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Loughnane ecstasy as Rebel’s Romance gives him first Group One
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Sun 10 Aug 2025
Billy Loughnane registered his first Group One victory when guiding globetrotting superstar Rebel’s Romance to the Westminster 135th Grosser Preis von Berlin at Hoppegarten on Sunday.
A firm favourite of trainer Charlie Appleby, the seven-year-old began his Group One haul in this very race back in 2022 and three years on he was back in the German capital to strike for the eighth time at the highest level.
Keen to keep things simple Rebel’s Romance was up with the pace throughout the early stages, keeping close tabs on Andre Fabre’s Junko and when straightening for home he showed his class to bravely hold off the French challenger.
Rebel's Romance added another chapter to his success story
It was in fact a fourth Group One success on German soil for the well-travelled dual Breeders’ Cup Turf hero who could return to Del Mar for another crack at the season-ending showpiece, with Coral making him the 5-1 co second-favourite for a third Stateside victory.
Appleby said: “It’s great for Billy, but more importantly great for the horse who keeps sparkling on all continents.
“To have him carry on at the top level is fantastic for Sheikh Mohammed and I see this as a pre-cursor for the Canadian International at Woodbine and then the Breeders’ Cup.”
Loughnane has ridden eight winners from 12 rides for Appleby this season and it is fitting his first success at the top table comes in Germany, having notched his first Group-race triumph at Cologne in April last year.
Loughnane said Buick "told me exactly what to do"
It caps a memorable weekend for his teenage pilot who also won the Sweet Solera Stakes in the royal blue of Appleby and Godolphin aboard Dance To The Music at Newmarket on Saturday.
Loughnane told Wettstar: “This is a feeling I can’t describe, it’s a feeling of ecstasy, what a horse and I’m very lucky to be riding in these colours and riding a horse like this.
“He’s a star of a horse and has been going for a good few seasons now. Big thanks go to William Buick and I spoke to him last night and he told me exactly what to do. He’s a superstar.”
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