WILLIAM BUICK has a new first love after ‘international superstar’ Rebel’s Romance powered to Group 1 glory in Hong Kong.
Godolphin’s globe-trotting six-year-old blasted home to win the Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup.
It was a FIFTH top-level success for Rebel’s Romance and, incredibly, he has now won in Dubai, Germany, America, Qatar and now Hong Kong.
The class act has also won all five of his starts in England on turf and on the all-weather and 13 of his 19 starts in all winning over £7million.
Buick swooned: “I love him. He is a proper international superstar now.”
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Rebel’s Romance was slow away in the mile and a half feature at Sha Tin but Buick soon had him handy and they blasted to the front after the turn for home, quickening clear to win by two lengths.
Buick said: “He did it really well. It’s so tough to win in Hong Kong but the race went as planned. It was a nice even gallop and we gradually cranked it up.
“He is very uncomplicated and takes all the travelling in his stride.
“He’s a proper pro. The team did a fantastic job. I just turn up and ride the horse. The hard part is what goes on before. He looked magnificent.”
It was a first Group 1 win at Hong Kong for Charlie Appleby and Buick.
Buick said: “It means a lot to us to get one on the board here. It’s such a great place with an amazing atmosphere.”
Appleby said: “I’m delighted for Sheikh Mohammed the team.
“For this horse to do what he has done is incredible.
“He’s been all over the world and just keeps winning.
“Hong Kong was always on our bucket list with him. To win a race at Sha Tin is brilliant.
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”You have to have the right horse to travel and win races abroad and we certainly have the right one in Rebel’s Romance.
“We’ll be looking to run more horses in Hong Kong. It’s a great track and the prize-money is fantastic.
“He’s a gelded son of Dubawi, he loves his travels. He actually prefers to be on a plane than in his stable!
“He is going to America next and then, all being well, he will be back in Hong Kong for the Vase in December.”
Remarkably, it wasn't the only international success for Appleby across the weekend.
Legend Of Time landed the Pennine Ridge Stakes at Belmont Park, despite having an awful passage.
I'm sure Appleby has had worse days...
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