NEWMARKET – The Charlie Appleby-trained Rebel’s Romance has been retired, following his latest victory in the Group 2 Princess of Wales’s Stakes (2,400m) at Newmarket.

A dual winner of the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Turf (2,400m) in the US in 2022 and 2024, the Dubawi eight-year-old gelding achieved 22 victories from 32 starts during an excellent career.

The globetrotting superstar – owned by powerhouse outfit Godolphin – also amassed earnings of more than £12.2 million (S$21.2 million).

Although probably best known for his winning exploits overseas, Rebel’s Romance added success at Royal Ascot in the Group 2 Hardwicke Stakes (2,400m) on June 21, 2025.

“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,” said Appleby.

“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 on July 9, 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.

“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.”

William Buick, who has been regularly aboard the nine-time Group 1-winning galloper since his debut in October 2020, also ...