Rebel’s Romance dominates on US return in G1 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic

Rebel’s Romance secured a ninth G1 victory and set himself up for an unprecedented third Breeders’ Cup Turf bid with a commanding display in the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic at Aqueduct, USA, on Saturday, 27 September.

America’s reigning Champion Male Turf Horse, winner of the G1 Breeders’ Cup Turf in 2022 and 2024, was returning to the United States for Charlie Appleby on the back of impressive wins in Qatar, the UK and Germany this year.

Kept wide throughout by Frankie Dettori, Rebel’s Romance tracked Redistributing in a length second before taking up the running after the first half-mile.

Rebel’s Romance soon established a two-length advantage, although the seven-year-old’s lead was reduced slightly when his four rivals took closer order down the back.

Having kicked for home turning in, Rebel’s Romance readily saw off the challenges of Far Bridge and Redistributing early in the straight before storming further clear for an easy three-and-a-half length verdict.

Stablemate El Cordobes, bidding to follow up his win in August’s G1 Sword Dancer Stakes, was held up in fourth by John Velazquez for much of the race and finished strongly, missing out on second by a neck.

Charlie Appleby said: “I’m delighted with Rebel’s Romance, who keeps putting his rivals to the sword. It was a great ride from Frankie and it’s all systems go now towards the Breeders’ Cup.

“I was very pleased with El Cordobes as well, who is still learning and has done nothing wrong. I am sure there are more races at this level in him.”