Richest racehorse in history with more than £28MILLION earnings retired with immediate effect due to injury

HONG KONG, CHINA – DECEMBER 08: James McDonald riding Romantic Warrior winning Race 8, the Longines Hong Kong Cup during racing at Sha Tin Racecourse on December 08, 2024 in Hong Kong, China. (Photo by Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images) Credit: Getty THE richest racehorse in history with more than £28MILLION earnings has been retired with immediate effect due to injury. An amazing 15-time Group 1 winner, Romantic Warrior has had time called on his money-spinning career after hurting his leg. James McDonald salutes the crowd from the now-retired Romantic Warrior after his career was ended following a leg injury Credit: Getty Romantic Warrior was nigh-on unbeatable at Sha Tin and retired having had a perfect, unbeaten season at the track Credit: Rex A statement from Hong Kong Jockey Club read: “Romantic Warrior’s 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 will spend the next three months at Conghua Racecourse under the continued monitoring of the Club’s veterinarians before being transitioned to his retirement home with the assistance of the Club’s RESTART Racehorse Aftercare Programme, which involves a holistic approach to horse aftercare following the completion of racing careers. “The Club will arrange a farewell ceremony for Romantic Warrior at a Sha Tin Raceday later this season. “Details of the farewell ceremony will be shared as soon as they are available.” Romantic Warrior bows out from the sport with his army of fans remembering his 24 wins from 31 career starts. Trained by Danny Shum, the eight-year-old, who had a career-high ratings of 127, had won all four of his races this year. His final victory came in May with a half-length success at 1-10 in the Group 1 Standard Chartered Champions and Chater Cup at Sha Tin in Hong Kong. Romantic Warrior was so dominant at his home track that he was sent off at some some ridiculously short prices. Most read in Horse Racing He won at 1-20 in March this year under regular pilot James McDonald and two of his past five wins had come at 1-10. Romantic Warrior’s owner Peter Lau Pak Fai wasn’t afraid to send him on his travels. He won the 2023 Cox Plate at Moonee Valley in Australia and the Group 1 Yasua Kinen in Tokyo in June 2024. Jebel Hatta success at Meydan in January 2025 came before runner-up finishes in the Saudi Cup – the world’s richest race – the following month. And he was also second in the Dubai Turf in April of that year, being beaten just a nose by Soul Rush in an all-time thriller at Meydan. It was fitting his final six races should be at his home in Sha Tin, where he hadn’t lost since May 2023. Speaking before his retirement was made official, owner Lau said: “Even if he retired tomorrow, I would consider myself the luckiest and happiest owner in the world.” FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here. Comment now