Rebel's Romance Wins Yorkshire Cup by Head at York

Rebel's Romance, a seven-year-old global racing star and reigning Eclipse Award-winning male turf horse, secured a hard-fought victory in the 2025 Yorkshire Cup (G2) at York, narrowly holding off challengers Epic Poet and Sweet William in a dramatic finish. Despite the race being run at a notably slow pace, jockey William Buick expertly positioned Rebel's Romance to unleash a strong sprint in the final furlong, showcasing the horse's trademark tenacity and top-class ability. The victory marked Rebel's Romance's first group win in Britain since July 2022, adding to his impressive international record including wins in the United States, Dubai, Hong Kong, Germany, and Qatar. Trainer Charlie Appleby emphasized the horse's versatility and plans to continue focusing on mile-and-a-half races closer to home during the summer, with potential targets including the Coronation Cup, Hardwicke Stakes, and a bid for a third Breeders' Cup Turf win later in the year. The race was characterized by a tactical slow pace that resulted in a sprint finish where all five runners were in close contention until the final stages. Rebel's Romance's performance affirmed his status as a fan favorite and a dominant force on the turf, overcoming the challenges posed by a strong field and a demanding race dynamic.