Japan Salutes a Champion as Romantic Warrior Triumphs in Yasuda Kinen

Mark Smith - Sunday June 2

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.

Another international triumph for Romantic Warrior (image HKJC)

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisment
More Reading...
Vale, Robert Priscott
Former Group One-winning trainer Robert Priscott has passed away.
Romantic Warrior's History in Hong Kong
Champion Romantic Warrior created some special history when emphatically winning his third Group I Hong Kong Cup at Sha Tin on Sunday.
Zoustar 7YO Chasing G1 for Cambridge Stud
South Africa will tackle the All Blacks at Eden Park on Saturday night and earlier in the day a horse named after one of their favourite sons will be vying for Group One glory down the road at Ellerslie Racecourse.
Winning Debut for Blueblood Frankel Filly
We usually associate the Mark Walker stable with the tangerine colours of Te Akau racing, but it was John Camilleri’s Fairway Thoroughbreds colours in the frame for the astute Kiwi trainer trainer at Benalla on Tuesday carried by blueblood Frankel filly Chateau Eze.
Romantic Warrior Pulls it Out of the Fire with Record Third Win in G1 Queen Elizabeth II Cup
Following the defeats of the superstars Golden Sixty and California Spangle, Romantic Warrior (IRE) sent fans home happy when repelling a strong Japanese challenge to win a record third consecutive Group 1 FWD Queen Elizabeth II Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin.
Vale, G1 winning horseman Tony Dennis
A member of one of New Zealand racing’s most famous and successful families has died, with the recent passing of Tony (Anthony) Dennis, aged 86.
Cox Plate Hero Romantic Warrior Breaks Course Record at Meydan
The reigning Hong Kong Horse of the Year and winner of the 2023 Cox Plate in Australia, Romantic Warrior (IRE) was invincible last night at Meydan for James McDonald when powering to a scintillating victory in the Group I Jebel Hatta (1800m) in course record time.
A Third Legend Salutes as Romantic Warrior Goes Back-to-Back in Hong Kong Cup
After Lucky Sweynesse won the Sprint and Golden Sixty claimed a third win in the Mile, it was the turn of the Cox Plate hero Romantic Warrior (IRE) to defend his title in the Group 1 The Longines Hong Kong Cup (2000m) and send the packed-out crowd home happy.
First Foals for Lofty Strike
One of the most interesting young stallions that we saw on the recent Victorian stud tour was at Swettenham Stud and it has not taken long for the big baldy face of Lofty Strike to find it’s way on to one of his first foals.
Tara Talks Racing - We Chat with the Breeder of Raging Force
The Group III ATC San Domenico Stakes was won last Saturday by exciting Cosmic Force gelding Raging Force, so this week we’re chatting to his breeder Dr Richard McClenahan of Mullaglass Stud, who has a self-confessed ‘mare addiction’!