Rebel’s Romance doesn’t miss: another international conquest for the blue legend

The Godolphin star shone in the Hardwicke Stakes (G2), taking William Buick and Charlie Appleby back to the winner’s enclosure at Royal Ascot

The one-of-a-kind Rebel’s Romance continues to add major victories to his remarkable résumé / ROYAL ASCOT

BERKSHIRE, Inglaterra (Special for Turf Diario).- It took Charlie Appleby three long years to return to the winner’s enclosure at Royal Ascot, and who better to lead the way than the horse who never misses on the big stage: the globetrotting legend Rebel’s Romance. The son of Dubawishowcased his class and international experience to land Saturday’s G2 Hardwicke Stakes over 2400 meters in authoritative fashion.

Now a winner of 18 races in six different countries—including seven at the top level—Rebel’s Romance powered through the stretch and, once William Buick gave the signal, quickly put the race to bed. Al Riffa (Wootton Bassett), trained by Joseph O’Brien, finished 1 3/4 lengths back in second, while the well-regarded Ghostwriter (Invincible Spirit), racing in the silks of Amo Racing, checked in third.

“If no one asks me about Rebel’s Romance, they’re clearly not following racing,” quipped Appleby. “He’s a global superstar. I actually have a photo of him on my nightstand. This win is for him and for the whole team, who’ve worked so hard during a tough week. Royal Ascot is like the Olympics—sometimes you come in fully prepared and still leave with nothing. That’s why we savor every victory, and today was one to enjoy.”

Already a winner of the G1 Breeders’ Cup Turf, the G1 Dubai Sheema Classic, and Group 1 contests in Germany and Qatar, Rebel’s Romance continues to cement his place as one of Godolphin’s most decorated ambassadors.

“He’s a dream horse,” said Buick, who’s been aboard for all of the gelding’s biggest wins. “Anyone lucky enough to ride a horse like this knows how special he is. He’s my best friend out there. His will to win is unshakable. And when I asked him today, the crowd reaction said it all—he’s a fan favorite and a globe-trotter. We’ve won over £10 million together, and he still amazes me.”

Joseph O’Brien was proud of runner-up Al Riffa: “He always gives his all. He runs to a high level consistently, right around 120 [rating], and never throws in a bad one. Today we just ran into a true champion. We might look at stretching him out further—his pedigree suggests it’s worth exploring.”

Kia Joorabchian, owner of Ghostwriter, was upbeat despite the third-place finish: “It was his first time over the trip and he produced one of his best efforts. He showed heart and there’s plenty more to come. We might look at America or Australia, where the ground might suit him better. There’s no shame in being beaten by Rebel’s Romance. Charlie deserved this—it’s great to see him back in the spotlight.”