English/Ire
Rebel’s Romance returns with Meydan success among rising tensions in the Middle East
Rebel’s Romance had Charlie Appleby close to tears as the evergreen eight-year-old secured his 21st career success in the Group 2 Dubai City Of Gold.
Racing at Meydan went ahead despite Iran firing ballistic missiles in retaliation to the "pre-emptive" action from US and Israeli forces. The missiles were fired at a number of Gulf states, with the US Navy's Fifth Fleet headquarters near Manama in Bahrain one of the chief targets. Bahrain racecourse is due to stage it's two-day King's Cup festival on Thursday and Friday.
As a result, a number of European-based riders and trainers are facing trouble getting home as Dubai Airport has been closed for the foreseeable future.
Despite the ever-growing tension in the Middle East, Sheikh Mohammed was on course to watch his international superstar Rebel's Romance notch a 21st career victory on his return to action.
The son of Dubawi has won at the top-level across four countries and although he was made to pull out plenty up the straight by Ed Walker's progressive Fort George, the nine-time Group 1 winner had enough in the tank to fend off the challenge by a length and a half under William Buick.
"I just want him to get round safely these days, he means a lot and it's very emotional," said Appleby.
"He won a UAE Derby; we tried to turn him into a World Cup horse but given my form on dirt that didn't work but we brought him back to turf and from thereon he's been a rock star.
"He's getting older, so we'll take it race by race, but we wanted him to show everyone what a great racehorse he is and thankfully he's done it again tonight.
"The Sheema Classic is a nice conversation to have, but he is getting older and I'll look after the old boy."
He added: "It's great for His Highness Sheikh Mohammed to be here tonight with all his family."
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