Rebel’s Romance goes down fighting in bid for history

Charlie Appleby suggested Rebel’s Romance could be back for more at the Breeder’s Cup after being thwarted in his quest for a historic third Turf success at Del Mar.

The winner of the $5million contest in 2022 and 12 months ago, the defending champion was always up with the pace tracking the front-running Silawi from his draw in stall one in the hands of William Buick, and turning for home another triumph on US soil was looking a distinct possibility.

However, the seven-year-old international stalwart had no answer to the electric turn of foot of Willie Mullins’ Ethical Diamond who stormed home in course-record time, to leave the Moulton Paddocks handler proud and with no excuses.

He said: “When Will gave him the office I thought he was going to create his own history, but the winner flew and we kept on.

“From where we had to sit a stride or two on the turn it made no difference to the outcome.

“What I’ve just seen, he is just as competitive as ever. He’s finished in the first two and will embark on his usual winter campaign in Qatar and Dubai.”

Buick added: “When I pulled him out for a second I thought I had it, but the winner arrived with a wet sail. I have no complaints, he’s run another very good race and he felt as good as ever.”

It was Rebel’s Romance’s stablemate El Cordobes who filled the final spot on the podium, with Ralph Beckett’s Royal Ascot winner Amiloc continuing the Europeans dominance in the race when fourth in his first overseas start.

Aidan O’Brien dual Oaks heroine Minnie Hauk was sixth, having held every chance under Christophe Soumillon.