Win number 22 for Rebel’s Romance in G2 Princess Of Wales’s Stakes

Rebel’s Romance added another historic prize to his phenomenal CV as he made a successful comeback in the G2 Princess Of Wales’s Stakes at Newmarket, UK, on Thursday, 9 July.

A nine-time G1 winner around the world for Charlie Appleby, Rebel’s Romance had been off the track since posting a comfortable victory in the G2 Dubai City Of Gold Sponsored By emirates.com at Meydan in February.

Stablemate Arabian Crown led the four runners at an even tempo under James Doyle, with Rebel’s Romance positioned in second by William Buick ahead of Convergent and Almeric.

Asked to improve as the pace lifted half a mile out, Rebel’s Romance hit the front approaching the final furlong and looked set for a dominant victory as the Godolphin duo left the opposition behind.

Arabian Crown rallied bravely to claw back some of the deficit, although Rebel’s Romance was never seriously threatened as he crossed the line half a length in front. The pair pulled more than three lengths clear of Almeric in third.

Charlie Appleby said: “Rebel’s Romance actually broke his turf maiden on the July Course in 2022, when he taught me that he was more of a turf horse than a dirt horse! With that in mind, I felt this race was a fitting summer target.

“The team at home have done a great job. Will has sat on him plenty alongside Mark Halford and they know him inside out. He came here for a couple of gallops as well and showed all the signs that he still wants it. I don’t think you could question that given what he did out there today.

“I have to give credit to the guys at what we call old Moulton Paddocks, which is where Rebel’s Romance is housed and Godolphin originally started off. Pam, Charlotte and the whole team do a fantastic job of looking after him – he is like a pet.

“Rebel’s Romance will tell us the day he does not want to do it anymore. I think everyone can see that he still wants it and, while I am not saying that he is as good as he was, he still goes out there and does what he enjoys.

“We will take it race by race and he will tell us where we go next. We know what he is good at – he loves those slick tracks in North America and would have options over there. If he is telling us in a few weeks’ time that he is ready for a crack at it, you could look at races like the Sword Dancer or Canadian International.”

William Buick said: “Although I know Rebel’s Romance inside out, I went through his race record again last night and it is just phenomenal. He is an absolute top-class racehorse who has proven it in so many countries over so many years.

“Today he has come here after a long layoff and gritted it out in typical fashion. He is probably getting to the age now where he only does what he has to when he hits the front, which is understandable at the age of eight.

“Even looking at him going around the parade ring today, you see the presence he carries. I am very privileged for a horse like him to have come into my career. I have enjoyed him for a number of years now. And whether you are on him at the races or at home, he lifts you. He is just that sort of horse.”