Romantic Warrior roars to third Hong Kong Cup win
Romantic Warrior ridden by Zac Purton - April 2023
Romantic Warrior etched his name into the history books as he won a third Longines Hong Kong Cup at Sha Tin.
Jockey James McDonald hailed the gelding at 'the perfect racehorse' prior to the race and he lived up to expeectations as he easily beat Japanese star Liberty Island to claim his third victory in this race.
Aidan O’Brien’s Wingspan set the early pace with McDonald settling Romantic Warrior in fourth, moving slightly off the rail from his draw in stall one to ensure a clear passage throughout the race.
Given the signal to kick on a furlong and a half from home, Romantic Warrior moved up a gear and kicked away from the chasing Liberty Island, with McDonald having enough in hand to turn and hail the crowd well before the line.
McDonald said: “I’m so proud of this horse. It’s been a remarkable effort by Danny and his team.
“Forget the rest, he’s the best.
“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.”
Andrew Balding’s outsider The Foxes raced towards the rear but made a late charge to grab fourth place and a prize of over £240,000, while Spirit Dancer tried to challenge but dropped back to ninth place at the line.
O’Brien’s first string Content came home seventh and Wingspan faded to 10th after her early exertions.
