Few horses remain at the highest level with the consistency shown by Rebel’s Romance, and the eight-year-old added another milestone to an already exceptional career when securing his 17th Group victory in the Group 2 Princess Of Wales’s Stakes over 1½ miles at Newmarket on 9 July. The latest success further strengthened the outstanding record of the Dubawi gelding, who continues to deliver at the highest level for Godolphin.

Ridden by William Buick, Rebel’s Romance settled comfortably behind stablemate Arabian Crown for much of the contest before producing his challenge approaching the final two furlongs. Once asked to improve, he moved smoothly to the front and appeared to have the race under control.

Arabian Crown rallied in the closing stages and reduced the margin near the line, but Rebel’s Romance always looked to have the situation covered, holding on by half a length to record another notable success.

A homebred success story

Bred and raced by Godolphin, Rebel’s Romance is by Dubawi out of the Street Cry mare Minidress. His pedigree has already produced another top-level performer, with Minidress also the dam of Group 1 winner Measured Time.

The victory adds further distinction to the remarkable influence of Dubawi, whose impact on the global Thoroughbred industry continues to grow.

Dubawi's enduring influence

Dubawi has now sired 320 individual Black Type winners, including 204 Group winners and 64 Group 1 winners. His influence extends well beyond his own runners, with stallion sons such as Champion sire Night Of Thunder and Ghaiyyath continuing to establish themselves in breeding ranks around the world.

As Rebel’s Romance continues to compete successfully against elite opposition, his latest Group triumph serves as another reminder of the durability, class and consistency that have defined one of the outstanding international careers of the modern era.