Cover image courtesy of the Hong Kong Jockey Club
Headlined by Romantic Warrior’s (Ire) (Acclamation {Ire}) history-making third victory in the G1 Hong Kong Cup, legendary jockeys, elite trainers, and exceptional horses combined to produce a day filled with unforgettable moments, cementing the Hong Kong International Races as one of the most prestigious events on the international calendar.
Romantic Warrior’s dominant win in the Hong Kong Cup was the highlight of the day, as the Danny Shum-trained superstar etched his name into the record books. With James McDonald in the saddle, the son of Acclamation (Ire) showcased his brilliance, cruising to a comfortable victory and becoming the highest-earning racehorse in history. The win capped off an extraordinary journey for Romantic Warrior, whose achievements have transcended Hong Kong racing and now turn toward global ambitions in Dubai and Saudi Arabia.
In the G1 Hong Kong Sprint, Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress {NZ}) displayed grit and determination to extend his winning streak to eight, overcoming a sluggish start and relentless pressure to claim his first Group 1 title. Meanwhile, Voyage Bubble (Deep Field) finally broke through in the G1 Hong Kong Mile after two previous attempts, delivering an emphatic performance under James McDonald to highlight his consistency and heart.
On a day dominated by Hong Kong stars, the international contingent also made their mark. British stayer Giavellotto’s (GB) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}) victory in the G1 Hong Kong Vase was a masterclass in patience and precision, as jockey Oisin Murphy guided him through a challenging race to secure a commanding win. While Australian hopes rested on three talented runners, they were unable to match the quality of the local and international competition this time around, meaning it is 24 years before the HKIR drought will be broken.
Romantic Warrior makes history with third G1 Hong Kong Cup
Cementing his legendary status, Romantic Warrior stormed to a history-making third G1 Hong Kong Cup (2000 metres) victory under James McDonald at Sha Tin on Sunday.
Trained by Danny Shum, Romantic Warrior etched his name into racing immortality as he took his Group 1 tally to 9 with an unrivalled third G1 Hong Kong Cup and in the process became the highest-earning racehorse in history, with total earnings surpassing US$22 million, or around AU$35million.
Bouncing out to the lead from gate one, champion jockey James McDonald quickly took hold to settle Romantic Warrior into a stalking third position as Wingspan (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) took command down the backstretch.
Entering the straight, McDonald eased Romantic Warrior into the clear and he quickly glided by Japanese Derby champion Tastiera (Jpn) (Satono Crown {Jpn}) before racing well clear of the field, with McDonald having a teasing glance over his left shoulder inside the final 50 meters, comfortably maintaining his lead over Japanese raider Liberty Island (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn}), to secure the victory by 1.5l.
“Unbelievable, I’m so god damn proud of this horse,” McDonald said.
“It has just been a remarkable effort by Danny and his team. The Japanese put it to him but with no luck. He’s the best, forget the rest!
“He’s been flying. Anyone could ride him, he’s that easy but I’m the lucky one.
“He’s a horse of a lifetime. This was our moment to create history and it deadset felt like I was lining up for the winning kick for the All Blacks - it was a pinch me moment.”
“He’s (Romantic Warrior) a horse of a lifetime. This was our moment to create history and it deadset felt like I was lining up for the winning kick for the All Blacks - it was a pinch me moment.” - James McDonald
Undoubtably the best horse in Hong Kong, trainer Danny Shum indicated it was now his intention to travel his stable star.
“He’s the best but I have to take him for a bigger challenge,” Shum said.
“I have to go to Dubai and Saudi Arabia. Just because I haven’t been to Dubai for 25 years, at that time I was I was assistant trainer. I need to go, to take Romantic Warrior from Hong Kong to Dubai. I will make sure the team and two horses, Romantic Warrior and Romantic Charm, are in the best care. I will take the whole team over there for four to five months.”
Romantic Warrior clears away in the G1 Hong Kong Cup at Sha Tin on Sunday | Image courtesy of the Hong Kong Jockey Club
Bred in Ireland by Tim Rooney and David Egan of Corduff Stud, Romantic Warrior was originally purchased by Mick Kinane on behalf of the Hong Kong Jockey Club for 300,000 gns (AU$628,400) at the Tattersalls October yearling sale and later acquired by owner Peter Lau at the Hong Kong International Sale HK$4.8 million (AU$814,000).
He is the third foal of the Street Cry (Ire) mare Folk Melody, which was an €82,000 (AU$135,700) purchase for Blandford Bloodstock from the Godolphin draft at the 2016 Goffs November Breeding Stock Sale.
Ka Ying Rising calls on champion qualities to take G1 Hong Kong Sprint
Hong Kong superstar Ka Ya Rising had to call on all his champion qualities to get the job done in the G1 Hong Kong Sprint at Sha Tin on Sunday.
Many expected Ka Ying Rising to blow his rivals away and win by a huge space after producing a record-breaking performance in the G2 Jockey Club Sprint (1200 metres) in the lead up to the coveted Group 1 sprint. However, the Hong Kong star was forced to dig deep to overcome challenges and secure his first Group 1 victory; only managing to win by 0.5l.
The David Hayes-trained son of Shamexpress (NZ) experienced a sluggish start and required early encouragement from Zac Purton to position himself alongside California Spangle (Starspangledbanner). Throughout the race, he contended with pressure from the long-odds outsider Victor The Winner (Toronado {Ire}), but ultimately, Ka Ying Rising's superior ability shone through when it mattered most.
As the $1.10 favorite, he surged ahead in the final furlong, successfully fending off late competition from John Size's Helios Express (Toronado {Ire}), and Noriyuki Hori's Satono Reve (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}) in a tough performance.
“It wasn't smooth at all,” Purton said.
Ka Ying Rising (NZ) clears away in the G1 Hong Kong Sprint at Sha Tin on Sunday | Image courtesy of the Hong Kong Jockey Club
“Something lunged at the gate just before they went and it took his mind off it. He turned his head. He was a little bit slow to step and then Victor The Winner just bored down my neck the whole way.
“He never quite relaxed as well as he has and was working the whole way, never relaxed.
“He is a special horse. He wasn't at his best today, he is better than this and he still got the job done.”
“He (Ka Ying Rising) is a special horse. He wasn't at his best today, he is better than this and he still got the job done.” - Zac Purton
Ka Ying Rising took his remarkable winning streak to eight consecutive races and in the process shortened in favouritism for next year's Everest at Royal Randwick.
Ka Ying Rising is the first winner for five-time winning mare Missy Moo (NZ) (Per Incanto {USA}). It’s a pedigree that traces back top blue hen Taiona (Sovereign Edition {Ire}) dam of Champion 3-year-old Sovereign Red (Sir Tristram {Ire}) and Melbourne Cup winner Gurner’s Lane (Sir Tristram {Ire}).
Third times a charm for Voyage Bubble in G1 Hong Kong Mile
Voyage Bubble finally claimed a well-deserved victory in the G1 Hong Kong Mile (1600 metres) at Sha Tin on Sunday, marking a successful third attempt in the prestigious race.
The 6-year-old son of Deep Field had previously competed twice without success, most recently finishing second behind champion Golden Sixty (Medaglia D'oro {USA}), but showcased his superiority with a commanding performance this time around. The win not only secured jockey James McDonald his first Group 1 victory of the day but also his second with Voyage Bubble.
McDonald noted the horse's readiness as they approached the starting gates.
“Going to the gates today he was really on the job,” McDonald said. “He's a fair dinkum Group 1 horse.
“He just gives his all, he's got a very big heart.
“He's a very uncomplicated horse which is great for Hong Kong.”
Positioned just outside the lead, McDonald asked Voyage Bubble for an effort at the top of the straight and the horse surged ahead, leaving the competition fighting out the minor end of the prize.
Voyage Bubble races away in the G1 Hong Kong Mile at Sha Tin on Sunday | Image courtesy of the Hong Kong Jockey Club
Japanese competitor Soul Rush (Jpn) (Rulership {Jpn}) managed to ran on from the rear to finish 1.3l back in second, while Beauty Joy (Sebring) finished a further half-length back in third at long odds.
Australian runner Antino (NZ) (Redwood {GB}) faced challenges during the race, encountering aggressive bumps from other horses as Blake Shinn sought an opening. Meanwhile, Lazzat (Fr) (Territories {Ire}), who had previously shown impressive speed in Australia, struggled to maintain that same pace over the mile.
Voyage Bubble was bought by trainer Ricky Yiu for $380,000 at the 2020 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale from the Torryburn draft and is a half-brother to Group 3 winner Diddums (Snitzel) and stakes-placed Brettan (Commands) being the best of seven winners out of good producer Raheights (Rahy).
Giavellotto takes G1 Hong Kong Vase for Great Britain
A perfectly executed plan by jockey Oisin Murphy and trainer Marco Botti has resulted in globetrotting stayer Giavellotto delivering the first British winner of the G1 Hong Kong Vase since Red Cadeaux (GB) (Cadeaux Genereux {GB}) in 2012 at Sha Tin on Sunday.
The plan to target the G1 Hong Kong Vase with Giavellotto was conjured back in September by Murphy and Botti after finishing third to champion stayer Kyprios (Ire) (Galileo ({Ire}) in the G1 Irish St Leger (2800 metres) and came to fruition on Sunday thanks to an outstanding ride.
Murphy put Giavellotto straight to sleep from the jump, settling well back on the rail, trailing the well-favoured Without A Fight (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}) throughout. The speed was sedate, with the leaders appearing to get every chance, however Without A Fight quickly loomed into contention on the turn and just as quickly dropped out with Murphy forced to check off heels and overcome some interference to get into the clear. After bustling into clear air, Giavellotto exploded to the front and raced away to win by 2.5l, with fellow countryman Dubai Honour (Pride Of Dubai) finishing off strongly into a clear second, while the Japanese took third with Stellenbosch (Jpn) (Epiphaneia {Jpn}).
“He had a beautiful trip around until we turned in,” Murphy said.
“He raced great and he was in a super rhythm, very well behaved today. He got checked turning into the straight and often you don’t get going again but how powerful was he late.
“Well done to Marco Botti. It was a great plan coming her and he’s done an incredible job preparing him. It was brilliant.
Oisin Murphy aboard Giavellotto (Ire), winner of the G1 Hong Kong Vase at Sha Tin on Sunday | Image courtesy of the Hong Kong Jockey Club
“He’s owned by the most wonderful people and Marco Botti has had a terrific couple of seasons with not a huge amount of horses but he places them incredibly well and I’m sure him and his team will get a huge thrill out of this.”
Murphy also partnered Giavellotto to win the G2 Yorkshire Cup (2771 metres) in May and the G2 Princess of Wales's S. (2400 metres) in July.
Giavellotto is the best performed of eight foals to race from six-time winning mare Gerika (Galileo {Ire}).
He’s now had 7 career wins from 18 starts, with this being his first at Group 1-level.
