James McDonald Maintains Fiery Form Abroad as Romantic Warrior Dominates Field on Return

James McDonald has maintained his remarkable form from the Melbourne Cup Carnival, guiding the exceptional horse Romantic Warrior to a decisive win on Sunday night.

The renowned jockey, who set a new record by securing 11 winners at Flemington during Cup week, has now taken his expertise to Hong Kong for some high-profile races.

McDonald was set to ride the $1.10 favourite in the Group 2 Jockey Club Cup, and the gelding delivered, winning by a margin of over four lengths.

In a post-race interview, the New Zealand-born rider heaped praise on the seven-year-old, who triumphed in last year’s Cox Plate and is considered among the best horses globally.

“He’s a bit like a heavyweight champion, isn’t he? A real prize fighter,” McDonald remarked.

“You never really feel anxious riding him because he’s such a phenomenal horse. I hold him in the highest regard and he’s remarkable. I am so proud of him.

“He’s returned in exceptional shape; he never fails to impress, and he possesses an extraordinary will to win. It’s something I’ve never encountered before.”

McDonald is set to race in Hong Kong for the next five weeks and is anticipated to partner with Romantic Warrior again during this period.

With more successes anticipated at Sha Tin, there’s also a chance that the horse might be taken to compete in other countries for Group 1 titles.

“James held him back, and the fast pace was to our advantage,” trainer Danny Shum explained.

“He [McDonald] mentioned that the horse is still improving, but I warned him that December 8 will present a different challenge. The competition will be significantly stronger than what we faced today. Just look at the entries – there are so many top-class horses.

“It’s going to be a tough road ahead for him and the team, not just in the coming weeks, but also over the next six months. If he performs well on December 8, the owner is very enthusiastic about going forward.

“He truly deserves a chance. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

McDonald also claimed another victory at Sunday’s meeting aboard Voyage Bubble.