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| Staff Writer |
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Romantic Warrior is poised to make history as Hong Kong's first runner in Saudi Arabia when he lines up for Saturday's Gr.1 Saudi Cup at King Abdulaziz Racecourse, with trainer Danny Shum carrying the hopes of the racing-mad city.
The champion galloper, whose earnings of US$23.09 million make him the world's highest-earning horse, faces his sternest test yet as he tackles dirt for the first time in the US$20 million contest.
Despite Hong Kong's relatively small horse population of around 1,300, the jurisdiction continues to punch above its weight on the international stage. This latest venture sees the Hong Kong International Sale graduate stepping into his fifth different racing jurisdiction.
"The horse is good. The team is doing their best for the horse, Hong Kong [China] and The Hong Kong Jockey Club. We are all doing our best over here for everyone," said Shum, who has secured 862 wins in Hong Kong.
The 6YO sensation enters the contest riding an impressive streak of eight consecutive victories, including seven at Group One level. His recent overseas conquests include the 2023 Gr.1 W.S. Cox Plate, 2024 Gr.1 Yasuda Kinen, and 2025 Gr.1 Jebel Hatta.
Leaving no stone unturned, Shum has enlisted renowned Australian horse physio Tom Simpson to maintain his star's peak condition. "The facilities are good and the people here are very helpful. I have Tom here — he's the horse physio and he's doing treatment on him to try and do the best for Romantic Warrior," the trainer explained.
Work rider Gary Lau's feedback has been encouraging. "He says the horse is good and that his condition is getting better and better — better than when he won the Jebel Hatta," revealed Shum.
Adding a touching dimension to the overseas campaign, stable companion Romantic Charm has accompanied the champion throughout his global adventures. "When Romantic Charm goes out, he turns his head and he's always looking for Romantic Warrior. They look for each other — they're like a couple or brothers!" Shum shared.
The 134-rated warrior has already completed crucial preparation, including a satisfactory stalls test. "He hasn't jumped out of the gates for a long time, but he will race on the dirt, so I put him in the gates. He jumped good and he's working well. He's been more relaxed and feeling happy," Shum concluded.
Local fans can watch the Saudi Cup at 1.40am (HKT) on Sunday, 23 February, with the race scheduled for 8.40pm (AST) in Riyadh.