Rebel’s Romance ridden by William Buick on their way to winning the Hardwicke Stakes during day five of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire. Picture date: Saturday June 21, 2025. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: David Davies/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder. Credit: PA
LEGENDARY Godolphin horse Rebel’s Romance – who made over £12MILLION – has been retired with immediate effect.
Trainer Charlie Appleby called it a ‘very sad day’ at his Moulton Paddocks yard.
Globe-trotting superstar Rebel’s Romance has been retired aged eight Credit: PA
Globe-trotting superstar Rebel’s Romance was a firm fan favourite and won his final ever race at Newmarket just last week.
Trained expertly by Appleby, the eight-year-old won 22 of his 32 career races and was a nine-time Group 1 winner.
Appleby said: “We always knew this day would come, but it’s nevertheless a very sad day for everyone at Moulton Paddocks and Godolphin as a whole.
“Rebel’s Romance has proved an outstanding horse for so many years and has taken us on a journey that we will never forget.
“After yet another brilliant win at Newmarket last week, collectively we all discussed it and felt that now is the right time to call it a day.
“It has been an absolute honour to train such an amazing horse, who has been a dream to look after from the moment he arrived.
“My thanks must go to the whole team at Moulton Paddocks, who have done such a brilliant job of caring for him throughout his career.
“We have had some great days together and, wherever I am in the world, he is the one horse people ask me about.
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“He built up a great following and I was always touched by the reception he received across the globe.
“You dream of having a horse like Rebel’s Romance and I am incredibly thankful to have been part of his story.”
Jockey William Buick said: “Rebel’s Romance has taken me on some great adventures and I feel immensely privileged to have been able to ride a horse of his stature.
“He proved time and time again to be an outstanding horse and I cherish the moments that we have had together.
“He was a wonderful horse to ride, with such a presence and a will to win, and an immense credit to everyone at Godolphin associated with him.
“His record across the world was phenomenal and I owe him a great deal.”
Rebel’s Romance is the latest in a surge of top runners to be retired recently.
Just yesterday it was announced ‘horse of a lifetime’ Khaadem had been retired.
While earlier this month awesome Juddmonte talent Field Of Gold also had his racing career ended.
Former King George winner and Guinness-drinking jumps legend Hewick was also retired by trainer Shark Hanlon.
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