James McDonald pays tribute to retired Romantic Warrior
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Sun 6 Sep 2026
James McDonald has revealed that the 15-time top-level winner Romantic Warrior will spend the rest of his days in retirement living his best life at the jockey's property in Sydney.
The leading Australian jockey rode the Danny Shum-trained gelding on all but 11 of his 31 starts, and told Luck On Sunday that the recently-retired eight-year-old is going out at the top of his game.
He explained: "He's really good, the news came as a bit of a shock as he was getting prepared for a fifth attempt at the Hong Kong Cup.
"It was a good opportunity to retire him at his best – it's been cut a little short as a precaution - but it's a fitting way to go out."
Watch: Romantic Warrior's 2025 Hong Kong Cup victory
Winner of 24 races in total, McDonald recalled that one of his favourite moments was actually one of the rare occasions when the son of Acclamation suffered defeat.
"Every time I rode him it was special," he said. "These horses don't come along often.
"His win in the first Hong Kong Cup was very special, the win in Dubai was outrageous, but one of my fondest memories was when he got beat [in the Saudi Cup] – he was so gallant that day on his first start on dirt.
"That will be replayed for many years to come."
And McDonald is looking forward to him – and his family – spending even more time with the horse in the future.
"Peter [Lau, owner] has kindly gifted him to us to look after – he's going to live out his days in Sydney, with the best possible life. I might just float around riding him from time to time.
"He had a split personality – he was ruthless on the track, but a gentle giant off it. I've got two girls and he was as soft as butter with them.
"He was a remarkable horse, very intelligent and courageous – he had it all."
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