Gallant second for Rebel’s Romance in G1 Breeders’ Cup Turf

Rebel's Romance narrowly missed out on a third G1 Breeders’ Cup Turf as he finished second to surprise winner Ethical Diamond, with El Cordobes running well to take third in the Del Mar highlight on Saturday, 1 November. 

Looking to add to his wins in 2022 & 2024, Rebel’s Romance was rousted from the stalls to race in third down the inner rail behind Silawi and Rashabar after the first quarter-mile. El Cordobes also tacked over to the inside from his wide draw to settle in eighth of the 14 runners. 

Goliath took closer order to go second passing the winning post for the first time as Rashabar was shuffled back, with Minnie Hauk also forwardly placed on the outside of the field. 

Silawi, Goliath and Minnie Hauk kicked on into a two-length advantage leaving the back. Rebel’s Romance closed the gap turning in but was unable to switch out at the top of the straight as Rebel Red penned in the Godolphin veteran. 

William Buick found room soon after and Rebel’s Romance quickened to collar Minnie Hawk just inside the final furlong, although he was immediately headed by Ethical Diamond, who flew home to prevail by a length and a quarter in a track record time. 

Rebel’s Romance stayed on gamely in second, with El Cordobes making strong late headway under Billy Loughnane to take third in the closing strides, three-quarters of a length behind his stablemate. 

Charlie Appleby said: “When Will gave Rebel’s Romance the office coming down the stretch, I thought he was going to go about his business and create his own history. 

“The winner has come with a wet sail but, as always with Rebel’s Romance, he was a hard horse to pass and stuck at it like he always does. Full credit to the winner, there are no excuses. 

“The day Rebel’s Romance runs out of the first three will be the day we sit down and have a conversation about whether he is still up to this standard – but from what we have seen there, he is still at the top. 

“He will have a well-deserved break now and then do his usual winter campaign, taking in Qatar and Dubai. Then we will work it out from there. 

“El Cordobes always puts up a good effort and again really ran well. He will be a really nice horse going forward.”