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Asian Racing

Rebel’s Romance bids to create history in Sheema Classic

If a horse was eligible for frequent-flyer airline status, Rebel’s Romance would be a Gold Tier member.

Picture: Dylan Buell/Getty Images

The Godolphin-owned gelding will attempt to make history at Meydan on Saturday when attempting to be the first horse to record back-to-back success in the Group 1 Sheema Classic.

A seasoned international traveller, Rebel's Romance has achieved sixteen career victories on various different continents – from a Listed victory at Kempton in the UK to two Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Turf at Del Mar and Keeneland. The seven-year-old has collected over five million worth of prize money in seven different countries: UK, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Germany, USA, Hong Kong and Qatar.

2024 marked a memorable year for the then-six-year-old, with victories in the Group 1 Sheema Classic at Meydan, Group 1 Champions & Chater Gold Cup in Hong Kong, Group 1 Preis von Europa in Germany and the Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Turf in the United States – four International Group One races, all over the same distance as the Sheema Classic.

The 2025 campaign started in similar fashion, recording a second win in the H.H. The Amir Trophy. in Qatar

Jockey William Buick has formed a close riding partnership with the horse, riding him in all bar three of his 23 races:

"I've never been involved with a horse quite like Rebel's Romance, with his personality, character and his ability.

"He's a throwback to the early days of Fantastic Light and Daylami and all of those horses who travelled the world for Godolphin," Buick said.

"When Sheikh Mohammed set the operation, he wanted it to be a global brand and to compete in all of the top races across the world - and that's what Rebel's Romance is doing. He's certainly Godolphin's best horse at the moment.

"He's taken it to another level really and it's amazing that at the age of seven he still retains all of his enthusiasm and ability.

"He's taken me and so many people all around the world.

"He's the defending champion (of the G1 Sheema Classic) and he's had a very similar prep this year winning the race in Qatar," the rider said of his victory in the H H Amir Trophy last time.

"I saw him in Newmarket, and he looked great, and he's shipped over well again.


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