Regular rider James McDonald has issued a positive bulletin on Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) ahead of his bid for a historic third consecutive win in the HK$40 million G1 Longines Hong Kong Cup at Sha Tin on Sunday, December 8.
California Memory (Highest Honor {Fr}) is the only other dual winner of the Hong Kong Cup in 2011 and 2012, which means Romantic Warrior would be out on his own as the most successful horse in the race's history should he repeat his 2022 and 2023 triumphs at the Longines Hong Kong International Races (HKIR).
Victory would also promote Romantic Warrior (HK$154.92 million/€18.9 million) ahead of Golden Sixty (Aus) (Medaglia d'Oro) (HK$167.17 million/€20.4 million) into the position of the world's highest-earning racehorse of all time.
“He wears his heart on his sleeve,” McDonald said of the six-year-old Romantic Warrior, who could seek further riches in the Middle East early next year, having been given an entry in the G1 Al Maktoum Challenge at Meydan on Friday, January 24.
“He's a once-in-a-lifetime horse and I would love to see him win a third. Even watching his videos at trackwork, he's moving like a well-oiled machine–he's just really strutting his stuff. He's in career-best form.
“It's a great day [HKIR] to be part of and to have a live chance is even better. I just enjoy coming back to ride him [Romantic Warrior]. He gives you so much confidence as a rider. You just look forward to the day–it's very self-explanatory.”
What. A. Star.
Romantic Warrior soars home in the G2 Jockey Club Cup for @mcacajamez and Danny Shum at Sha Tin!#HKRacing | @HKJC_Racing pic.twitter.com/pAxcrPqRzm
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) November 17, 2024
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