SUNBURY, ENGLAND – AUGUST 05: Fortitudine riden by James Doyle on the way to winning the Becky Burke Memorial Novice Stakes (GBB/GBBPlus Race) (Div 1) (Class 3) (3YO plus) 1m 3f at Kempton Park on August 05, 2026 in Jattvibebury, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) Credit: Getty
PUNTERS didn’t want anything to do with him before the off.
But that is unlikely to be the case ever again as ‘multiple Group 1 wins’ were quickly predicted for the full brother to the recently retired Rebel’s Romance.
Fortitudine, a full brother to the legendary Rebel’s Romance, looked in a good position after rounding the bend Credit: racing tv
But he found another gear to bolt up by 21 lengths – having been sent off 7-2 – on his debut for Charlie Appleby and Godolphin at Kempton on Wednesday evening Credit: Racing TV
A stunning 21-length winner at Kempton on Wednesday night, the sky is the limit for Godolphin’s Charlie Appleby-trained Fortitudine.
One thing to remember, though.
Just like his legendary bro who made more than £12million on the track, three-year-old Fortitudine has already been gelded.
Mind you, that didn’t stop Rebel’s Romance going onto become a globe-trotting superstar who ticked off big races for fun.
It’s fair to say no one really saw Fortitudine winning as he did on debut.
Jockey James Doyle said afterwards he was surprised by the thrashing he handed out.
And that was reflected in the odds before the off, with the horse sliding out to what looks, in hindsight, a ridiculous 7-2.
Breaking well and settling with ease, Fortitudine gave off the air of a total pro all the way round.
Most read in Horse Racing
Doyle said he gave him a reminder when the rail cut away and he picked up again, demolishing runner-up and 5-6 fav Dialstone by an embarrassing distance.
Making his debut over 1m3f very much suggests middle distance races will be on the agenda for Fortitudine, who has no upcoming entries.
If he backs up this debut then that would almost certainly see him stamping his passport at the likes of Meydan, Hoppegarten, Doha, Sha Tin and wherever the Breeders’ Cup is held.
After witnessing his amazing breakthrough, one punter said: “This was absolutely stunning.
“The most exciting prospect I have seen for a long time.”
While another commented: “This is my horse for the season. Here’s a multiple Group 1 winner in the making.
“They’ve cloned Rebels Romance. This is insanity.”
Doyle said: “He was quite professional. I gave him one tap, then he balanced up and away he went.
“He’s learning on the job nicely.
“He feels like he lengthens away. He doesn’t do anything too quickly, so I was keen to keep the revs up, keep him in a nice high gear and keep him galloping.
“The trip is right and he might even get a bit further.”
“I was a bit surprised myself when I had a little look round.
“It bodes well and hopefully he’s in for a good career.”
FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Jattvibe. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org.
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
Never chases their losses
Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org
Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
