Battling third for Rebel’s Romance in G1 King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes

Rebel’s Romance ran a brave race in defeat as he finished third in the G1 King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot, UK, on Saturday, 27 July. 

The 12-furlong showpiece had been billed as a clash between the Godolphin globetrotter and six-time G1 winner Auguste Rodin and both horses kept close tabs on each other, with Rebel’s Romance settling in third, narrowly ahead of his chief rival. 

Hans Andersen was rushed up after missing the break to set strong fractions for the nine runners, ahead of Luxembourg, and the leading quartet established daylight over the rest of the field with five furlongs to race.

Rebel’s Romance went second as Hans Andersen faded turning in, before the Charlie Appleby-trained six-year-old quickened to join Luxembourg in front two and a half furlongs out, with Auguste Rodin sneaking up the inside rail to also dispute the lead. 

Having established a narrow advantage a furlong and a half from home, Rebel’s Romance was soon headed by the strong-travelling Goliath, who forged clear for a decisive victory. 

Bluestocking passed Rebel’s Romance for second entering the final furlong, with the son of Dubawi keeping on under William Buick to go down by five and a half lengths in total.

William Buick said: “Rebel’s Romance ran his race and we are not disappointed, by any means. He might have another gear on his very best day, but he has finished third in a King George, so you would have to be pretty happy with him.”