Romantic moment

Romantic Warrior brought more pride to Hong Kong when he landed the prestigious Group One Yasuda Kinen yesterday on his debut at the Tokyo Racecourse.

The victory makes the premier galloper the third Hong Kong winner in the Yasuda Kinen, and the first in 18 years, joining Fairy King Prawn and Bullish Luck, who snatched the title in 2000 and 2006, respectively.

The stunning performance left jockey James McDonald almost speechless but trainer Danny Shum Chap-shing could not hold back praise for Romantic Warrior and McDonald.

"James McDonald is world-class and gave him a great ride. He loves Romantic Warrior and the feeling is mutual. He always tries his best for James," Shum said.

Composing himself after posting his first win in Japan in one of the nation's premier races, McDonald said: "He's a champion racehorse and it's a very proud day for all of us."

It was Romantic Warrior's fifth consecutive Group One win and the second successful international trip after his victory in the Australian Cox Plate in October. He also won the Hong Kong Cup in November, the Hong Kong Gold Cup in February and the QEII Cup in April.

Shum confirmed Romantic Warrior would return to Hong Kong with Voyage Bubble, who finished 17th in the race, this week to rest.

Calling Romantic Warrior's performance this season "out of this world," the Hong Kong Jockey Club's chief executive officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges said Shum and his training team deserve credit. "I must admit I was skeptical, but Romantic Warrior again showed his champion qualities under a brilliant ride from James," he said.

michael.shum@singtaonewscorp.com