Romantic Warrior, an emperor without limits at Sha Tin
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The superstar achieved his thirteenth G1 victory in the Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup with great ease and is now one step away from the Triple Crown
SHA TIN, Hong Kong (Special for Turf Diario).- There were no equivalencies. Romantic Warrior, masterfully guided by James McDonald, pulverized his 5 rivals in the Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (G1-2,000 m, turf), the second gem of the Hong Kong Triple Crown, achieving his 13th G1 victory, an absolute record for a horse trained in the former British colony.
The proceedings were a health walk for the bay. After breaking from gate 4, McDonald positioned him comfortably in third place while Beauty Joy (Sebring) set the pace. Upon hitting the stretch, the New Zealand jockey simply opened the door and Romantic Warrior exploded with astonishing ease, covering the final 400 meters in a lightning 22s52/100 to cross the wire with 4 lengths of advantage over Ensued (Lemon Drop Kid). The total time for the 2,000 meters was 1m59s77/100.
"He is prepared in a wonderful way. Every time I get on him, I treasure the moment," a moved McDonald confessed. "I feel special every time I ride him; you look between his ears and he is always alert, ready to respond."
After having won the Stewards’ Cup (G1) over a mile, Romantic Warrior remains just one step away from eternal glory. The third and final stage will be the Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup (G1) over 2,400 meters, on May 24. If successful, he would join the legendary River Verdon (Be My Native) and Voyage Bubble (Deep Field) as the only Triple Crown winners in local history.
In addition to the prestige, success at 2,400 meters would net his owner, Peter Lau, an additional bonus of US$ 1,278,000. "The 2,000 meters are his best distance, but I believe he can handle the 2,400. His physical condition improves day by day," stated 65-year-old trainer Danny Shum.
With record earnings amounting to US$ 31,401,673, the horse that was sold at the Hong Kong International Sale has already left his mark in Australia, Japan, and the United Arab Emirates. However, Shum does not rule out a pending debt: the Saudi Cup (G1) of 2027.
"For now we will go to the QEII Cup (seeking his fourth consecutive victory in that race) and then to close out the Triple Crown. Perhaps next season we will return to Saudi Arabia; we are keeping all doors open," the trainer advanced, recalling that narrow defeat against Forever Young (Real Steel) in the desert last year.
Behind the champion, jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle highlighted the second place of Ensued: "It was a super race, the strong pace favored him and he showed he is very tough." For his part, Hugh Bowman, jockey of My Wish(Flying Artie) —fourth—, acknowledged that the lack of stamina took its toll on his mount in the final stretch.
