination. I hope the vaccination does not make him feel bad," Shum said. "Sometimes you put in a vaccination, the horse gets a fever. It will be tough for him and the team not only in the next few weeks, but the next six months.
"If he runs well on December 8, the owner, Peter, is really keen to go. He deserves to have a try. It's once-in-a-lifetime."
The victory completed a Group Two double for McDonald, who earlier partnered Voyage Bubble to success in the Jockey Club Mile.