Rebel’s Romance, the seven-year-old globetrotting gelding by Dubawi, claimed his eighth Group 1 victory in the Westminster 135th Grosser Preis von Berlin at Hoppegarten, replicating his first top-level success in this very race back in 2022.

On ground that was not favourable, he nevertheless justified the confidence in a six-runner field that included high-class French raider Junko, winner of last year’s Hong Kong Vase. Breaking alertly from a wide draw under Billy Loughnane, Rebel’s Romance settled in second behind Junko before making his move entering the straight. Junko fought back gamely, but the Godolphin star held firm to win by three-quarters of a length.

Milestone for a Rising Star

For Loughnane, still in the early stages of his career, this was a breakthrough moment—his first Group 1 success. The young rider’s delight was plain to see as he returned to unsaddle, describing the victory as something he could “hardly put into words.”  Trainer Charlie Appleby praised both horse and jockey, noting the professionalism of Loughnane’s ride and the gelding’s remarkable consistency.

Legacy of a Champion

Rebel’s Romance has now amassed 14 Pattern race victories, more than £11 million in prize money, and top-level successes in Germany, the United States, UAE, Qatar, Hong Kong, and the UK. His record is a testament to his versatility, resilience, and sheer class.

Bred by Godolphin, he is by Dubawi out of Minidress, a daughter of Short Skirt—winner of the Musidora Stakes—tracing to a prolific female line that has produced Group winners across multiple continents

What's Next

Appleby indicated that Rebel’s Romance will likely target the Canadian International at Woodbine before a record setting third victory tilt at the Breeders’ Cup Turf, a race he has won twice before.