The world’s highest prize money earner has undergone surgery following his return to Hong Kong. 

Champion Hong Kong galloper Romantic Warrior has undergone surgery following his return from the Middle East where he raced with distinction. 

The Hong Kong Jockey Club released a veterinary update on Thursday after Romantic Warrior had surgery on his left front leg. 

The gelding, who won the Group 1 Cox Plate at Moonee Valley in 2023, has since returned to trainer Danny Shum's stable at Sha Tin to recuperate. 

"The procedure followed a Computerised Tomography (CT) examination and a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) examination of his forelimbs performed on 16 May, 2025 as part of a proactive health-screening process in accordance with the Club's systematic procedures for ensuring the welfare of our racehorses," the statement read. 

"No lameness or other clinical signs were present prior to the screening examinations. 

"Management options were discussed by the Club's expert veterinarians and Romantic Warrior's owner and trainer, and a decision was made for the horse to undergo a veterinary procedure at the Club's Equine Hospital in which a single screw was inserted under standing sedation and local anaesthesia. 

"The procedure was performed on 28 May 2025 without complication. 

"Romantic Warrior returned to his stable where he will be closely monitored by Club veterinarians and stable personnel, supported by the world-class rehabilitation services that the Club has developed." 

Romantic Warrior returned to Hong Kong last month after a Middle East campaign that saw him win at Meydan in January before running second in the Group 1 Saudi Cup (1800m) at Riyadh in February and then second in the Group 1 Dubai Turf at Meydan on April 5. 

Romantic Warrior has notched 18 wins and five minor placings from his 25 starts and just over A$36 million in prize money.