Romantic Warrior, the world’s highest-earning racehorse, has been retired in the wake of a recent career-ending leg issue.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club announced on Sept 2 that connections headed by Peter Lau, “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.”

An injury cloud first surfaced on Aug 25 when it was announced that scans “revealed a change in one of the horse’s joints” and necessitated further monitoring.

Unfortunately, the sands of time did not spare the Irish-bred eight-year-old and 24-time winner with Lau and trainer Danny Shum preferring to call time on the legend’s career.

Tributes have not taken long to be paid to one of the best racehorses Hong Kong has ever produced, both at home and on the global stage.

Regular partner James McDonald has paid the retiring superstar the ultimate compliment by describing the son of Acclamation as the best horse he has ridden.

The 34-year-old Sydney champion jockey, who has a giant painting of Romantic Warrior adorning his Sydney home living room wall, has sat on a slew of high-calibre racehorses including Verry Elleegant, Nature Strip, Anamoe, Via Sistina, Autumn Glow and Voyage Bubble, but Romantic Warrior took pride of place in his heart.

“Romantic Warrior is my Winx, that’s for sure,’’ said the Kiwi jockey to Racing And Sports in reference to Australia’s super mare.

“He’s the best I have ever ridden. He was incredible, so special for what he achieved on the track.

“We won’t see the likes of him again in my lifetime.’’

In 20 partnerships, McDonald tasted defeat only thrice aboard Romantic Warrior, with the last two coming in Group 1s in the Middle East, when beaten agonisingly close in s...