Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (Group 1)

ROMANTIC Warrior made light work of five rivals at Sha Tin last Sunday by winning a second Group 1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup for trainer Danny Shum and jockey James McDonald, following on from his success in 2024.

Sauntering to a four-length victory in the Triple Crown’s second leg, it follows his win in the Group 1 Stewards’ Cup and will climax with the HK$13 million Group 1 Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup on May 24th.

Romantic Warrior’s win was a record-extending 13th Group 1 - the most for a Hong Kong-trained horse.

Travelled

McDonald had travelled up from a Group 1 success at Randwick in Australia on Saturday, said: “He’s just beautifully prepared. Danny’s just done a marvellous job, and each and every time I hop on him, I just cherish the moment. I feel so special every time and you look between his ears and he’s just so alert.”

The Irish-bred Acclamation gelding settled third as Beauty Joy made the running. Turning into the home straight, McDonald moved aboard Romantic Warrior and the bay exploded to the front with ease. John Size’s Ensued held on for second, while Francis Lui’s Winning Wing was a closing third.

Shum said: “His condition is getting better and better. The 2000 metres is his best trip. I think he can handle it (2400m).”

Shum didn’t rule out returning to Saudi Arabia, the site of his famous close-up defeat to Forever Young in the 2025 Group 1 Saudi Cup.

“I think he will now go to the QEII Cup and then to the Champions & Chater before he finishes the season,” Shum said. “Maybe next season we will go to the Saudi Cup – we will keep everything open for now.”

Romantic Warrior will secure a HK$10 million bonus if he is successful in the Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup.