Rebel’s Romance regained the Preis von Europa (G1) at Cologne Sept. 22 by narrowly holding off Straight to triumph for the sixth time at the group 1 or grade 1 level.
Successful in the 1 1/2-mile contest in 2022, Rebel’s Romance has also won at the top level in Hong Kong, the United States and Dubai for Godolphin and trainer Charlie Appleby. In 2022, he won the Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1T) at Keeneland.
Ridden Sunday by William Buick, Rebel’s Romance settled in the middle of the pack as the Jessica Harrington-trained Trevaunance made the running at a steady pace under jockey Shane Foley. With three furlongs to go, Buick switched Rebel’s Romance into the clear and stoked his mount up, aware the race was about to develop into a sprint to the finish.
The 6-year-old went to the front inside the final quarter of a mile and had enough to repel the persistent challenge of Straight, who failed by a neck to overhaul the Godolphin runner.
Buick said: “Today he showed what a tough horse he is and whenever we come to Germany we respect the local horses as it’s never easy.
“The pace was pretty slow today and he’s a horse who gets into a comfort zone. He’s a high-class horse and he knows how to win—he always finds a way. He’s a great horse.”
REBEL’S ROMANCE wins the Preis Von Europa again to become the first DUBAWI progeny with six Gr.1 victories. 🔵
His dam MINIDRESS (GB) has now had a Gr.1 winner in four countries since January. 🏅@DarleyEurope | @godolphin
— GBRI (@GBRI_UK) September 22, 2024
