Watch: Romantic Warrior completes Hong Kong’s Triple Crown

Champion jockey James McDonald has declared Romantic Warrior an “immortal” after the superstar galloper etched his name into history by becoming just the third horse to complete Hong Kong’s Triple Crown.

Prepared by Danny Shum, the champion gelding joined Voyage Bubble and River Verdon (1993/94) in the exclusive club following a determined victory in Sunday’s Group 1 Champions & Chater Cup (2400m) at Sha Tin.

There was brief concern after the race when Romantic Warrior was called into a stewards’ inquiry following contact with third-placegetter Deep Monster. However, the result stood, with Numbers — formerly raced in Australia as King Of Thunder — finishing runner-up after over-racing throughout.

McDonald was full of praise for the champion following the win, joking about what challenge should come next.

“Run him over six furlongs (1200 metres) next,” McDonald quipped when speaking to the Hong Kong Jockey Club after adding the Champions & Chater Cup to earlier Group 1 victories in the Stewards’ Cup and Gold Cup this season.

“He’s a Triple Crown winner and he thoroughly deserved it.

“I read an article where the boss (Danny Shum) said he is an immortal and I totally agree with him. He didn’t need to win this to be that, but he’s put the cherry on top.

“He should be Horse of the Year, this year, and I think he stamped that by winning the Triple Crown.”

The half-length success erased the disappointment of 2023, when Romantic Warrior narrowly missed completing the Triple Crown after defeat in the final leg.

Already the highest prizemoney earner in Hong Kong racing history, Romantic Warrior now boasts an extraordinary record of 24 wins from 31 starts, including 15 Group 1 triumphs.