Romantic Warrior claims Triple Crown with thrilling Champions & Chater Cup victory
Hong Kong’s champion galloper made light work of his rivals to bag his 15th Group One success on Sunday
Romantic Warrior added another title to an already storied résumé and jockey James McDonald made history as the pair wrapped up Hong Kong racing’s version of the Triple Crown on Sunday.
Romantic Warrior blew away the field to claim the Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup at Sha Tin Racecourse, adding to the Group One Stewards’ Cup and Gold Cup victories earlier this season.
The Danny Shum Chap-shing-trained gelding had to fight hard for the victory but lifted when it mattered most, charging past Numbers late to win by half a length. Japan’s Deep Monster was third.
“He’s put the cherry on top and I think he should be horse of the year this year,” McDonald said.
The triumph washed away the disappointment of 2023, when Romantic Warrior was beaten by a nose in the final leg of the Triple Crown.
McDonald, meanwhile, is the first jockey to win back-to-back Triple Crown titles, having guided Voyage Bubble to victory last year.