Romantic Warrior, forever: crushed an elite field to capture a historic fourth QEII Cup at Sha Tin
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The Hong Kong superstar shined once again against international stars, with James McDonald calling him “bulletproof” after another monumental performance
SHA TIN, Hong Kong (Special to Turf Diario).- Just when it seemed the international challenge might test him, Romantic Warrior responded the way eternal champions do: with authority, class, and an acceleration no rival could possibly sustain.
The phenomenon trained by Danny Shum captured his fourth edition of the FWD QEII Cup (G1) at Sha Tin on Sunday, cementing himself among the world’s great milers and middle-distance horses while reinforcing a legacy that is approaching the unimaginable.
Once again ridden by James McDonald, the son of Acclamation secured his 14th Group 1 victory and lifted his career earnings to a staggering HK$271.46 million, an all-time world record.
The race never troubled him. While Numbers (Tivaci) and Giovanni (Epiphaneia) dictated a moderate pace up front, Romantic Warrior traveled comfortably in fourth, relaxed and waiting for the precise moment to strike.
And when McDonald let him loose at the 300-meter mark, it was over instantly. Producing a devastating burst—covering his final 400 meters in 21.91—the champion quickly dismissed Japanese star Masquerade Ball (Duramente), who entered with tremendous credentials, while French runner Sosie (Sea The Stars) completed the podium. The final time was 2:00.64 for the 2000 meters, another emphatic display from a horse who has now won 14 of his 15 starts at that distance at Sha Tin.
McDonald, longtime partner to the champion, spoke in awe after yet another masterpiece. “It’s an honor to ride a horse like him. He makes a jockey’s life very easy,” said the New Zealander. “He does things other horses simply can’t do. That’s why he has the record he has.”
But his strongest comment came moments later: “He’s basically bulletproof.”
The rider especially praised the horse’s tactical versatility: “He breaks well, can put himself wherever he wants, relaxes when he needs to, and then has this unbelievable turn of foot.”
McDonald also admitted he had enormous respect for the opposition, particularly Masquerade Ball: “I was genuinely worried about him. I think he’s one of the best horses in Japan. His run in the Japan Cup (G1) was extraordinary, and if anyone could beat us today, it was a horse like him.”
He even suggested Romantic Warrior may now be in the best physical condition of his entire career: “This is probably the best version I’ve seen of him. He looked incredible, super relaxed. In Saudi Arabia and Dubai he was much more on edge. Now he’s completely at peace with himself.”
And he closed with a confession both sincere and telling: “It’s a dream come true. Every time I ride him, I feel like I have to pinch myself to believe it.”
