Rebel's Romance Set To Defend Hardwicke Crown Before Stateside Mission

Globetrotting multiple Group 1 winner Rebel's Romance will defend his G2 Hardwicke Stakes crown at Royal Ascot next, according to trainer Charlie Appleby. The gelding was withdrawn from the G1 Dubai Sheema Classic prior to the race at the end of March.

Appleby told the Press Association, “He's heading to the Hardwicke. I didn't think he could beat Calandagan (Gleneagles) in the Dubai Sheema Classic which is why we didn't take him over there for World Cup night and I think the Hardwicke is the right spot to start him back off again.”

Successful in the G2 Dubai City Of Gold in February, the son of Dubawi is also eyeing targets in the U.S.

Appleby added, “My long-term plan is to try and win the Sword Dancer [Christophe Clement Turf] in America. I've always wanted to win the race with him and we tried it a couple of years ago [in 2023] but he never got there after clipping heels in the trial race for it.

“It would be a nice race to go and win with a horse like him.”