Romantic Warrior retires after leg injury
Romantic Warrior retires after leg injury
Anonymous
Key Points
1
Romantic Warrior extended his reach beyond Hong Kong with major international Group 1 wins: the 2023 Cox Plate at Moonee Valley in Australia, the 2024 Yasuda Kinen in Japan, and the 2025 Jebel Hatta in Dubai; he also finished second in the 2025 G1 Saudi Cup on dirt.
2
Discrepant earnings tallies across outlets: some reports list Romantic Warrior as earning more than £28 million in prize money, while others cite about $35.4 million, reflecting different currencies and reporting conventions.
3
Breeding and purchase background: Romantic Warrior was born in Ireland in 2018 and bought by the Hong Kong Jockey Club for about $396,948 at the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale; he ran under trainer Danny Shum for owner Peter Lau Pak Fai.
4
Retirement plan and farewell: after three months at Conghua Racecourse under ongoing veterinary supervision, he will transition to a retirement home via HKJC’s Restart Racehorse Aftercare Programme, with a farewell ceremony at Sha Tin planned for a later date; the news came just days before the HK season opener.
Romantic Warrior, Hong Kong's eight-year-old racing superstar, has retired after veterinarians detected a concerning change in one of his front legs. The Hong Kong Jockey Club made the decision in consultation with its own veterinary team following diagnostic imaging. The horse earned over £28 million in prize money across 24 wins from 31 starts and won the Hong Kong Horse of the Year award twice.
Romantic Warrior spent his final season in peak form, winning all four races and claiming the Hong Kong Triple Crown before the injury forced his early retirement. The stallion, trained by Danny Shum for owner Peter Lau Pak Fai, will spend three months at Conghua Racecourse under veterinary care before moving to a retirement home through the Restart Racehorse Aftercare Programme. Racing News Australia noted he won the 2023 Cox Plate at Australia's Moonee Valley.
A Global Champion Beyond Hong Kong
Romantic Warrior proved himself one of racing's greatest international competitors. He won the 2023 Cox Plate in Australia, Japan's 2024 Yasuda Kinen, and Dubai's 2025 Jebel Hatta. The Hong Kong Jockey Club records show he also finished second in the 2025 Saudi Cup run on dirt. His 15 Group 1 victories span four continents.
Record-Breaking Prize Money and Career Stats
Over eight years, Romantic Warrior accumulated stunning prize earnings. Racing News Australia reported he earned over $288 million Hong Kong dollars—equivalent to more than $51 million USD. His 24 victories from 31 career starts underscore his consistency at the highest level. The stallion earned multiple Group 1 titles and prestigious race wins across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.
Retirement Plan and Farewell Ceremony Ahead
Romantic Warrior will not race again. He will spend three months at Conghua Racecourse under continuous veterinary supervision to monitor his leg condition. After that recovery period, he moves to a retirement home via the Restart Racehorse Aftercare Programme, which ensures former racing horses transition to safe, caring environments. The Hong Kong Jockey Club plans to hold a farewell ceremony at Sha Tin later this season to honor his legacy.
Sentiment
Mostly NegativeNEGATIVENEUTRALPOSITIVE
Publishers
14
Articles
56
Reach
70
Topics
A
AnonymousAuthor
