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Romantic Warrior has backed up his 2023 Cox Plate triumph with a determined victory in the Group 1 Hong Kong International Cup.

In an enthralling finish, Romantic Warrior was required to fend off a wall of horses late headed by a driving Luxembourg.

Romantic Warrior's determination was on display over the final stages as the Acclamation gelding fought hard and lifted to win the Group 1 Hong Kong International Cup (2000m).

The plaudits came thick and fast for Romantic Warrior after his second Hong Kong International Cup (2000m) victory led by jockey James McDonald.

"I think he's the toughest racehorse I've ever sat on," McDonald said.

"His courage and his will to win is just something that I've never felt before.

"I've ridden some fantastic racehorses, unbelievable ones and he's right up there.

"There's always that unknown coming back from Australia after a really tough run in the Cox Plate and a tough run in the Turnbull. His work's been good, but I have felt him a tad better.

"He shows so many champion qualities this horse and a phenomenal will to win. I'm incredibly proud of him and I'm very humbled to be able to be associated with a horse like that."

Romantic Warrior's second Hong Kong International Cup was achieved under some adversity with the five-year-old required to quarantine for two weeks after another narrow victory in the Cox Plate at Moonee Valley in October.

"He's a tough, tough horse. I love him," winning trainer Danny Shum said.

"Think about it. He just had a long flight, a tough race, quarantine. You can imagine this is really, really hard for a horse but he can take it. He's too good."

Future plans are still undecided for Romantic Warrior however the 2024 Cox Plate at Moonee Valley to defend his title is firmly on the radar.

Earlier in the day, Golden Sixty captivated those in attendance at Sha Tin with a resounding victory in the Group 1 Hong Kong International Mile (1600m), his third success in the event.