Rebel’s Romance shows no sign of stopping in G2 Dubai City Of Gold

Rebel's Romance recorded a 16th Group-race win and took his career earnings beyond £12m as he readily landed the G2 Dubai City Of Gold Sponsored by emirates.com at Meydan, UAE, on Saturday, 28 February. 

Making his eight-year-old return for Charlie Appleby, the nine-time G1 victor was quickly into his stride and soon raced in a clear third of the eight runners, some four lengths behind the pacesetting Kihavah. 

Rebel’s Romance cruised into the lead at the top of the straight and the son of Dubawi found plenty for William Buick as Fort George briefly look set to challenge two furlongs out. 

Godolphin’s most decorated horse quickened away approaching the final furlong and was eased close home to score by a length and a half, adding to his previous Meydan victories in the 2021 G2 UAE Derby and 2024 G1 Dubai Sheema Classic. 

Charlie Appleby said: “It takes a bit for me to get emotional, but I love Rebel’s Romance. He won the UAE Derby and then I tried to make him into a World Cup horse, but my form on dirt does not particularly go the right way! Then we tried him on the turf, which sparked a new lease of life into him. From then on, he has been a rockstar who has been there and done it so many times. 

“It is great for His Highness Sheikh Mohammed and the Royal family to be here tonight. We had planned to bring Rebel’s Romance here, although he is getting older and it’s a case of race by race with him. We wanted him to show everyone here what a great racehorse he is. I am delighted he has proved it again tonight.” 

William Buick added: “I have said it before, and I will say it again; Rebel’s Romance is the horse of a lifetime. I do feel different when I am riding this horse. He has done so much for everyone at Godolphin and my career as well. He has taken me around the world. 

“He is the kind of horse that, when you stop riding or training, you will remember forever. We have to enjoy him while we still have him – I certainly am – and it is great for the crowd at Meydan to see him again at the ripe old age of eight.”