Romantic Warrior secured a record-extending fourth victory in the Group One QEII Cup at Sha Tin on Sunday, comfortably defeating international challengers Masquerade Ball and Sosie under jockey James McDonald.
Champion jockey Christophe Lemaire prepares to ride Japanese contender Masquerade Ball against Hong Kong's Romantic Warrior in Sunday's QEII Cup at Sha Tin, expressing confidence in the horse's potential despite the challenges of travel and acclimatization.
British challengers Royal Champion and Docklands had their first canters at Sha Tin on Wednesday ahead of Group One targets, with Royal Champion set to face Hong Kong's Romantic Warrior and Japan's Masquerade Ball in the QEII Cup. Meanwhile, Japan's June Take was pulled up during workout by Joao Moreira but was reported fine after veterinary examination.
Docklands and Royal Champion were the first of the internationals set for FWD Champions Day to arrive in Hong Kong on the weekend, but there were two absentees from the travelling party after the withdrawals of Andreas Vesalius and Native Approach. Docklands and Royal Champion arrived from Britain on Saturday night, with Japan’s six representatives following soon after in the early hours of Sunday morning. Group One winners Masquerade Ball, Jantar Mantar and Satono Reve headline the Land Of The...
