William Buick Reflects on the Remarkable Journey with Rebel’s Romance

Godolphin’s retained rider William Buick will once again be aboard the star galloper this Saturday at Meydan, as Rebel’s Romance aims to become the first horse to win back-to-back editions of the G1 Dubai Sheema Classic

Rebel's Romance and William Buick, After Their Breeders' Cup Triumph / BREEDERS' CUP

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (Special to TDN) – A two-time champion jockey, Godolphin’s first-call rider, and a winner of more than 100 Group 1 races worldwide, William Buick has partnered with some of the sport’s most outstanding racehorses. Still, none have left a mark quite like Rebel’s Romance.

The powerful gelding has provided Buick with seven victories at the top level, along with a host of unforgettable memories across an ambitious, globe-trotting campaign that has turned into a career-defining journey.

The winner of the G2 UAE Derby back in 2021, Rebel’s Romance will attempt to make history this Saturday by becoming the first horse to win back-to-back editions of the G1 Dubai Sheema Classic (2410m, turf)—a feat never before accomplished.

“I’ve never been associated with a horse quite like Rebel’s Romance—his character, his presence, and his ability,” Buick said with admiration. “He’s taken me, and so many others, all over the world. After he won in Qatar last time, on what was an emotional weekend for everyone, I said he was the horse of my life. And he really is.”

There’s something more than just rider and racehorse to their relationship. Buick has been there from the very beginning.

“I remember riding him in a maiden at Kempton, over a mile, on a freezing cold November day,” he recalled. “He won well. It was a decent race, with runners from some of the top Newmarket yards, and he did it stylishly. The following spring, he won the UAE Derby, so we knew very early that he was something special.”

That maiden win in 2020 came at the expense of two future Champion Stakes winners: Anmaat (Awtaad) and Bay Bridge (New Bay). Fast forward to today, and Rebel’s Romance is the embodiment of the global vision Sheikh Mohammed had when he launched Godolphin back in 1992.

“He’s a throwback to the early days, to horses like Fantastic Light and Daylami, who travelled the world flying the Godolphin flag,” said Buick. “When Sheikh Mohammed started the operation, the goal was to build a global brand that competed in the world’s best races—and Rebel’s Romance absolutely does that. He’s, without doubt, Godolphin’s best horse right now.”

Buick continued: “At seven, he still has the same enthusiasm he’s always had. That’s remarkable.”

For trainer Charlie Appleby, Rebel’s Romance also helped break new ground. His win in the G1 Champions & Chater Cup in Hong Kong last May marked Appleby’s first victory in the region. Since then, the son of Dubawiadded a Group 1 title in Germany and repeated his triumph in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Turf, a double previously achieved by only two other horses.

The long journey—from a quirky, immature youngster to the globe-trotting, battle-hardened champion—has been shaped by experience and trust. And Buick isn’t short on confidence heading into Saturday, even against elite contenders from Europe and Japan.

“He’s gone through many phases in his career,” he explained. “He was immature, a bit keen, needed managing. But now he’s professional, straightforward—just a real joy to be around. He loves his job, loves to race. He’s a gentle giant. Just look at his résumé.

You don’t travel to so many places and perform like he has without being versatile and reliable. That says a lot about Charlie and the whole team.”

Buick is known for his composure, rarely letting emotions surface—especially on a busy training morning, with big rides like Rattle N Roll (Connect) awaiting in the Dubai World Cup (G1). He’s booked for five high-profile mounts on the night that defines his calendar.

But mention Rebel’s Romance, and even Buick’s polished professionalism shows a glimmer of emotion.

“I’m in a privileged position to be able to ride horses like this. That’s what we’re all searching for—the next good one,” he reflected. “I had a strong connection with Space Blues (Dubawi), who raced through to five, and the longer they stay with you, the stronger the bond becomes.

But some horses… they’re just different. Rebel’s Romance is one of those.”