Rebel’s Romance doubles up in Germany with G1 Preis von Europa success

Rebel’s Romance continued his sensational season as he secured back-to-back G1 wins in Germany, gamely beating Deutsches Derby winner Sammarco in the Preis von Europa at Cologne on Sunday, 25 September.

The Dubawi four-year-old had already enjoyed a remarkable 2022 for Charlie Appleby with three turf victories from as many starts, including a neck success in the G1 Grosser Preis von Berlin at Hoppegarten in August.

Held up in sixth of the seven runners for much of the 12-furlong contest, Rebel’s Romance was briefly relegated to last by Sisfahan at the top of the home straight.

William Buick switched Rebel’s Romance down the inside rail approaching the final quarter-mile and the 2021 UAE Derby winner showed excellent acceleration to dispute the lead with Alaskasonne, Sammarco and Assistent a furlong and a half out.

Rebel’s Romance established a narrow advantage shortly after and found plenty under pressure, despite drifting towards the centre of the course, comfortably scoring by three-quarters of a length over a rallying Sammarco.

Charlie Appleby said: “It was another very pleasing performance from Rebel’s Romance, who was giving weight to Sammarco. He saw the trip out well and it was a great ride by William [Buick].

“He remains unbeaten on turf and we will look at potentially taking him out to America for the G1 Breeders’ Cup Turf.”

William Buick said: “Rebel’s Romance was nice and relaxed today. He showed at Hoppegarten last time that he has a turn of foot and it’s a long straight here, although I think he is a better horse on faster ground. He did it well.”