Romantic Warrior reaffirmed his status as a Hong Kong racing legend on Sunday afternoon (1 March), effortlessly claiming a second HK$13 million Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup at Sha Tin. Under the expert guidance of jockey James McDonald and trainer Danny Shum, the eight-year-old Acclamation gelding cruised past five rivals to secure a commanding four-length victory, building on his 2024 triumph in the same race.
The race marked the second leg of the coveted Hong Kong Triple Crown, following Romantic Warrior’s earlier victory in the HK$13 million Stewards’ Cup (1600m) and setting the stage for the final leg, the HK$13 million Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup (2400m) scheduled for 24 May. With this latest win, Romantic Warrior extended his record to 13 Group 1 victories, the highest tally ever achieved by a Hong Kong-trained horse.
“He’s just beautifully prepared. Danny’s done a marvellous job, and each time I ride him, I cherish the moment. He’s so alert and responsive—you feel something special every time,” said McDonald after the race.
Breaking smoothly from barrier four, Romantic Warrior settled in third behind early leader Beauty Joy. As the field turned into the home straight, McDonald angled the bay outwards, unleashing a powerful surge to the front. John Size’s Ensued held on for second, with Francis Lui’s Winning Wing closing strongly to claim third. All runners carried 126lb.
Trainer Danny Shum, 65, praised the horse’s condition and stamina: “It’s a small field, but he’s very fit. The 2000 metres suits him perfectly, and while he can handle 2400m, we’ll see about overseas contenders in May. He’s got tremendous potential.”
Romantic Warrior, foaled on 18 March 2018 at Corduff Stud in County Kildare, Ireland, was purchased for HK$4.8 million by owner Peter Lau and has amassed world-record earnings of HK$254.66 million. In Sunday’s contest, he covered the 2000m in 1m 59.77s, clocking the final 400m in an impressive 22.52s. The eight-year-old has also achieved Group 1 success in Australia, Japan, and the United Arab Emirates.
Looking ahead, Shum confirmed plans for Romantic Warrior to target a fourth HK$30 million FWD QEII Cup (2000m) on 26 April, before aiming for the Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup to complete the Triple Crown. Beyond this season, Shum hinted at a potential return to the Saudi Cup, recalling Romantic Warrior’s close second to Forever Young in the 2025 edition.
Sunday’s victory places Romantic Warrior alongside Hong Kong greats such as Viva Pataca (2008 & 2009), Military Attack (2013 & 2014), Designs On Rome (2015 & 2016), Time Warp (2018 & 2020), and Golden Sixty (2021 & 2023) as dual winners of the Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup in the modern era.
Rider reactions reflected the strength of the field. Dylan Mo, aboard Winning Wing, said: “It was a good run; it’s a Group 1 race, and everything tested the horses.” Hugh Bowman, partner of My Wish, added: “He was courageous, and while stamina was tested, the speed was evident.” Dylan Browne McMonagle, who guided Ensued to second place, praised his mount’s resilience and finishing power.
Hong Kong racing continues at Happy Valley on Wednesday night (4 March), promising another evening of competitive action.
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