The Godolphin star, recently crowned 2024 U.S. Champion Older Turf Male, returns to Al Rayyan in Doha to defend his title
DOHA, Qatar (Special for Turf Diario).- No one can doubt at this point the immense class of Rebel's Romance, the Godolphin star who has accumulated major victories in various parts of the turf world. A Group 1 hero in the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Germany, and Hong Kong, he is one of the flagbearers of Sheikh Mohammed's stable.
In his ongoing international journey, the Dubawi colt will celebrate his 7th birthday this Saturday at Al Rayyan Racecourse, aiming to secure his second consecutive win in the H.H. The Amir Trophy - Presented by Longines (G3). This prestigious race, the most important on the local calendar, will be run over 2400 meters on turf, open to horses aged 4 and older, with a purse of 2.5 million dollars.
Recently crowned 2024 U.S. Champion Turf Horse, Rebel's Romance last raced in November, when he ended his season with a victory in the Breeders' Cup Turf (G1) at Del Mar, California, a race he had already won in 2022 at Keeneland.
Since December 2023, Rebel's Romance has suffered just one defeat—when he finished third in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (G1) at Ascot. For his trainer, Charlie Appleby, this is a promising sign: "It’s great to be back in Qatar for this race, and he comes in great form. He’s a year older now and will face younger rivals, but he still shows the same enthusiasm he’s always had. Like in 2024, this seems to be the ideal starting point for his campaign. If he’s at his best, he’ll be the one to beat. Age is the only thing catching up with him, but all the signs at home have been very positive."
Rebel's Romance will face tough competitors, including Alflaila (Dark Angel), the Japanese Satono Glanz (Satono Diamond), Simca Mille (Tamayuz), The Foxes (Churchill), Toromona (Shamardal), King's Gambit (Saxon Warrior), and Supercooled (Lope de Vega).
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