Danny Shum believes Romantic Warrior will have to beat the strongest HK$30 million G1 FWD QEII Cup (2000m) field in two decades if he is to become a four-time winner of the race at Sha Tin on Sunday (26 April).

The world’s highest-earning racehorse won the main event on FWD Champions Day in 2022, 2023 and 2024 and, while a Middle Eastern campaign took priority last year, this time the race comes en route to a Triple Crown bid at home in Hong Kong.

Romantic Warrior will have to beat a star-studded field to claim a fourth crown, with Group 1 winners Masquerade Ball, Royal Champion and Sosie helping shape one of the deepest fields he has faced in some time.

“I think this is the strongest QEII Cup in Hong Kong for 15 or 20 years,” Shum said. “I’m happy so many good horses have come. It’s definitely going to be a difficult race for him.

“After his injury, his owner Peter Lau and I thought he should stay here,” Shum said of his charge, who underwent surgery on his left fetlock joint last May. “We have the Triple Crown; hopefully, we can get it. We don’t know about next season yet, we see race by race what we want to do.”

Romantic Warrior, who drew barrier five in Thursday’s (23 April) barrier draw, approaches the race following a flawless campaign featuring wins in the G2 BOCHK Jockey Club Cup (2000m), G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (2000m), G1 Stewards’ Cup (1600m) and G1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m), and is reported to be in excellent condition for the historic feat after working on Thursday morning.

“He galloped really well,” Shum said. “Every time Hugh Bowman rides him, he always gives me very positive feedback. I have confidence (going into the race).”

Romantic Warrior was defeated by Forever Young in a memorable duel for the G1 Saudi Cup (1800m) on the Riyadh dirt in February 2025, and Shum is wary of another top-class Japanese horse this time around in the G1 Tenno Sho Autumn (2000m) winner Masquerade Ball.

He said: “When we went to the Middle East last year, all of the Japanese horses had really good results. I really respect all of the Japanese horses.”

Shum said Romantic Warrior’s regular rider, James McDonald, will be encouraged to keep tactics simple in Sunday’s race as the horse has the right attributes to adapt to different scenarios.

The trainer shares a close bond with his stable star, whose 13 Group 1 victories include races in Australia, Japan and Dubai, and he believes the attention the eight-year-old has received throughout his career has enabled him to perform consistently at the top level.

“The team really, really looks after him,” he said. “Romantic Warrior is special to me, my stable and my family. I love him and he loves me too. He’s a super legend.”

The 11-race FWD Champions Day card on Sunday (26 April) at Sha Tin starts with the Class 4 FWD Insurance Act Private Handicap (1200m) at 12.30pm.

By Maddy Playle

Photo: HKJC