Leading jockey James McDonald has been handed a suspension for careless riding following Romantic Warrior’s historic win in the Champions & Chater Cup in Hong Kong.
The 34-year-old partnered the Danny Shum-trained superstar to his 15th Group 1 victory, completing the Hong Kong Triple Crown in the process.
However, stewards found McDonald guilty of shifting Romantic Warrior into the running line of Deep Monster about 300 metres from the finish, forcing that runner to check to avoid contact with eventual second placegetter Numbers.
Deep Monster ultimately finished third, but despite the interference, the official placings remained unchanged after a post-race inquiry.
McDonald received an eight-day suspension, set to commence on June 3 and conclude on June 11, along with a fine of HK$120,000.
The penalty came on what was otherwise a landmark day for the champion rider, who recorded his 20th Group 1 win of the season.
Following the victory, McDonald was full of praise for Romantic Warrior.
“The boss said he’s already an immortal and I totally agree with him. He didn’t need to win this today to be that but he’s put the cherry on top,” McDonald said.
“He should be Horse of the Year this year and I think we’ve stamped that with the Triple Crown.”
The result further cements Romantic Warrior’s legacy as one of the world’s elite middle-distance horses.
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