Rebel’s Romance stamps class on G2 Hardwicke Stakes

Godolphin’s superstar Rebel’s Romance added another significant win to his glittering record with a resolute victory in the G2 Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot, UK, on Saturday, 21 June.

Returning to the scene of his fine third in last season’s G1 King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes, the Charlie Appleby-trained son of Dubawi raced wide initially before tacking over to race in fourth on the outside of the 12-strong field.

Rebel’s Romance continued to race one off the rail before looming up to press Space Legend and Sunway for the lead turning in. William Buick took up the running early in the straight and kicked on into a two-length advantage entering the final quarter-mile.

Al Riffa tried to close late on, but seven-time G1 winner Rebel’s Romance found more in front to cross the line a length and three-quarters in front.

In addition to becoming the oldest winner of the Hardwicke Stakes at the age of seven, Rebel’s Romance is now tied alongside Anamoe as Godolphin’s most successful Group-race horse with 13 wins. Rebel’s Romance’s 18 career victories makes him the most prolific horse in the royal blue silks, clear of Anamoe (14) and Lemon Pop (13).

Charlie Appleby said: “All credit to Rebel’s Romance first and foremost, and all credit to the team. It's been some week, but that's what you expect when you come here, it's the Olympics. You can come here thinking you're fully loaded and have great chances and you can walk away with excuses but that's racing.

“I'd like to think we can compose ourselves well, take it on the chin and look forward to moving on and I was always taught from a young age when I came into racing by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed to applaud every winner and enjoy your own. I know how hard it is for people to get horses to get here, let alone have a winner so I'd like to think I'm the first to congratulate everyone when they have a winner.

“I felt that going to the Yorkshire Cup was a chance for the people of York to see a horse like him and today, for him to do it on this stage, it's what he richly deserves but most importantly for the team back home, it's been a tough week for everyone. If there was one man who was going to pull it out of the bag, it was Rebel's Romance.

“It's been a great week for His Highness and Team Godolphin and I'm just glad we've managed to put one on the board ourselves. I knew once William had made the move it would be a tough one to get past him.”

William Buick added: “Rebel’s Romance is a star. We thought from a way out that this was the right race for him. It’s just great that he can showcase his talents at Royal Ascot. He’s such a well-travelled horse, a top-class horse, has been all around the world. To get to see him at Royal Ascot winning like that, I think a lot of people appreciate him.

“He’s incredible. I remember when we went to Hong Kong last year, not an easy thing to do with the humidity and everything that time of year and he turned up, won the race and came back again. That’s what he does, he turns up, gets the job done, and goes back home for his next assignment.”