Rebel’s Romance secure sixth G1 with Preis von Europa repeat

Rebel's Romance captured the Preis von Europa for a second time and notched his sixth G1 success with another professional display in the Cologne highlight on Sunday, 22 September. 

Returning to Germany for the first time since taking the 12-furlong contest in 2022, Rebel’s Romance soon settled one off the rail in fourth behind Trevaunance, Palladium and Lordano. 

The Charlie Appleby-trained six-year-old closed to within two lengths of the lead turning in before sweeping by the leading trio with just under two furlongs left. 

Rebel’s Romance looked on course for a comfortable win entering the final furlong but had to be kept up to his work by William Buick to see off the persistent challenge of Straight. The front two pulled nearly three lengths clear at the line, with Rebel’s Romance holding on well for a neck verdict. 

A top-level scorer in North America, Dubai and Hong Kong, Rebel’s Romance is the most prolific G1 winner for his sire Dubawi, and the Godolphin homebred is due to bid for more international glory in November’s Breeders’ Cup Turf – a race he won in 2022. 

Charlie Appleby said: “We are delighted to see Rebel’s Romance win the Preis von Europa again. He deserved to get his head back in front following a very creditable run in the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes. 

“I think he will come forward for this as we just eased off slightly after Ascot. We don’t leave horses too short for G1 races, but he wasn’t quite as fit as he was heading into his last run. He is entitled to come on for this and we can look forward to the Breeders’ Cup Turf.” 

William Buick added: “It’s great to be back here with Rebel’s Romance winning this race for a second time. He’s a real international superstar and showed today what a tough horse he is. 

“We always respect the local horses when we come to Germany – it’s never easy – and I thought everything today was very good for Rebel’s Romance. The track was in good condition and we were all very happy. 

“The pace was pretty slow and Rebel’s Romance is a horse who gets in his comfort zone. He is probably better off a stronger pace, but he is a high-class horse and knows how to win. He always finds a way and he is a great horse.”