Godolphin have enjoyed a stream of globetrotting stars in recent times. Thunder Snow, Nations Pride, and Master Of The Seas are among the runners to put the operation’s name up in lights on the international stage. Another to add to that list is the lovable Rebel’s Romance, who will bid to land a first domestic Group 1 at Ascot on 26 July 2025.
Such is his popularity with the racing public and connections – William Buick labelled him his “best friend” at Royal Ascot – it is surprising to learn the seven-year-old has yet to win a top-level contest in Britain.
Rebel Runs Riot on his Travels
A domestic Group 1 is the only notable omission on the stellar CV of Rebel’s Romance. Successful in 18 of 26 career starts, he has scored seven times in Group/Grade 1 events elsewhere in the world, amassing a phenomenal £10,300,855 in total prize money in the process.
Gelded before making a winning debut at Newcastle in 2020, the son of Dubawi has enjoyed a longer career than most top-level flat performers. That extended career may be, in part, due to his lack of breeding value.
While a career as a stallion is off the table, Rebel’s Romance has ensured he will never be forgotten with a collection of sizzling displays at the track. Standout wins on his extensive highlights reel include:
- Grosser Preis von Berlin (2022)
- Preis von Europa (2022 & 2024)
- Breeders Cup Turf (2022 & 2024)
- Dubai Sheema Classic (2024)
- Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup (2024)
Given all that he has achieved, Rebel’s Romance doesn’t need to win a British Group 1 to join the ranks of all-time Godolphin greats. However, it would certainly be nice. Commenting on the prospect of that elusive victory arriving in the 2025 edition of the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, trainer Charlie Appleby stated:
“It would be phenomenal if he can win at that level in Britain. He hasn’t got one to his name, and it would be fantastic for everyone who is involved with him.”
Second Time Lucky in £1.5 Million Event?
The main reason Rebel’s Romance has yet to claim a British Group 1 is that he hasn’t had many chances to do so. Identified as a potential international star from an early stage, 18 of his twenty-six outings have come on foreign soil.
Focusing on his runs in Britain, he has lined up twice in Class 5 Novice events, twice at Listed level, once in a Group 3, twice in a Group 2, and only once in a Group 1. That solitary top-level effort came in the 2024 King George and resulted in his only defeat on British soil.
King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes 2025 Full Result
| Pos. | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Goliath | Francis-Henri Graffard | Christophe Soumillon | 25/1 |
| 2nd | Bluestocking | Ralph Beckett | Rossa Ryan | 9/2 |
| 3rd | Rebel’s Romance | Charlie Appleby | William Buick | 5/2 |
| 4th | Sunway | David Menuisier | James Doyle | 16/1 |
| 5th | Auguste Rodin | Aidan O’Brien | Ryan Moore | 7/4 |
| 6th | Luxembourg | Aidan O’Brien | Wayne Lordan | 11/1 |
| 7th | Dubai Honour | William Haggas | Tom Marquand | 25/1 |
| 8th | Middle Earth | John & Thady Gosden | Oisin Murphy | 12/1 |
| 9th | Hans Andersen | Aidan O’Brien | Sean Levey | 150/1 |
Twelve months ago, Rebel’s Romance started as the second favourite in a field containing Group 1 star Auguste Rodin and subsequent Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe heroine Bluestocking. The market expected the winner to come from the aforementioned trio.
However, French raider Goliath had other ideas. Relatively unconsidered at odds of 25/1, the mount of Christophe Soumillon sauntered into contention before cruising clear for a 2¼-length success. Bluestocking finished second, with Rebel’s Romance running a typically solid race in third.
No Goliath, but Opposition Remains Formidable
Only three horses have claimed King George gold more than once, with the John Gosden superstar Enable (2017, 2019, and 2020) being the most recent. No new name will be added to that list in 2025 as defending champion Goliath is set to skip this assignment following a desperate effort in the Grand Prix de Saint Cloud.
With the King George throne vacated, the following are expected to present the biggest threat to Rebel’s Romance:
- Calandagan – French raider hailing from the yard of 2024 winning trainer Francis-Henri Graffard. Second in the 2025 Coronation Cup and arrives on the back of a Group 1 breakthrough in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud
- Jan Brueghel – The 2024 St. Leger hero lost his unbeaten record in the Group 3 Alleged Stakes, but bounced right back to his best when fending off Calandagan in the Coronation Cup
- Kalpana – Ended 2024 with a spectacular hat-trick, including the Qipco British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes at this track. Headed into 2025 as a leading contender for Arc glory, but is zero from two so far this season.
A formidable cast of stars, as you would expect of such a prestigious contest. However, Rebel’s Romance has conquered such fields before and is no forlorn hope in his bid to become the oldest winner in King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes history.
