Fresh from rewriting the record books in Australia, James McDonald now turns his attention to Hong Kong, where he will reunite with Romantic Warrior in the HK$30 million QEII Cup at Sha Tin on Sunday, 26 April. The champion rider, already one of the sport’s most accomplished figures, is chasing yet another elite success aboard a horse with whom he has shared many of his finest moments.
McDonald surpassed the previous Australian Group 1 benchmark of 129 wins when guiding Autumn Boy to victory in the Rosehill Guineas last month. The New Zealander did not stop there, adding two more top-flight wins on the same card to further underline his standing among the modern greats.
Twelve of those highest-level victories have come with Romantic Warrior, the Danny Shum-trained star who has become one of Hong Kong racing’s defining performers. Their partnership has already delivered QEII Cup glory in 2023 and 2024, and another success this year would further strengthen the gelding’s remarkable record at 2000 metres.
The eight-year-old missed the chance to defend his crown last season through injury, but his return has been met with widespread admiration. Reports from recent barrier trials suggest the old brilliance remains firmly intact.
Hugh Bowman, who partnered Romantic Warrior in a 1200m trial last month, was glowing in his assessment afterwards.
“He feels great and just as powerful as ever,” Bowman said.
That optimism only grew after another encouraging trial at Sha Tin on Tuesday, when Romantic Warrior finished second over 1600m without being fully extended.
McDonald said anticipation is building ahead of his return to Hong Kong.
“They say he is in fantastic form,” he said. “Hughie said he is as good as ever. He is a marvellous horse, but it is a big race coming up.
“I speak to Hughie quite often and he is over the moon with him, the same as Tommy Simpson who is his physio and the same with Danny. They have all sent me videos.
“They are just over the moon with the way he is feeling and looking. It’s a tough test, but he deserves it. If you want to be the best you have to beat the best, don’t you?”
This year’s QEII Cup has attracted a deep international field. Among the chief challengers is Masquerade Ball, a Group 1 winner who arrives with strong credentials after a narrow defeat to Calandagan in record time in last November’s Japan Cup.
McDonald joked about the ratings gap between the pair, with Masquerade Ball currently assessed higher than Romantic Warrior.
“Not after next Sunday,” he said.
Japanese contender Giovanni also commands respect, bringing progressive form into the race, while several other accomplished runners ensure the Sha Tin feature promises a searching examination.
McDonald’s Hong Kong visit will not end with the QEII Cup. He is also booked for Invincible Ibis in the Champions Mile after that colt’s record-breaking Derby triumph, and Fast Network in the Chairman’s Sprint Prize, where the formidable Ka Ying Rising again sets the standard.
Speaking of the leading sprinter, McDonald was full of admiration.
“He just seems to be getting better,” he said.
For now, though, the spotlight falls on Romantic Warrior and a reunion that could add another memorable chapter to one of racing’s great modern partnerships. With Sha Tin awaiting, McDonald has the chance to turn another milestone season into something even more special.
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