‘I never feel like he’s ever going to lose’ – McDonald on Romantic Warrior

James McDonald has every confidence in Romantic Warrior as he bids for a fourth successive win in the Longines Hong Kong Cup at Sha Tin on Sunday.

The seven-year-old stands alone with his hat-trick in the 10-furlong contest and having recently made a successful return to action after a spell on the sidelines due to injury, McDonald believes Romantic Warrior is primed to mount a bold defence of his crown.

“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”, said the Australian jockey.

“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.

“He’s a funny horse, I’ve had nothing like it in my life in terms of that 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, he’s got a great racing style. It’s just a privilege to ride him.”

Romantic Warrior was involved in one of the races of the year back in February, running subsequent Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Forever Young to a short head in the Saudi Cup, with the top-rated duo going toe-to-toe in a thrilling duel up the Riyadh straight and pulling over 10 lengths clear of the third.

The Danny Shum-trained gelding then suffered a shock defeat in the Dubai Turf before undergoing surgery at the end of May to have a screw inserted into a fetlock injury.

His handler said: “I was so sad when he had the surgery. It was one screw, it wasn’t too bad for him, but for me, it was very bad.

“I’m very proud of him. In Hong Kong, not just racing people, everyone knows him.”

Romantic Warrior has bagged over £22million in prize-money over his 26-race career, winning 19 times in total and he will face just six rivals as he starts from stall two this weekend.

There are no British-trained runners in the field, but Joseph O’Brien fields Galen, a Group Three winner in Ireland who was last seen finishing second to Royal Champion in the Bahrain International Trophy last month.

O’Brien said: “Obviously Romantic Warrior is one of the best horses of his generation, if not the best, and it’s a privilege to be racing against him, but we focus on our own horse’s preparation and we ride to maximise his potential.

“We won’t worry about our competition too much.

“It was a great run in Bahrain, a career best. He likes to go right-handed and he’s due a big race – whether it’ll be this weekend or not – and we’ll be happy to get a share of the prize-money anyway.”

A full field of 14 to go to post for the Hong Kong Mile, with Harry Eustace’s Queen Anne Stakes winner Docklands looking to regain the winning thread after defeat in Japan last time out.

Eustace said: “He seems great. He’s very fresh and well and I feel like we’re bringing him here in a much better spot than last year. We’re quietly hoping for a good run.

“I think the second time horses do international travel they just take it that much better.

“We’ve just kept him at a mile this year, he ran very well in Japan from a bad draw, and we’re just looking forward to running him.”

Aidan O’Brien is represented by Breeders’ Cup Mile third The Lion In Winter, who will be partnered by Ryan Moore.

“His last three starts in the Prix du Moulin, Queen Elizabeth II Stakes and the Breeders’ Cup Mile have been very consistent,” Moore said in his blog for World Pool.

“His draw in 14 is never really where you want to be, but we’ll have to make the best of it. I’d be hopeful he can acquit himself well.

“This would probably be the most competitive of the four Group Ones on the day and there are a whole host you could make a case for.”