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| Staff Writer |
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Hong Kong's champion Romantic Warrior has successfully undergone surgery at the Hong Kong Jockey Club's Equine Hospital following routine health screening that detected potential changes in a joint. The 10-time Group One winner returned to trainer Danny Shum's stables at Sha Tin after the procedure on May 28.
The surgery followed computerised tomography and magnetic resonance imaging examinations performed as part of the HKJC's systematic welfare procedures for racehorses. According to the club's statement, "No lameness or other clinical signs were present prior to the screening examinations."
Management options were discussed between the club's expert veterinarians, Peter Lau and Shum, resulting in the decision for a single screw to be inserted under standing sedation and local anaesthesia. The procedure was deemed successful, with the son of Acclamation now beginning rehabilitation under close monitoring.
The potential changes were detected during routine screening after Romantic Warrior returned from his Middle East campaign this spring. The discovery led to the cancellation of a planned welcome ceremony at Sha Tin, though the horse showed no clinical signs of distress.
His recent Middle East tour showcased his versatility and determination, securing victory in the Gr.1 Jebel Hatta at Meydan Racecourse before producing gallant runner-up efforts in both the Gr.1 Saudi Cup and Gr.1 Dubai Turf . These performances demonstrated his ability to compete at the highest level across different surfaces and distances, with his fighting finishes in Riyadh and Dubai underlining the astonishing will to win that has made him a global favourite. The 7YO gelding's earnings now stand at US$27,298,595, making him the highest-earning Thoroughbred in racing history.
Romantic Warrior's international achievements include becoming the first Hong Kong-trained horse to capture Australia's Cox Plate Gr.1 and his victory in Japan's Gr.1 Yasuda Kinen . His seven Group One victories in Hong Kong, combined with his international success, have established him among the world's top-rated performers.
Shum's stable staff and the HKJC's veterinary teams will continue monitoring his recovery as he begins the rehabilitation process following this proactive intervention.