A lather of sweat before the start, Hong Kong’s favourite son, Romantic Warrior (IRE), added another chapter to his illustrious story with victory in the $3,264,000 Group 1 Yasuda Kinen (1600m) at Tokyo on Sunday.
Given a masterful ride by James McDonald, Danny Shum’s international traveller sat close to the speed set by Dobune. Shouldering his way into the clear, the 6-year-old son of Acclamation safely held the chasing pack to defeat last season’s Group 1 Mile Championship winner Namur (Harbinger)under Yutaka Take by a half-length with the favourite Soul Rush (Rulership), ridden by Joao Moreira, a nose back in third.
With a fifth consecutive Group 1 success, the WS Cox Plate hero advances his record to 15 wins and three places from 20 starts with earnings of approx. $28,500,000.
McDonald said Romantic Warrior is a freak.
“We were very comfortable coming to the race. He is a champion racehorse, and it’s a proud day for all of us,” McDonald said.
“To showcase him to Japan was something special in such a prestigious race.
“I’m always lost for words when I ride this horse because he has such a big heart and always tries his best.
“It’s an absolute privilege to be here, and it's very special to win a Group 1 on my first ride in such a competitive jurisdiction.”
The 6-year-old gelding was purchased by Mick Kinane on behalf of the Hong Kong Jockey Club for 300,000gns at the 2019 Tattersalls October Yearling Sale.
Bred in Ireland by Tim Rooney and David Egan of Corduff Stud, Romantic Warrior was sold at the Hong Kong International Sale to Peter Lau for HK$4.8 million ($814,000).
He is the third foal of the Street Cry (IR) mare Folk Melody, which was an €82,000 purchase for Blandford Bloodstock from the Godolphin draft at the 2016 Goffs November Breeding Stock Sale.
