Karl Burke believes Romantic Warrior will need to produce his very best if he is to extend his remarkable reign in the HK$30 million Group 1 QEII Cup at Sha Tin on 26 April, with the British trainer confident Royal Champion can make the favourite work for another top-level success.
Burke is realistic about the scale of the challenge. Romantic Warrior is chasing a fourth straight victory in the Hong Kong showpiece after wins in 2022, 2023 and 2024, and has established himself as one of the modern greats of international racing. Yet the North Yorkshire handler feels his own charge arrives in the right form to mount a serious challenge.
Royal Champion advertised his credentials with a commanding display in the Group 1 Neom Turf Cup over 2100 metres in Riyadh in February, a performance Burke regards as the best of the gelding’s career. Since returning to Britain, the eight-year-old has continued to thrive, adding major victories in the York Stakes and Bahrain International Trophy to his record.
“We’re looking forward to it,” Burke said. “He seems in good form, and he’s due to fly out on Friday. If we can put up a performance like we did in Saudi, when he had the race won three furlongs out, it will take a horse like Romantic Warrior at his best to beat him.
“Romantic Warrior is a fantastic horse and taking on horses like him is what international racing is all about. Sometimes horses don’t perform to their best in the international races, but I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
It will be Burke’s first runner in Hong Kong, though Royal Champion is no stranger to travel. The seasoned performer previously spent time in Australia with Anthony and Sam Freedman between his British campaigns, adding further depth to an already varied career.
The gelding appears revitalised since joining Burke’s yard in late 2024. Among his notable efforts was a fine third in the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown last September, where he showed he could hold his own against elite opposition.
Burke believes the conditions at Sha Tin could suit, provided his horse handles the climate and settles into his routine quickly after arrival.
“Our regime suits him,” Burke said. “As soon as he arrived back from Australia, you could tell straight away he was a classy horse. He’s always worked well, but his work and racecourse performances improved after the York Stakes.
“It won’t be easy going over there as it will be very muggy and warm, so he’s got to overcome that, but he seems to travel well. Once he’s fit, he doesn’t take a lot of work and we know his routine pretty well – that’s a big advantage.”
The trainer also dismissed concerns over Sha Tin’s left-handed configuration. Jockey Oisin Murphy suggested it may even help the horse, and Burke sees little issue given Royal Champion’s previous form on varying tracks.
There is substance to the form as well. Royal Champion beat Facteur Cheval by more than four lengths on his latest start, with that rival subsequently performing with credit in the Dubai Turf, offering another useful guide ahead of this international test.
Murphy keeps the ride on FWD Champions Day, where a high-class field is assembling. Alongside Romantic Warrior and Royal Champion are Japan’s Tenno Sho Autumn hero Masquerade Ball and Sosie, who landed the Hong Kong Vase over the same course in December.
For Romantic Warrior, the mission is history. For Royal Champion, it is the chance to prove he belongs among the world’s best middle-distance horses. The QEII Cup 2026 promises a compelling clash at Sha Tin.
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