James Mcdonald once again proved the difference aboard the Danny Shum trained Romantic Warrior with the pair combining for their sixth Group One together with victory in Sunday's Group 1 QEII Cup (2000m).

Jumping from barrier 11/12, McDonald was able to get across and sit midfield, going in and out of cover aboard the $1.90 favourite, and took the opportunity to track Japanese rival Prognosis ($5.40) when that horse was set alight mid-race by Yuga Kawada after missing the start.

Prognosis, who has finished second and fifth to Romantic Warrior in two previous Hong Kong jaunts, stuck on bravely after his tough run to finish second by just a neck, with fellow Japanese runner North Bridge sticking on for third at triple figure odds.

Clearly emotional post-race, McDonald was once again starstruck by Romantic Warrior's tenacity.

"I just can't believe this horse. I've got no words. He brings a tear to my eye how good he is," McDonald said.

Having his first start on yielding ground, McDonald praised the horse's will to win when things didn't go to plan.

"He was beaten at the six hundred. He just finds a way. He's incredible, I dead set didn't have one thing go my way, I had ten riders dead set against me, and the horse, and I just had no favours at all, and he's pulled out a run like that. He's an incredible horse."

"First time going out I was deep, but in a rhythm, then 1000 from home I was finally having a rest and one took off and then at the 600 he's off the bridle, just struggling in the ground a tad… he just picks up. I'm in disbelief," McDonald said.

Romantic Warrior will venture to Japan for his next run, the Group 1 Yasuda Kinen (1600m) at Tokyo on the 2nd of June. Trainer Danny Shum confirmed that McDonald will continue his association with the seven-time Group One winner.