Romantic warrior becomes highest-earner with historic third Hong Kong cup win

Romantic Warrior won a record third Group One Hong Kong Cup and became the highest-earning racehorse of all time as the home team reigned at Sunday's Hong Kong International Races at Sha Tin.

With victory as the favorite in the HK$40 million ($5.1 million) cup over 2,000m, Romantic Warrior moved to HK$177.3 million in prize money to surpass recently retired champion Hong Kong miler Golden Sixty.

"This was our moment to create history and it dead-set felt like I was lining up for the winning kick for the All Blacks, it was a pinch-me moment," said Kiwi jockey James McDonald after driving the Danny Shum-trained horse to glory ahead of Japanese pair Liberty Island and Tastiera.

Ka Ying Rising delivered on his potential in the Group One Hong Kong Sprint (1,200m).

Ka Ying Rising had been the talk of racing circles for weeks after seven consecutive victories and he enhanced his claims to being the world's best sprinter by saluting at the elite level for the first time.

"It wasn't smooth," said jockey Zac Purton.

"Something lunged at the gate just before he went and it took his mind off it and he turned his head, so he was a little bit slow to step."

He added: "The win was better than what it looked. He's a special horse."

Voyage Bubble was the third local to strike on Hong Kong’s biggest race day, surging to a comfortable victory in the Group One Hong Kong Mile.

British galloper Giavellotto struck a blow for the international raiders in the Group One Hong Kong Vase (2,400m) under Irish jockey Oisin Murphy for Newmarket-based trainer Marco Botti.

Giavellotto sliced through traffic to see off fellow British galloper Dubai Honour by two and a half lengths.

"He relaxed great and he was in a super rhythm. He was very well behaved today," said Murphy.