Rebel's Romance delivers epic Royal Ascot redemption in Appleby's last roll of the dice
They say good things come to those who wait, and for Charlie Appleby, that truth rang louder than ever at Royal Ascot on Saturday.
After three years of near-misses and simmering disappointment Godolphin handler Charlie Appleby finally returned to the Royal Ascot winner's enclosure on the final day, thanks to the stable's globetrotting superstar, Rebel's Romance.
In a moment dripping with drama and relief, Appleby's last roll of the dice became a royal flush. The master of Moulton Paddocks struck gold in the Group 2 Hardwicke Stakes, an elite middle-distance test run over 2400m, and a fitting finale to a week of drama.
This was Appleby's first winner at the Royal meeting since Naval Crown landed the Platinum Jubilee Stakes in 2022. After watching 11 runners fall short throughout the week, it was his 12th and final shot, and a magical horse to deliver it.
Rebel's Romance, already a living legend in blue silks with seven Group 1 victories, confirmed his status as one of the finest ever to represent Godolphin, producing a powerful performance under William Buick to leave rivals trailing. It was the cherry on top of an already glittering career, and perhaps his most meaningful win yet.
The seven-year-old gelded son of Godolphin's prized stallion, Dubawi, surged clear two furlongs from home, igniting a roar from the fans as he hit the front. Irish raider Al Riffa tried to close the gap under a strong ride from Dylan McMonagle, but the outcome was never in doubt.
Rebel's Romance cemented his legacy as a Godolphin great and gave his team a moment they'll never forget.
'We had one more roll of the dice - and what a partner,' said a visibly emotional Buick after the race. 'He's a dream horse, and any jockey that is fortunate in their career to have a horse like Rebel's Romance is blessed, and I'm blessed.'
'He travels the world, he's recognised everywhere, he's won more than £10 million in prize money and he's a top-class racehorse. You don't find many with a will to win like he has. I always say he finds a way. He's my best friend.'
Speaking to Sky Sports Racing, Appleby didn't hold back in his praise either.
'What more can I say about this horse?' said the Derby-winning handler. 'He's been a huge credit to the team back home. When it's your last roll of the dice, he's the horse you need. He's more than our Iron Horse - he's kept our yard afloat this week. He's our stable favourite and always will be.'
'He's a worldwide superstar. Full credit to the horse first and foremost, and to the team. It's been a tough week, but that's what you expect when you come here. It's the Olympics.'
And like the Olympics, triumph at Royal Ascot is often fleeting and often brutally difficult to grasp.
'You can come here fully loaded and walk away with excuses, that's racing,' added Appleby. 'I was taught from a young age to applaud every winner and enjoy your own. I know how hard it is just to get a horse here, let alone to win.'
And what a horse this is. Rebel's Romance has now amassed 13 Group wins, including seven at Group 1 level, across five countries: the USA, Germany, Hong Kong, the UAE and now the UK. His 18 career victories make him the most prolific horse in the royal blue silks, clear of Anamoe (14) and Lemon Pop (13).
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They say good things come to those who wait, and for Charlie Appleby, that truth rang louder than ever at Royal Ascot on Saturday. After three years of near-misses and simmering disappointment Godolphin handler Charlie Appleby finally returned to the Royal Ascot winner's enclosure on the final day, thanks to the stable's globetrotting superstar, Rebel's Romance. In a moment dripping with drama and relief, Appleby's last roll of the dice became a royal flush. The master of Moulton Paddocks struck gold in the Group 2 Hardwicke Stakes, an elite middle-distance test run over 2400m, and a fitting finale to a week of drama. This was Appleby's first winner at the Royal meeting since Naval Crown landed the Platinum Jubilee Stakes in 2022. After watching 11 runners fall short throughout the week, it was his 12th and final shot, and a magical horse to deliver it. Rebel's Romance, already a living legend in blue silks with seven Group 1 victories, confirmed his status as one of the finest ever to represent Godolphin, producing a powerful performance under William Buick to leave rivals trailing. It was the cherry on top of an already glittering career, and perhaps his most meaningful win yet. The seven-year-old gelded son of Godolphin's prized stallion, Dubawi, surged clear two furlongs from home, igniting a roar from the fans as he hit the front. Irish raider Al Riffa tried to close the gap under a strong ride from Dylan McMonagle, but the outcome was never in doubt. Rebel's Romance cemented his legacy as a Godolphin great and gave his team a moment they'll never forget. 'We had one more roll of the dice - and what a partner,' said a visibly emotional Buick after the race. 'He's a dream horse, and any jockey that is fortunate in their career to have a horse like Rebel's Romance is blessed, and I'm blessed.' 'He travels the world, he's recognised everywhere, he's won more than £10 million in prize money and he's a top-class racehorse. You don't find many with a will to win like he has. I always say he finds a way. He's my best friend.' Speaking to Sky Sports Racing, Appleby didn't hold back in his praise either. 'What more can I say about this horse?' said the Derby-winning handler. 'He's been a huge credit to the team back home. When it's your last roll of the dice, he's the horse you need. He's more than our Iron Horse - he's kept our yard afloat this week. He's our stable favourite and always will be.' 'He's a worldwide superstar. Full credit to the horse first and foremost, and to the team. It's been a tough week, but that's what you expect when you come here. It's the Olympics.' And like the Olympics, triumph at Royal Ascot is often fleeting and often brutally difficult to grasp. 'You can come here fully loaded and walk away with excuses, that's racing,' added Appleby. 'I was taught from a young age to applaud every winner and enjoy your own. I know how hard it is just to get a horse here, let alone to win.' And what a horse this is. Rebel's Romance has now amassed 13 Group wins, including seven at Group 1 level, across five countries: the USA, Germany, Hong Kong, the UAE and now the UK. His 18 career victories make him the most prolific horse in the royal blue silks, clear of Anamoe (14) and Lemon Pop (13).
