Romantic Warrior looked every inch the champion again as he eased through a barrier trial at Happy Valley on Friday morning, offering trainer Danny Shum and fans alike a glimpse of the familiar brilliance that has carried him around the world.
The 10-time Group 1 winner, returning from fetlock surgery on his left foreleg in May, settled quietly at the rear of the eight-runner field before striding home smoothly to finish fourth over 1700m. With Hugh Bowman deputising for regular partner James McDonald, the gelding barely broke sweat as he closed in on the leaders, stopping the clock at 1m 48.51s behind Andrea Atzeni’s Awesome Fluke.
Shum could not hide his relief. “I’m very happy with him,” the trainer said, explaining that while the gelding was slightly keen early, he relaxed beautifully once Bowman found rhythm. “We’ll give him another trial or turf gallop before racing. The plan is the 2000m BOCHK Jockey Club Cup in November, then the LONGINES Hong Kong Cup in December, and after that the Saudi Cup.”
The BOCHK Jockey Club Cup is familiar territory: Romantic Warrior claimed the race in both 2022 and 2024, using it as a springboard to bigger prizes. This time, the return carries even more significance. His last racetrack appearance was a brave second in the Dubai Turf in March, which followed a near-miss behind Forever Young in the Saudi Cup. With record earnings of HK$214.7 million, he has little left to prove – but plenty still to chase.
Bowman, who has partnered the champion in previous trials, was equally buoyant about the feel. “He’s great. He was bubbly prior to the jump. He wanted to get on with it but settled nicely after 1000 metres. The last 400m, I let him move within himself – it was obvious how well he was going. His action is really good,” the Australian said.
The path ahead is clear. A November test at Sha Tin, then a chance to make history with a fourth LONGINES Hong Kong Cup triumph, before venturing to Riyadh for redemption in the Saudi Cup. For now, though, Hong Kong racing fans will simply be glad to see Romantic Warrior striding with purpose again.
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