Godolphin has retired global superstar Rebel's Romance, the stable's most successful horse ever, following a stellar career that yielded 22 victories from 32 starts. The Charlie Appleby-trained star, who won nine Group 1 races across the globe, including two Breeders' Cup Turf victories, ran his final race last week in the Group 2 Princess of Wales's Stakes at Newmarket, where he triumphed thrillingly.
Career Highlights and Global Success
Rebel's Romance's Group 1 haul includes the Breeders' Cup Turf in 2022 and 2024, Hong Kong's Champions and Chater Cup, and the Dubai Sheema Classic in 2024. While many of his finest moments came overseas, he also captured notable domestic victories in the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot and the Yorkshire Cup last year. Over his career, he amassed more than £12 million in win and place prize-money.
Trainer Charlie Appleby's Tribute
Revealing the decision on the Godolphin website, trainer Charlie Appleby said: "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. Rebel's Romance has proved an outstanding horse for so many years and has taken us on a journey that we will never forget."
Appleby added: "After yet another brilliant win at Newmarket last week, collectively we all discussed it and felt that now is the right time to call it a day. It has 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 throughout his career."
Jockey William Buick's Reflections
William Buick, who guided Rebel's Romance to the vast majority of his victories, said: "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. He proved time and time again to be an outstanding horse and I cherish the moments that we have had together."
Buick continued: "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."
Legacy and Impact
Appleby noted the horse's global following: "We have had some great days together and, wherever I am in the world, he is the one horse people ask me about. 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."
