Japan Salutes a Champion as Romantic Warrior Triumphs in Yasuda Kinen
A lather of sweat before the start, Hong Kong’s favourite son, Romantic Warrior (IRE), added another chapter to his illustrious story with victory in the $3,264,000 Group 1 Yasuda Kinen (1600m) at Tokyo on Sunday.
Another international triumph for Romantic Warrior
Given a masterful ride by James McDonald, Danny Shum’s international traveller sat close to the speed set by Dobune.
Shouldering his way into the clear, the 6-year-old Romantic Warrior safely held the chasing pack to defeat last season’s Group 1 Mile Championship winner Namur (Harbinger)under Yutaka Take by a half-length.
With the favourite Soul Rush (Rulership), ridden by Joao Moreira, a nose back in third from Romantic Warrior.
“I’m always lost for words when I ride Romantic Warrior because he has such a big heart and always tries his best.
“It’s an absolute privilege to be here, and it’s very special to win a Group 1 on my first ride in such a competitive jurisdiction.”
The 6-year-old gelding Romantic Warrior was purchased by Mick Kinane on behalf of the Hong Kong Jockey Club for 300,000gns at the 2019 Tattersalls October Yearling Sale.
Bred in Ireland by Tim Rooney and David Egan of Corduff Stud, Romantic Warrior was sold at the Hong Kong International Sale to Peter Lau for HK$4.8 million ($814,000).
Romantic Warrior is the third foal of the Street Cry (IR) mare Folk Melody, which was an €82,000 purchase for Blandford Bloodstock from the Godolphin draft at the 2016 Goffs November Breeding Stock Sale.
McDonald had won four Group 1s on the Hong Kong star heading into the Japan feature, which represented a new test given Romantic Warrior was dropping back to 1600m for the first time in more than a year.
Jumping from barrier seven, McDonald had Romantic Warrior perfectly poised behind the pace in the early to middle stages before forcing his way clear and hitting the front inside the 200m.
For a brief moment, local hopes Namur and Soul Rush loomed strongly as winning hopes as they made their runs down the middle of the course, but Romantic Warrior responded under vigorous riding from McDonald to win by a half-length.
“It was very, very special. There’s no words for him, Romantic Warrior just keeps delivering every time,” McDonald said.
“Everything went really well all week, it’s been smooth sailing for him … to win such a prestigious race away from home is so, so special. The reception we received after the race was something that only one particular race (the Melbourne Cup, can match).”
McDonald said he couldn’t have written a better script for Romantic Warrior heading into the race.
“We dream of those runs in big races because it doesn’t happen very often, but everything went very well from the start – on Thursday, when the barriers came out, undefeated from barrier seven, he’s won two Hong Kong Cups, a Cox Plate and now the Yasuda Kinen.
In his glittering career so far, McDonald has ridden the likes of champion sprinter Nature Strip, generational star Anamoe and Melbourne Cup winner Verry Elleegant … but he said Romantic Warrior stood above them all.
“He’s the best … I wouldn’t say easily, I’ve ridden some good ones and he’s definitely surpassed them. When you ride such good horses you hate comparing them, but I’m very lucky to have ridden champion racehorses over certain distances.
“He’s just got a phenomenal will to win, he positions so well, he’s absolutely push button to ride every time and … his courage, he doesn’t know how to lay down and he loves winning. His record speaks to that and I’m just very proud to be on his back.”
McDonald’s victory marked the third country in which McDonald has piloted Romantic Warrior to Group 1 success. He followed up his 2023 Cox Plate (2040m) victory with three Hong Kong majors.
Before sacrificing not just his ride aboard I Wish I Win, but also Queensland Derby hope Tannhauser, to make the trek to Japan.
Sunday’s Yasuda Kinen aboard Romantic Warrior was McDonald’s 18th Group 1 winner for 2023-24 – 13 of those coming in Australia.
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Racehorse shares available in a potential Romantic Warrior:
Star Turn x Bleue Pepite
This colt is by the Group 1 producing sire Star Turn and out of the Fastnet Rock mare Bleue Pepite who has already produced top quality racehorses including the $400k earner and 6 time winner Ruban Bleu as well as 5 time winner La Defense.
She has done a great job at stud to date. Bleue Pepite is a half sister to the Group 3 winning mare Think Bleue.
This Colt is extremely well balanced and a showed a fantastic willing workmanlike attitude. He was well put together with plenty of scope.
He will be trained by recent $500k 2yo Magic Millions debutant winning training Chris Anderson out of his state of the art Eagle Farm, Brisbane facilities.
He is eligible for the Magic Millions race series as well as both the lucrative BOBS and QTIS bonus schemes.
This Colt is by Widden Stud’s very exciting young stallion Anders, son of champion sire Not A Single Doubt.
Anders first yearlings have been hugely popular at the sale in 2024 with his yearlings averaging $194k at the January Magic Millions sale making this colt great value.
His dam Happy Pilgrim herself a 3 time winning half sister to Snipzu the Group and Stakes placed dam of 5 runners for 5 winners to date.
Including 3 individual Group and Stakes horses, most recently the twice Group 1 placed (Blue Diamond and Inglis Sires Produce) Don Corleone.
This Colt is a ½ brother to our very promising 2yo trial winner Private Harry, a horse we have a very high opinion of after winning his trial very impressively.
Beating the subsequent Blue Diamond Prelude Group 3 placed Holmes A Court and Group 3 Kindergarten placed Halliet in the process.
The Colt was presented at the Inglis Classic Sale by Rheinwood Pastoral, in recent times Rheinwood have produced the highly exciting colt Libertad.
A winner of the Group 3 Kindergarten Stakes at 2 and the Group 3 San Domenico (just like Anders) highlighting their ability to produce top class racehorses to compete at the highest level.
He is a quality early looking sprinting type and shared a lot of similar characteristics to his brother Private Harry. He had a great action and looks very precocious.
He is trained by Nathan Doyle out of the excellent state of the art Newcastle facilities just like his brother. This Colt is eligible for the lucrative Inglis race series and BOBS bonus scheme.
To check out all available racehorse shares opportunities jump over to our website now https://kbloodstock.com.au
This Colt is by Newgate Farm’s exciting first season sire Cosmic Force, already doing a great job with only a handful of runners so far.
Producing 3 individual Stakes horses including the Blue Diamond Prelude Group 3 runner up Stay Focused and Inglis Nursery runner up Beer Baron.
His dam Miss Marilyn a winner at 1100m is a half sister to the illustrious Group 1 The Galaxy sprint winning earner of over $1.7 million Mistegic and Stakes winner of no less than 11 individual wins Rightson.
This Colt was a real standout for us at the sale from the moment we laid eyes on him we knew we were bringing him home.
He ticked a lot of boxes for us he moved effortlessly, is so well balanced and oozed class. Every time we saw him he just came out and paraded like the utmost professional.
He was presented at the Inglis Classic sale and comes off the Boutique nursery Riverstone Lodge an upbringing that will see him have every chance for success on the track.
He will be trained by Nathan Doyle in Newcastle where he will get every chance.
This Colt is eligible for the lucrative Inglis race series and BOBS bonus scheme.
To check out all available racehorse shares opportunities and all the latest horse racing news jump over to our website now https://kbloodstock.com.au
Zoustar Australia’s leading sire of Group 1 winners, leading sire of stakes winners, leading sire of winners and leading sire of 3YOs.
As a sire he has over 70 individual stakes performers including Group 1 Winners Zougotcha, Ozzmosis, Mizzy and Sunlight.
Zoustar is well renowned as one of the very best sires he was Champion 1st, 2nd and 3rd season sire with over $78 million in progeny earnings.
He has sired 31 individual stakes 2 year old’s to date including the very exciting dual Group 3 winning 2 year old colt Espionage.
Zoustar has had yearlings sell up to $3 million, with his progeny averaging $477k so far in 2024 making this quality colt exceptionally great value.
Zoustar is having a great 2024 and is showing no signs of stopping with another fantastic weekend with Zougotcha adding another Group 1 to her CV.
And Joliestar taking out the Group 2 Arrowfield Stakes.
This Colt is out of dual Group 1 winning mare Savvy Coup, a Champion 3 year old on the track herself.
She won 6 times in her career from 1400m-2400m showing incredible mix of speed and stamina throughout her career. She is also a half sister to the recent Group 2 winner Nereus.
He is a precocious running type that looks like he will get up and go early.
He is well muscled, forward and has a fantastic attitude to go with it.
This Colt was bred by the very same farm that produced Magic millions 2yo winner and Group 1 Golden Slipper placed Storm Boy.
He will be trained by Martini Mumma and Front Page’s Kosciusko winning trainer Matthew Dale out of his state of the art Goulburn facilities and will get every chance.
This Colt is eligible for the lucrative Magic Millions race series and BOBS bonus scheme.
In summary, the journey from purchasing a yearling to potentially having a champion on the race track involves careful selection, veterinary assessments, thorough training, and the support of a syndication structure like that provided by Kurrinda Bloodstock.
Imagine owning a racehorse with the pedigree and potential of Romantic Warrior, a sensation in the racing world known for its agility, strength, and impressive track record.
One of the colts currently advertised offers a golden opportunity for aspiring racehorse owners to realize this dream.
With lineage traced back to champions and a physique built for speed and endurance, this colt stands out as a promising investment in the thrilling world of horse racing.
This colt’s pedigree is not just a list of names but a testament to excellence, with sires and dams that have consistently produced winners.
Bred for both power and grace, this young horse exhibits the characteristics of a future champion: a strong, muscular build, a keen and intelligent demeanor, and an innate competitive spirit.
These traits are reminiscent of Romantic Warrior, who took the racing circuit by storm and captivated the hearts of enthusiasts and investors alike.
Owning a racehorse like this colt isn’t just about the potential for financial gain; it’s about becoming part of a vibrant and exhilarating community.
It’s about the anticipation and excitement of race day, the camaraderie of fellow owners, and the pride of seeing your horse cross the finish line first.
It’s about the journey from the early days of training to the electrifying moments under the spotlight.
Now is the time to act. This colt represents a rare chance to step into the winner’s circle.
Prospective owners should seize this moment and get in touch to learn more about this exceptional opportunity. Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of something extraordinary.
Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or a newcomer to the sport, this colt could be your ticket to the thrilling world of horse racing. Contact us today and take the first step towards making your dream a reality.
Another international triumph for Romantic Warrior
