Rebel's Romance continues courtship with Royal Ascot

Rebel's Romance is trainer Charlie Appleby’s favourite horse and the two-time Breeder's Cup Turf winner endeared himself further when he won the Hardwicke Stakes.

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Described as an “absolute dude” by jockey William Buick Appleby’s last runner of the week delivered the trainer's first win at Royal Ascot since a 1-2 three years ago to the day.

“It is a huge honour to have a horse like this,” said Appleby, whose winner was the first seven-year-old to win the race in 102 years.

“This was the horse we needed with the last roll of the dice, he is a battler.

“He is more than our iron horse he has kept the yard afloat this week.

“He is our stable's favourite and always will be.”

Appleby, who began the season with a bang winning both the English 1000 and 2000 Guineas, shrugged off the ending of the losing run.

“Of course it is not a matter of life and death,” said Appleby, who has taken his tally to 16 Royal Ascot winners.

“If you look at the bigger picture and beyond racing you have got to take the losses and take positives out of it.

“It is the equine Olympics.”

Appleby’s mother Patricia was present and concurred with Buick that Rebel’s Romance was a “dude of a horse”.