JAMES MCDONALD'S UNWAVERING BELIEF IN ROMANTIC WARRIOR AS THE DUO LINE UP A FOURTH HK CUP

By Tim Clayton | Friday, December 12, 2025

James McDonald was confident at the HKIR press conference at Sha Tin on Thursday morning, telling the media that he is already visualising the moment he and Romantic Warrior cross the line in front yet again.

The champion pair will chase an unprecedented fourth consecutive LONGINES Hong Kong Cup, a feat that would cement Romantic Warrior’s legacy, not just as a local icon which he already is, but as one of the greatest middle-distance horses Hong Kong has ever produced.

“It’s pretty remarkable to think what he’s trying to achieve; he’s just been such a good horse for such a long time. His longevity has been remarkable,” McDonald said.

“He’s a funny horse. I’ve had nothing like him in my life in terms of the fact I never feel like he’s ever going to lose, no matter what. He’s just a superb racehorse. He always gives his best, which is most important, and he’s got a great racing style. It’s just a privilege to ride him.”

McDonald added that Romantic Warrior feels like he is exactly where he should be heading into Hong Kong’s richest race.

“This Hong Kong Cup, he seems in as good an order as he could possibly be in and we’re really looking forward to the race,” said McDonald.

Romantic Warrior has a unique record in his three previous wins in the LONGINES Hong Kong Cup – winning them each time second up. He is second up here again after a dominant performance winning the Group 2 BOCHK Gold Cup three weeks ago.

But the champion jockey is under no illusions about the depth of opposition.

“If Rousham Park brings his best form … he was highly spruiked a couple of years ago … and Bellagio Opera is in great form and a young horse on the way up,” McDonald said, acknowledging the quality of the opposition.

Can Hong Kong’s most revered duo write the next chapter in one of the city’s greatest racing love affairs?

We’ll find out on Sunday!

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