Legend Status: Romantic Warrior Secures Historic Fourth FWD QEII Cup at Sha Tin

SHA TIN, Hong Kong — History was written in ink and turf on Sunday as Romantic Warrior asserted his dominance over the Hong Kong racing scene, capturing an unprecedented fourth FWD QEII Cup victory.

The victory solidifies his place among the all-time greats of the sport, proving that his brilliance remains undiminished despite the passage of time.

A Masterclass in Dominance

First claiming this Group One prize in 2022, Romantic Warrior’s path to a fourth title was a testament to strategic planning. The only reason he did not attempt a fifth consecutive win last year was a calculated decision by his connections to target the prestigious Saudi Cup and Dubai World Cup.

Sunday’s renewal of the 1m2f contest was one of the most competitive in recent memory. The field featured a formidable lineup of international stars, including Japan Cup runner-up Masquerade Ball, Hong Kong Vase victor Sosie, and the Neom Turf Cup champion Royal Champion.

Ultimately, the international challengers were no match for the local superstar. Romantic Warrior crossed the finish line first, followed by the aforementioned competitors in that exact order.

This victory pushes the son of Acclamation’s career prize money beyond the staggering £27 million mark.

The Bond Between Horse and Rider

Jockey James McDonald, who has developed a profound connection with the eight-year-old, described the horse as “bulletproof.”

“This was touted to be his toughest test,” McDonald said. “I’ve got to pay Danny [Shum] and his team so much admiration for how they’ve got this horse ready.”

The Kiwi jockey added that riding Romantic Warrior is “what dreams are made of,” reflecting the rare synergy between the athlete and the animal.

Trainer Danny Shum, who has guided the horse to 23 wins from 30 career starts, echoed this sentiment. He noted that while the horse is chronologically eight, he possesses the spirit of a younger competitor.

“I don’t tell him he’s eight years old; I always keep telling him he’s five only,” Shum joked. “He races very easily and he’s very good. He’s a super, super champion.”

Do you believe Romantic Warrior’s longevity is due more to his natural genetic brilliance or the meticulous training of Danny Shum’s team?

Ka Ying Rising: The Unstoppable Force

While Romantic Warrior stole the headlines in the QEII Cup, another legend was in the making during the Group One Chairman’s Sprint Prize.

Ka Ying Rising extended his incredible winning streak to 20 consecutive races with a commanding victory. In the process, the five-year-old shattered his own track record.

Jockey Zac Purton described the win as “pretty painless,” noting that the horse’s rhythm and acceleration were effortless from the moment he was let go.

Trainer David Hayes, a longtime admirer of the legendary Black Caviar, admitted that Ka Ying Rising is now reaching that same mythical status.

“I definitely think he’s the best horse I’ve trained, but now I’m really starting to think he’s one of the best I’ve seen,” Hayes stated.

Looking ahead, the team plans to target The Everest in Australia. However, Hayes hinted at a possible global showcase at Royal Ascot in 2027, should the horse remain in peak condition.

Can any horse currently in training stop the momentum of Ka Ying Rising, or is he truly in a league of his own?

The Commercial Triumph of Champions Day

The sporting brilliance was matched by commercial success. The Chairman’s Sprint Prize alone saw a colossal turnover of nearly HK$196 million (approximately £18.5m).

Ka Ying Rising was such a heavy favorite that he returned at a price of 1.05 on the UK Tote.

Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, CEO of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, reported an 18.3 percent increase in overall turnover compared to last year, signaling a robust appetite for elite racing.

Join the Conversation: Who is your all-time favorite Hong Kong champion? Share your thoughts in the comments below and share this article with fellow racing enthusiasts!