Hong Kong: Romantic Warrior Returns with Zodiacal Among His Rivals

The champion returns this Sunday in the BOCHK Jockey Club Cup (G2) as a stepping stone toward the December internationals, while the Argentine hopes to spring a major upset

The Champion Romantic Warrior: A Long-Awaited Return / HKJC

SHA TIN, Hong Kong (Special for Turf Diario) – Local fans had to wait nearly a full year, but this Sunday Romantic Warrior will finally step back onto the turf at Sha Tin, when he lines up in the BOCHK Jockey Club Cup (G2, 2000m)—his first appearance at home since his commanding victory in the 2024 Longines Hong Kong Cup (G1).

Now a global icon, the son of Acclamation returns following an international campaign as demanding as it was brilliant, one that saw him write unforgettable chapters in the Middle East.

After his last Hong Kong triumph, Romantic Warrior launched his international raid with a dominant victory in the Jebel Hatta (G1) at Meydan—arguably the high point of his overseas adventure. Then came two agonizing defeats: first, a narrow neck loss to Japanese star Forever Young (Real Steel) in the Saudi Cup (G1, dirt); and weeks later, another heartbreak, beaten a nose by fellow Japanese runner Soul Rush (Rulership) in the Dubai Turf (G1).

Upon his return, the champion was welcomed home like a celebrity. But during mandatory quarantine, he was found to have suffered an injury that prematurely ended his season. For the highest-earning racehorse in Hong Kong history, it marked the beginning of a long and carefully managed recovery process.

Trainer Danny Shum confirmed that everything has gone according to plan:

“He’s well, he’s happy and healthy. He’s had three trials and one strong turf gallop. The riders have all given very positive feedback.”

He will again be ridden on Sunday by James McDonald, the newly crowned 2025 LONGINES World’s Best Jockeyelect. Romantic Warrior has not been beaten at Sha Tin since May 2023, when he went down by a narrow margin to Russian Emperor (Galileo) in the Champions & Chater Cup (G1).

A key figure in his comeback has been Hugh Bowman, who partnered him in his recent barrier trials following the injury. Shum was keen to acknowledge his role:

“Hugh helped me a lot. He always rides him in the trials. If something happens and James can’t ride, Hugh is the first option.”

This will be no formality. Awaiting him is old rival Voyage Bubble (Deep Field), a leading local star who disappointed in his seasonal return but retains more than enough ability to trouble the champion.

Also engaged are the Tony Cruz-trained pair Beauty Joy (Sebring) and the Argentine La City Blanche (Cityscape)—known as Zodiacal in his home country—along with Straight Arron (Fastnet Rock), now back with David Hayes, and the progressive Ensued (Lemon Drop Kid) and Bundle Award (Shamus Award), from the powerful yard of John Size. The field, rich in group winners, will offer a stern test to gauge exactly where Hong Kong’s hero stands.

If all goes to plan, Romantic Warrior will next target an historic fourth victory in the Hong Kong Cup—a feat that would further cement his place in the city’s racing pantheon. Beyond that, Shum does not hide his ambition of another shot at the Saudi Cup, where an eventual rematch with Forever Young would be one of the most anticipated clashes on the global calendar.

Reflecting on the journey, Shum admitted with a touch of disbelief:

“After his debut in 2021, I told the owner: ‘He’s super.’ But I never imagined he would become a global superstar.”

He summed it up simply:

“I don’t think he’s improving anymore, but he’s still very, very competitive.”

This Sunday, when Bank of China (Hong Kong) Race Day gets underway at 12:45 p.m., all of Hong Kong will once again rally behind its most beloved horse. Because every time Romantic Warrior comes home, the city beats a little faster.