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| Staff Writer |
Romantic Warrior carved his name into Hong Kong racing history with a commanding victory in the Gr.1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup at Sha Tin, becoming the first horse to claim the prestigious contest three times.
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Under a supremely confident ride from James McDonald, the 6YO phenomenon dispatched a top-drawer international field with consummate ease, pulling clear in the straight to score by a length and a half from Japanese challenger Liberty Island.
The roll of honour for this US$5.1 million contest includes luminaries such as California Memory, who landed back-to-back victories in 2011-12, while Vase hero Jim and Tonic struck gold in 1999. More recently, Win Bright delivered a stellar performance in 2019.
Breaking sharply from the gates, Romantic Warrior settled beautifully in fourth as Irish raider Wingspan cut out the early fractions. Tastiera tracked the pace in second, but when McDonald pressed the button turning for home, the response was electric.
The Danny Shum-trained superstar powered clear in the manner of a truly exceptional racehorse, allowing his pilot to strike a celebratory pose before the line.
"That was unbelievable, I'm so proud of this horse," said McDonald. "He's just been remarkable and it's some effort by Danny and his team.
"The Japanese put it to him but with no luck. He's the best, forget the rest, he's the best. He's been flying and anyone could ride him because he's that easy but I'm the lucky one. He's the horse of a lifetime. This was our moment to create history, and it felt like I was lining up for the winning kick for the All Blacks. It was a 'pinch-me' moment."
Trainer Danny Shum said: "He was confident and full of energy. I stayed in the stables the whole time; I didn't want to go out to talk too much. I work hard, I love my team, and my team has done a great job."
The victory adds to an already glittering CV that includes the Group One Cox Plate at Moonee Valley and the Gr.1 Yasuda Kinen in Tokyo, establishing Romantic Warrior as Hong Kong's highest earner, surpassing the mighty Golden Sixty.
Connections are now eyeing further international glory, with the US$20 million Gr.1 Saudi Cup in February next on the agenda.
"He's the best, but I have to take another bigger challenge to go to Dubai and Saudi Arabia, just because I haven't been to Dubai for 25 years," said Shum.
"At that time, I was an assistant trainer for Mr Ivan Allan, I had a new experience. I will make sure the team that goes there is in the best form.
"The owner Mr Peter Lau said it's a once in a life chance to take the challenge in Saudi Arabia for the top prize money in the world. We are experimenting with dirt, but I've tried him in an all-weather trial with a pacifier and he was quite good."