Rebel’s Romance Shines Again in New York, Sets Sights on Third Breeders’ Cup Turf

Godolphin’s star Rebel’s Romance captured the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic (G1) at Belmont Park and is now set for Del Mar, where he will pursue a third crown in the 1 1/2-mile event

Rebel’s Romance: A G1-Winning Machine / ADAM COGLIANESE / NYRA

SOUTH OZONE PARK, New York (Special for Turf Diario).- Rebel’s Romance once again showcased his class Saturday at Belmont Park, taking command of the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Stakes (G1, $500,000, turf) with authority. The Godolphin star drew clear in the stretch to win by 3 1/2 lengths, further cementing his status as an international standard-bearer for Sheikh Mohammed’s operation.

The Dubawi colt, gelded early, notched his 20th career victory in 29 starts, with an impressive record of 10 wins from 13 starts since 2024, proving that at seven, he remains at the peak of his powers.

With Frankie Dettori aboard in place of regular rider William Buick, Rebel’s Romance tracked the pace set by Redistricting (Kingman), cruising past him effortlessly in the stretch. He ran fractions of 24.78, 49.26, 1:13.75, and 1:38.69, completing the 1 1/2-mile trip in a solid 2:25.72 over firm turf.

Redistricting held for second, just ahead of El Cordobes (Frankel), while Far Bridge (English Channel) and Rebel Red (Frankel) completed the order of finish.

The 2024 Male Turf Champion is now perfectly positioned to pursue a third Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1, $5,000,000) title on November 1 at Del Mar, having previously won the race in 2022 at Keeneland and in 2024 on California soil. With this victory, his career earnings rise to $14.4 million, adding to a globetrotting résumé that in 2025 has taken him to Qatar, UAE, England, and Germany, where he captured the Grosser Preis von Berlin (G1).

“He’s a very sound and straightforward horse,” said Alex Merriam, assistant to Charlie Appleby. “He represents what Sheikh Mohammed always wanted for Godolphin: horses that travel and act as ambassadors worldwide. He’ll return home for a short break, and at the end of October we’ll ship him to Del Mar. Winning a third Breeders’ Cup would be very special.”

Dettori added, “We knew there wasn’t much pace. William (Buick) often says it’s ideal to have a target up front, but with a slow pace I could manage him. They let me ride my own race, and when I asked him, he responded on his own. He’s extraordinary: seven years old, big, travels well, and still competes at the highest level. It was a wonderful trip.”

With this triumph, Rebel’s Romance became the first overseas-trained horse to win the Hirsch since Cape Blanco (Galileo) in 2011, further solidifying his standing as a global turf benchmark.