Godolphin globetrotter Rebel’s Romance retired after nine top-level wins and £12 million in prize-money
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Rebel’s Romance, one of Godolphin’s most prolific superstars with nine top-level successes around the world, has been retired following his victory at Newmarket last week.
The eight-year-old earned more than £12 million in prize-money and won 22 of his 32 races, with his final win coming in the Group 2 Princess of Wales’s Stakes on the July course.
“We always knew this day would come, but it’s nevertheless a very sad day for everyone at Moulton Paddocks and Godolphin as a whole,” said Appleby. “Rebel’s Romance has proved an outstanding horse for so many years and has taken us on a journey that we will never forget.
“After yet another brilliant win at Newmarket last week, we all discussed it and felt now is the right time to call it a day. It’s been an absolute honour to train such an amazing horse, who has been a dream to look after from the moment he arrived. My thanks must go to the whole team at Moulton Paddocks, who have done such a brilliant job of caring for him.”
Charlie Appleby: “It’s been an absolute honour to train such an amazing horse”Credit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)
Rebel’s Romance was a two-time winner of the Breeders’ Cup Turf for Charlie Appleby and also secured Group or Grade 1 victories in Dubai, Germany and Hong Kong.
“We have had some great days together and, wherever I am in the world, he is the one horse people ask me about,” added Appleby. “He built up a great following and I was always touched by the reception he received across the globe. You dream of having a horse like Rebel’s Romance and I am incredibly thankful to have been part of his story.”
While best known for his international exploits, which also included two wins in Qatar, Rebel’s Romance had plenty of success in Britain, including when landing last year’s Yorkshire Cup and Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Rebel’s Romance: dual Breeders’ Cup Turf heroCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)
“Rebel’s Romance has taken me on some great adventures and I feel immensely privileged to have been able to ride a horse of his stature,” said jockey William Buick. “He proved time and time again to be an outstanding horse and I cherish the moments we’ve had together.
“He was a wonderful horse to ride, with such a presence and a will to win, and an immense credit to everyone at Godolphin associated with him. His record across the world was phenomenal and I owe him a great deal.”
Read these next:
‘He’s like a pet’ – Rebel’s Romance refuses to wilt as he digs deep for a 22nd career success in the Princess of Wales’s Stakes
‘He’s a horse of a lifetime’ – Godolphin stalwart Rebel’s Romance claims 21st win of his career
‘They gave me free rein’ – Frankie Dettori steers globetrotting stalwart Rebel’s Romance to his 20th career victory
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