A few jockeys will reflect on their rides in the US$6,000,000 Group 1 Longines Dubai Sheema Classic at Meydan, but Godolphin's 6-year-old Dubawi gelding, Rebel's Romance, was undoubtedly a worthy winner.
The Charlie Appleby trained gelding honoured William Buick with a record fifth win in the race.
Travelling on the speed set by Point Lonsdale, Rebel's Romance set up a winning lead at the 300m and was strong to the line in defeating the Japanese Derby winner and 2002 Sheema classic winner Shahryar (Deep Impact) by two lengths.
The Japanese Triple Tiara winner Liberty Island (Duramente) got a mile back and closed off for third after making a long run. The daughter of Yankee Rose was making her first start since finishing second to the champion Equinox in the Japan Cup last November.
Rebel's Romance, a winner of the UAE Derby in 2021, closed out 2022 with five consecutive wins, culminating in the Breeders' Cup Turf at Keeneland.
He disappointed in this race last year behind Equinox but looks back to his brilliant best
"He showed in Qatar what a versatile horse he is," Buick said.
"His best form has usually been when he's held up but in Qatar I tried something new. I was keen today to adopt a similar tactic and I got a lovely slipstream from the leader.
"He's a very good horse on his day and he showed that today. I'm absolutely delighted; he's a great horse and I'm so glad he's back to his best.
"You know His Highness wants to see the best horses come to Dubai and the best horses are here. These races are incredibly hard to win so of course I'm incredibly happy.
"It's great for the team, great for everybody. It's great to be here and it's great to ride a winner. It's an amazing training performance and a great job by the whole team. I'm in the fortunate position to be able to ride these horses."
Japan was hoping for a third consecutive win in the feature but had to settle for second, third and fourth.
Shahryar (2nd), jockey Cristian Demuro said: "He ran a perfect race. He travelled well and was always in good position. He was just beaten by the best horse on the day. The pace was okay, it gave my horse a chance to relax behind the winner."
Liberty Island (3rd), trainer Mitsu Nakauchida said: "She was in perfect condition. I thought she sat in a good place, however, maybe the ground at Meydan didn't suit her. She couldn't show her turn of foot compared to what she does in Japan. I wanted to get a good result but couldn't. I feel sorry for her connections and fans."
Justin Palace (4th), jockey Joao Moreira said: "Very good run. He was a bit aggressive, even though the pace was genuine enough for him to get into his comfort zone. Finished off not too bad, very close to second and third, so I'm very proud of his performance."
The winner of twelve of his 18 starts, Rebel's Romance is a half-brother to the Group 1 Jebel Hatta Stakes winner Measured Time (Frankel) and the stakes-placed Petticoat (Cape Cross) out of the stakes-placed Minidress (Street Cry).
