Rebel’s Romance recorded his eighth G1 victory and captured the Grosser Preis von Berlin for a second time as he comfortably beat Junko at Hoppegarten on Sunday.
Godolphin’s most decorated horse was returning to the German course having secured his first top-level success in the same race in 2022, the first of four G1 wins in the country.
A superb international campaigner, Rebel’s Romance has also gone on to major victories in the United States, where he has won two editions of the G1 Breeders’ Cup Turf, the UAE, Qatar, Hong Kong and the UK.
With Billy Loughnane coming in for the ride, Rebel’s Romance broke alertly from his wide draw and the Charlie Appleby-trained seven-year-old tacked over to race in a length second behind Junko.
Rebel’s Romance closed to within half a length of Junko leaving the back and loomed up on the outside to press for the lead at the top of the straight. Junko rallied after Rebel’s Romance established a narrow advantage a furlong and a half out but could not respond to the Godolphin homebred in the closing strides, with three-quarters of a length separating the duo at the line.
The victory proved a landmark for Rebel’s Romance’s sire Dubawi, who has been responsible for 250 Black Type wins in the Godolphin colours. Rebel’s Romance is now the most prolific Group winner in the royal blue silks, with 14 Pattern race successes to his name and prize money in excess of £11m, while Billy Loughnane was celebrating a first G1 success in his career.
Hugh Anderson, Managing Director of Godolphin (UK and Dubai), said: “It has been a brilliant afternoon and congratulations to Hoppegarten for a wonderful meeting. It means so much, first for Billy as a young man to win a G1 is fabulous, while Rebel’s Romance is a superstar.
“It has been a tremendous weekend and I look forward to talking to our principal, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed, who will be delighted, as we all are.”
Charlie Appleby said: “What more can you say about Rebel’s Romance? He writes his own story. I am delighted for His Highness Sheikh Mohammed and team Godolphin, to have a horse who continues to give us such enjoyment at the top level.
“It’s a great occasion for Billy, and I’m sure this will be the first of many G1 winners. For him to be able to get his first on a horse like Rebel’s Romance, I’m sure it will be a very memorable day.
“I’m delighted for the team, and the story keeps going for Rebel’s Romance. It’s most likely that he will head for the Canadian International next, and we will form a plan when El Cordobes and Nations Pride return from Saratoga following their runs in the Sword Dancer Stakes.”
Billy Loughnane said: “It’s a feeling I can’t describe, a feeling of ecstasy. I’m very lucky to be riding in these colours and having the opportunity to sit on a horse like this. A big thanks to Will [Buick], I spoke to him last night and he told me exactly what to do. Rebel’s Romance is a star of a horse”
El Cordobes flashes home to take G1 Sword Dancer Stakes
El Cordobes enjoyed a perfect US debut as he unleashed a late surge to capture the G1 Sword Dancer Stakes at Saratoga on Saturday, 9 August.
The Charlie Appleby-trained four-year-old headed across the Atlantic for his first top-level appearance on the back of several strong efforts in the UK, including winning the G2 Princess Of Wales’s Stakes at Newmarket’s July Festival.
Vote No was pushed along into an early lead in the 12-furlong contest, with El Cordobes settling on the inner rail in third behind stablemate Nations Pride, until Far Bridge rushed up to go second after the first three furlongs.
El Cordobes continued to save ground on the inside, with Padiddle and Rebel Red shuffling the Godolphin runner back to a close sixth halfway down the back.
Nations Pride took up the running turning in and soon opened up daylight over the field, with William Buick kicking into a three-length lead approaching the final furlong.
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