With no disrespect to Romantic Warrior and what he has achieved this season, the Horse of the Year is clearly Ka Ying Rising.
The debate has raged since star jockey James McDonald made his case for Romantic Warrior in the wake of his Group One Champions & Chater Cup (2,400m) triumph, which sealed Triple Crown redemption and added another chapter to his legacy as an immortal of Hong Kong racing.
McDonald and Ka Ying Rising’s jockey, Zac Purton, went head to head on Australian radio on Thursday, stating their cases for their respective champion gallopers.
But when it’s all said and done, it is difficult to imagine the Horse of the Year voting panel – which consists of three Jockey Club officials and three members of the media – siding with Romantic Warrior over Ka Ying Rising.
While some expected Voyage Bubble to claim the award for his Triple Crown glory – the first horse to achieve the feat in 31 years – last season, it was Ka Ying Rising that was crowned Horse of the Year after continuing his stunning rise with eight wins, including four Group Ones, from as many starts.
