Godolphin Already Weighing Future Plans for Its Breeders’ Cup Runners
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Notable Speech Likely to Stay in Training; Rebel’s Romance Set for Farewell in the Hong Kong Vase; Cinderella’s Dream Retired to Stud—Appleby Team Pleased with Overall Showing
DEL MAR, California (From a Turf Diario Special Correspondent) — With the 2025 Breeders’ Cup now in the books, Godolphin and trainer Charlie Appleby have turned their attention to the future of their leading stars following a consistent, professional showing at Del Mar—where, as team officials proudly confirmed, every horse came out of their races in excellent order.
“Everyone came back great—they ate up well, looked terrific, and we’re very happy with them. They shipped home Sunday afternoon,” said Chris Connett, Appleby’s chief assistant and head of international operations for the powerful blue team.
The highlight came from Notable Speech (Dubawi), who gained redemption in the GI Breeders’ Cup Mile, one year after finishing third as the favorite. With a devastating late run under William Buick, the chestnut closed his season in style, now boasting seven wins from 14 starts and more than US$3.1 million in earnings—making history as the first English 2000 Guineas (G1) winner ever to capture a Breeders’ Cup race.
“It was a fantastic race, and to come back and win in such an authoritative way was incredible,” Connett said. “We all know he’s an exceptional horse—a Classic winner—who had a few runner-up finishes this year, but to finish with a performance like that is fantastic. Will gave him a superb ride.”
The future of Notable Speech remains under consideration, though Hugh Anderson, Godolphin’s Managing Director for the UK and Dubai, confirmed that keeping him in training for 2026 is an active possibility—one that will ultimately be decided by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Another headline act, Rebel’s Romance (Dubawi), sought a historic third win in the Longines Turf (G1) but had to settle for second, beaten 1 1/4 lengths by the surprising Ethical Diamond (Awtaad) after encountering traffic into the far turn.
“Unfortunately, he ran into a bit of trouble just as he was starting to accelerate, and William had to steady him slightly. That’s Del Mar—sometimes you get the trip, sometimes you don’t. Still, we’re very proud of the horse,” Connett noted.
Now seven, Rebel’s Romance is nearing the end of a glittering career. Connections are weighing whether he will make one final appearance in December’s G1 Hong Kong Vase or head directly to retirement—a fitting close to a remarkable campaign that made him one of Godolphin’s most reliable international ambassadors.
One who won’t return to competition is Cinderella’s Dream (Shamardal), who was retired following a disappointing run as the dual favorite in the GI Filly & Mare Turf. A top-level winner in both England and the United States, she captured the G1 Belmont Oaks and G2 Saratoga Oaks in 2024 and had become one of the leading fillies of her generation.
“We were expecting a big effort, but she just didn’t fire at her best,” said Connett. “Still, she’s a wonderful filly who’s given us so many special days around the world. She doesn’t owe the team a thing, and she’ll be a tremendous addition to the broodmare band.”
Meanwhile, Diamond Rain (Shamardal), who finished third in the same race, and El Cordobes (Frankel), third in the Turf, will remain in training with campaigns focused on major U.S. turf events in 2026.
As Notable Speech contemplates extending his career, Rebel’s Romance weighs retirement, Cinderella’s Dreambegins a new chapter as a broodmare, and the next generation prepares to step forward, Godolphin once again proves that beyond winning, its true strength lies in precise planning—and a global vision that never rests.
