The Aidan O'Brien-trained Luxembourg finished a close second to local favourite Romantic Warrior in the Group 1 Hong Kong Cup at Sha Tin's International Raceday on Sunday.

Given a break since finishing second to stable companion Auguste Rodin in the Irish Champion Stakes in September, Luxembourg was third favourite for the 10-furlong race in Hong Kong, behind recent Cox Plate winner Romantic Warrior and Japanese hope Prognosis.

Ryan Moore and Luxembourg raced in mid-division, a place behind Romantic Warrior and on the outside. The Irish challenger was rushed up by Moore to challenge on the turn-in but Romantic Warrior was travelling better alongside him and looked set for a comfortable victory.

Having looked likely to be swallowed up by the chasing pack, Luxembourg rallied in the closing stages and got within a short-head of Romantic Warrior at the line. Another short-head away in third came Japan's Hishi Iguazu.

Romantic Warrior's jockey James McDonald was not sure he had held on and was overjoyed when the result was confirmed.

“I'm so proud of this horse. "He's the best horse. He's one of the toughest horses I've ever ridden, that's what makes him so special," McDonald said. "He's so easy to ride and he's got a heart as big as a lion. He's had the trip to Australia - this is his best win.”

Ryan Moore commented: “He ran a very big race. I was delighted with him.”

Earlier in the day Moore and O'Brien took third place in the 12-furlong Vase with Warm Heart. The race was won by the French-trained Junko, trained by André Fabre and ridden by Maxime Guyon.

There were also impressive wins on the day for local stars Lucky Sweynesse in the Sprint and Golden Sixty in the Mile. John Quinn's Highfield Princess finished sixth in the Sprint.