Tributes are flowing around the horse racing world after record-breaking star Romantic Warrior was retired by owners after sustaining a leg injury. Owner Peter Lau said he decided to end the eight-year-old’s illustrious career after consulting with Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) veterinarians.
Romantic Warrior suffered the injury in training last week, and subsequent scans revealed “a change in one of the horse’s joints” similar to when he had surgery on a fetlock last year. A statement from the HKJC said: “Connections, in consultation with the club’s veterinarians, have decided to retire Romantic Warrior from racing following further detailed diagnostic imaging and assessment of his front leg at the club’s state-of-the-art veterinary hospital.
Romantic Warrior won the Cox Plate with James McDonald in 2023. (Photo by Jay Town/Racing Photos via Getty Images)
“Romantic Warrior will spend the next three months at Conghua Racecourse (outside the neighbouring Chinese city of Shenzhen) under the continued monitoring of the club’s veterinarians before being transitioned to his retirement home. The club will arrange a farewell ceremony for Romantic Warrior at a Sha Tin raceday later this season.”
Romantic Warrior with James McDonald and connections after winning the Stewards’ Cup Group 1 in Hong Kong. (Photo by Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
Romantic Warrior was a superstar in Hong Kong, winning a world record HK$288.74 million in prize money (AU$51.39m) – making him the highest-earning race horse of all time. He also starred in Australia and won the Cox Plate in 2023 with jockey James McDonald.
He won 15 Group 1 races and 24 overall, saluting in Hong Kong, Australia, Japan and the United Arab Emirates. Last season he had six wins from six starts, including completing the ‘Triple Crown’ in Hong Kong with victory in the Champions & Chater Cup Group 1.
Horse racing world pays tribute to Romantic Warrior
McDonald has described Romantic Warrior as an “immortal” and the “best horse” he’s ever ridden. In a nice touch, the horse will live with McDonald and his family in Australia.
“I felt pretty sad (to hear the news), and I’m not an emotional person,” McDonald said on Wednesday. “It did hit me quite a bit. His owner Peter Lau has kindly given us the opportunity to look after him.
“The girls have become quite fond of him, and we can now see him every day. That is the least we can give back for what he has given us over the years. I can’t wait to see him back down here (in Australia).”
On social media, tributes have been flooding in for Romantic Warrior, while many have been left saddened that injury ended his career.