“Heavyweight champion of the world”: J-Mac’s pride for “incredible” Romantic Warrior

Champion stayer Romantic Warrior’s imperious G2 BOCHK Jockey Club Cup (2000m) triumph at Sha Tin on Sunday (17 November) has laid the foundations for Danny Shum’s ambitious 2024/25 campaign, crowned by a bid for a third consecutive HK$40 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (2000m) victory next month.

Extending his current winning streak to six, Romantic Warrior (128lb) claimed his second BOCHK Jockey Club Cup with a commanding performance under James McDonald, defeating Ka Ying Generation (123lb) and Nimble Nimbus (123lb) in 1m 59.70s.

Taking his overall record to 16 wins and three seconds from 21 starts, Romantic Warrior boosted his prize money earnings to HK$154.92 million to continue his pursuit of retired Golden Sixty’s world record haul of HK$167.17 million.

Jumping from barrier one, Romantic Warrior settled in sixth place behind Sword Point and, as the field approaching the home turn, McDonald angled off the fence and fanned four-wide to challenge. Taking over at the 400m, Romantic Warrior exploded clear to win – eased down – by four and a quarter lengths.

Returning to Hong Kong for a five-week stint, McDonald was awestruck by Romantic Warrior’s victory, marking the New Zealander’s ninth win from 10 rides on the Hong Kong International Sale graduate.

“He’s like the prize fighter, isn’t he? Heavyweight champion of the world. You never really get nervous on him because he’s so good. He’s an incredible horse. I love him to bits and he’s very good,” McDonald said.

“You still got to go out and do it and (from) barrier one, you’re dictated to a little bit but he’s just so good – he can get you out of situations that other horses can’t. Just a phenomenal horse, I’m so proud of him. He’s come back in terrific order, he never lets you down ever and he’s just got this amazing will to win.

“It’s something I’ve never come across.”

Shum was pleased with his champion’s performance ahead of what he expects to be a far tougher assignment on 8 December.

“He was a little bit keen because he’d been off for five months, so he was a bit fresh. James put him in behind them and the fast pace suited,” Shum said. “He (McDonald) told me the horse is still improving, but I told him on 8 December it will be two different stories. The field will be totally different – much, much, much stronger than today. You see the entries – wow, so many good horses. So, it’s a tough race on December 8.”

Shum will vaccinate Romantic Warrior tomorrow (Monday, 18 November) in preparation for possible tilts at the G1 Saudi Cup (1800m, dirt) in Riyadh in February and the G1 Dubai World Cup (2000m, dirt) in April.

“It will be tough for him and the team not only in the next few weeks, but the next six months,” Shum said.

“If he runs good on December 8, the owner, Peter (Lau), is really keen to go (overseas). He deserves to have try. It’s once-in-a-lifetime.”

Romantic Warrior was the second leg of a Group 2 double for McDonald, who also partnered Ricky Yiu’s Voyage Bubble to victory in the G2 BOCHK Private Wealth Jockey Club Mile (1600m).

Originally written and published by Leo Schlink for HKJC.com.