Dubawi's Rebel's Romance Sparkles in Sheema Classic

Mark Smith - Sunday March 31

A few jockeys will reflect on their rides in the US$6,000,000 Group 1 Longines Dubai Sheema Classic at Meydan, but Godolphin's 6-year-old Dubawi gelding, Rebel's Romance, was undoubtedly a worthy winner.

A record fifth Sheema Classic for William Buick (image Grant Courtney)

The Charlie Appleby trained gelding honoured William Buick with a record fifth win in the race.

Travelling on the speed set by Point Lonsdale, Rebel's Romance set up a winning lead at the 300m and was strong to the line in defeating the Japanese Derby winner and 2002 Sheema classic winner Shahryar (Deep Impact) by two lengths.

The Japanese Triple Tiara winner Liberty Island (Duramente) got a mile back and closed off for third after making a long run. The daughter of Yankee Rose was making her first start since finishing second to the champion Equinox in the Japan Cup last November.

Rebel's Romance, a winner of the UAE Derby in 2021, closed out 2022 with five consecutive wins, culminating in the Breeders' Cup Turf at Keeneland.

He disappointed in this race last year behind Equinox but looks back to his brilliant best

"He showed in Qatar what a versatile horse he is," Buick said.

"His best form has usually been when he's held up but in Qatar I tried something new. I was keen today to adopt a similar tactic and I got a lovely slipstream from the leader.

"He's a very good horse on his day and he showed that today. I'm absolutely delighted; he's a great horse and I'm so glad he's back to his best.

"You know His Highness wants to see the best horses come to Dubai and the best horses are here. These races are incredibly hard to win so of course I'm incredibly happy.

"It's great for the team, great for everybody. It's great to be here and it's great to ride a winner. It's an amazing training performance and a great job by the whole team. I'm in the fortunate position to be able to ride these horses."

Japan was hoping for a third consecutive win in the feature but had to settle for second, third and fourth.

Shahryar (2nd), jockey Cristian Demuro said: "He ran a perfect race. He travelled well and was always in good position. He was just beaten by the best horse on the day. The pace was okay, it gave my horse a chance to relax behind the winner."

 

Liberty Island (3rd), trainer Mitsu Nakauchida said: "She was in perfect condition. I thought she sat in a good place, however, maybe the ground at Meydan didn't suit her. She couldn't show her turn of foot compared to what she does in Japan. I wanted to get a good result but couldn't. I feel sorry for her connections and fans."

Justin Palace (4th), jockey Joao Moreira said: "Very good run. He was a bit aggressive, even though the pace was genuine enough for him to get into his comfort zone. Finished off not too bad, very close to second and third, so I'm very proud of his performance."

The winner of twelve of his 18 starts, Rebel's Romance is a half-brother to the Group 1 Jebel Hatta Stakes winner Measured Time (Frankel) and the stakes-placed Petticoat (Cape Cross) out of the stakes-placed Minidress (Street Cry). 

Advertisment
More Reading...
Cambridge Stud News
It’s been the spring that keeps giving for Cambridge Stud and it’s not over yet.
One to Watch – Hawkesbury
Castelvecchio has gone from nowhere to somewhere during the course of this spring with three stakes-winners putting his name in lights and he had a promising three year-old colt salute at Hawkesbury on Thursday that has now won two of three starts.
Magic Millions 2025 Magazine Online
The 2025 Magic Millions magazine is now online with a great mix of gallery images, editorial and vendor profilies.
Halo Racing Reduction features in November (Late) catalogue
Shares in reigning G1 Caulfield Cup champion Duke de Sessa, G1 Toorak Hcp winner Attrition and tomorrow’s G1 Railway Stakes favourite Light Infantry Man headline an exciting Inglis Digital November (Late) Online Sale.
$1.3million Snitzel Colt Ready to Fire on Debut for Te Akau
Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson are confident they have the young firepower to make an early impression in the first of the black type features at Pukekohe Park on Saturday.
$2,000 Gavelhouse Bargain Keeps on Winning!
The Grey Goose continued to belie her purchase price last start when recording her fifth win at Wingatui, bringing her career earnings to more than $225,000.
Luberon Heads Cambridge Stud Saturday Charge
Lance Noble will attempt to add to a strong run of spring form for Cambridge Stud when he sends out five well-credentialled runners in Brendan and Jo Lindsay’s black and gold colours at Pukekohe on Saturday.
Pinhook Winners 2024 NZB Ready to Run – Churchill Colt the Star
A record breaking NZB Ready to Run Sale this week at Karaka delivered plenty of pinhook success with 18 two year-olds selling for $300,000 or more above their yearling purchase price, so let’s take a look at some of the best of them.
Best On Breeding
The cerise, white crossed sashes and black cap of Bob Peters, Peter's Investments, may not be the once dominant force they have been for decades in Western Australian racing, but they are far from finished.
City of Troy Crowned 2024 Cartier European Horse of the Year
Outstanding Justify colt City of Troy was crowned Horse of the Year at the 2024 Cartier awards on Wednesday night in London at a star studded ceremony at the Dorchester Hotel.