Sha Tin Racecourse witnessed history in the making as Romantic Warrior etched his name into the annals of horse racing, claiming his third Longines Hong Kong Cup victory. The six-year-old thoroughbred, lauded by jockey James McDonald as “the perfect racehorse,” lived up to the hype, delivering a commanding performance in the 10-furlong Group One race.
The race unfolded strategically. McDonald expertly maneuvered Romantic Warrior from his starting position in stall one, maintaining a clear path while settling him into fourth place behind the early pace-setter, Aidan O’Brien’s Wingspan. With a furlong and a half remaining, McDonald unleashed Romantic Warrior’s power, a surge that propelled him decisively ahead of the challenging Japanese star, Liberty Island. The victory was so comfortable that McDonald even had time to acknowledge the roaring crowd before crossing the finish line.
“I’m so proud of this horse,” a beaming McDonald shared post-race. “It’s been a remarkable effort by Danny and his team. He’s been flying. Anyone could ride him, he’s that easy, but I’m the lucky one. He’s the horse of a lifetime.” His sentiments perfectly encapsulated the exceptional talent and unwavering consistency of Romantic Warrior.
The race also highlighted other outstanding performances. Andrew Balding’s outsider, The Foxes, showcased impressive late speed to secure a commendable fourth place and a prize exceeding £240,000. Conversely, Spirit Dancer’s challenge faltered, ultimately finishing ninth. O’Brien’s top contender, Content, finished seventh, while Wingspan faded to tenth after its early lead.
Meanwhile, the Longines Hong Kong Sprint witnessed the triumphant debut of Ka Ying Rising in a Group One race. Despite a slightly sluggish start, Zac Purton skillfully guided the four-year-old to victory, holding off strong late challenges from Helios Express and Satono Reve. Purton described the win as “better than it looked,” acknowledging some minor disruptions during the race but emphasizing Ka Ying Rising’s exceptional capabilities.
Adding to the day’s excitement, Voyage Bubble secured his second Group One win in the Longines Hong Kong Mile. Trained by Ricky Yiu and ridden by James McDonald (who enjoyed a double on the day!), the six-year-old displayed impressive tactical skill, seizing the lead with two furlongs remaining and fending off a spirited challenge from Soul Rush to clinch the victory. European contenders, including Harry Eustace’s Docklands and James Ferguson’s Ramadan, unfortunately couldn’t match the prowess of the local stars.
The Longines Hong Kong International Races proved to be a spectacular display of athleticism, strategy, and the enduring bond between horse and jockey. Romantic Warrior’s historic win, along with the impressive performances of Ka Ying Rising and Voyage Bubble, cemented the event as a memorable chapter in Hong Kong horse racing history.
