'An international superstar' - Rebel's Romance wins sixth Group 1 after digging in to regain Preis von Europa crown

Rebel’s Romance regained the Preis von Europa at Cologne by narrowly holding off Straight to triumph for the sixth time at Group/Grade 1 level.

Successful in the 1m4f contest in 2022, Rebel’s Romance has also won at the top level in Hong Kong, the US and Dubai for Godolphin and trainer Charlie Appleby.

Ridden by William Buick, Rebel’s Romance settled in the middle of the pack as the Jessica Harrington-trained Trevaunance made the running at a steady pace under jockey Shane Foley.

With three furlongs to go, Buick switched Rebel’s Romance into the clear and stoked his mount up, aware the race was about to develop into a sprint to the finish. 

The six-year-old went to the front inside the final quarter of a mile and had enough to repel the persistent challenge of Straight, who failed by a neck to overhaul the Godolphin runner.

Buick said: “Rebel’s Romance is winning the race for a second time and he’s a real international superstar. Today he showed what a tough horse he is and whenever we come to Germany we respect the local horses as it’s never easy. 

“The pace was pretty slow today and he’s a horse who gets into a comfort zone. He’s a high-class horse and he knows how to win – he always finds a way. He’s a great horse.”

Rebel’s Romance had last been seen finishing third in the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot behind Goliath and Bluestocking.

The Preis von Europa had been the intended target for Goliath as a set-up for the Japan Cup at Tokyo in November before his trainer Francis Graffard had to rule the horse out of the race with a foot abscess.

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