In an impressive display of dominance, Romantic Warrior secured his place in equine history by becoming the first horse to win the Group 1 Hong Kong Cup three times at Sha Tin on 8th of December. This achievement marked a significant milestone for the six-year-old, who not only showcased his prowess against international competitors but also confirmed his status as Hong Kong's leading horse. Jockey James McDonald artistically guided Romantic Warrior to a 1 ½-length victory over Japan’s Liberty Island, even taking a moment to acknowledge the enthusiastic crowd as he crossed the finish line.
McDonald noted that it was an incredible moment for him and praised Romantic Warrior’s consistent brilliance, crediting trainer Danny Shum and his team for their hard work. Shum, who expressed pride in the horse's performance, also reflected on the journey leading up to this win, emphasizing the need for new challenges ahead, particularly in forthcoming high-stakes races in Dubai and Saudi Arabia.
In other events, Giavellotto claimed the Hong Kong Vase, marking a notable win for U.K.-based trainers after a 12-year gap. Meanwhile, Voyage Bubble solidified his title as Hong Kong's leading miler with a spirited victory at the Hong Kong Mile, and Ka Ying Rising continued his winning streak by clinching the Hong Kong Sprint, despite a less-than-perfect start. Overall, the Hong Kong International Races highlighted remarkable performances across the board, setting the stage for exciting future competitions.