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| Staff Writer |
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Danny Shum is leaving no stone unturned as he prepares Hong Kong's winning machine Romantic Warrior for a bold assault on February's Gr.1 Saudi Cup, having made a reconnaissance mission to King Abdulaziz Racecourse this weekend.
The three-time Hong Kong Cup hero is poised to make history as the first Hong Kong-trained runner to compete in Saudi Arabia, facing a new challenge on the dirt surface in the US$20 million contest.
Shum, making his maiden visit to the Riyadh track, said: "It's my first time here, so it all feels very new. I walked around the dirt track and have watched a few races.
"Me and the owners know he's a very talented horse and we believe he will handle it. We don't know for sure if he'll handle it, but I hope so."
The remarkable son of Acclamation has been rewriting the history books, becoming the first triple Hong Kong Cup winner and the highest-earning horse in Hong Kong racing history. His international exploits include triumphs in Japan's Gr.1 Yasuda Kinen and Australia's Gr.1 Cox Plate, showcasing his versatility across different tracks and conditions.
"He created history by winning three Hong Kong Cups and the racing public in Hong Kong love him. It's very special for me, my stable and for Hong Kong to have a runner in The Saudi Cup, so I want to make sure I do as good a job as possible," added the trainer, whose charge will be bidding to add to his impressive career earnings in the world's most valuable race.