'International superstar' Rebel's Romance holds off the fast-finishing Rousham Park to claim a second Breeders' Cup Turf

Rebel's Romance made it seven wins at the highest level and took his career earnings crashing through the £9 million mark as he landed the Breeders' Cup Turf for the second time under William Buick. 

The Godolphin globetrotter won the same race in 2022, since when he has recorded top-level wins in the UAE, Hong Kong and Germany, and he proved too strong for his rivals under a positive ride.  

In a race which appeared to be run at a modest tempo, Buick went forward from stall 11 to take up the box seat on the heels of the front-running Cabo Spirit in the early stages.

Still the pace failed to quicken and Buick soon took matters into his own hands, taking control from the front and making a decisive move rounding the top bend. After kicking clear, Rebel's Romance had enough in the locker to hold off the late charge of Rousham Park, with another Japanese runner, Shahryar, back in third.

William Buick celebrates following Rebel's Romance's victory in the Breeders' Cup TurfCredit: Edward Whitaker

"He's an incredible horse," said Buick. "He's such a joy to ride and a beautiful horse who has been expertly managed by [trainer] Charlie Appleby and the team. He's an international superstar. 

"We agreed to give him a positive ride but we managed to get a breather in. He kicked from the turn and, when the competition came, he went again."

Victory for Rebel's Romance made it five in a row for horses trained in Europe in the Turf and provided Appleby with his third win in the race, and owners Godolphin with a fifth. 

"I was pleased watching the race and I was pleased William made the move he did," said Appleby. "He just keeps lengthening and I always felt he had the momentum. He's a superstar; he really is.

Charlie Appleby and William Buick after Rebel's Romance's win in the Breeders' Cup TurfCredit: Edward Whitaker

"When you watch him race, you really feel it. I'm so pleased for the horse; he's got a lot of guts."

While Rebel's Romance enjoyed a clear passage, Frankie Dettori and Emily Upjohn were made to sit and suffer at the back of the field. The duo were full of running turning in but, locked away on the inside, had nowhere to go and Dettori was left powerless as the leaders quickened away.

On what was her final start, Emily Upjohn finished eighth of the 13 runners, beaten five and a half lengths.

There was a sad postscript to the race, with the Brian Meehan-trained Jayarebe, who finished one place in front of Emily Upjohn, collapsing after the finishing line having suffered a suspected cardiac episode which proved fatal.

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