UAE horses made an impressive start to their participation in the July Cup festival at Newmarket racecourse in Britain, securing notable victories led by seasoned star Rebels Romance, who claimed his 22nd career win under the Godolphin banner, alongside Inner City Blues under the Royal Blue colours, on an evening of 7 races that also saw Jazl, carrying the colours of Mohammed Sultan bin Markhan Al Ketbi, triumph, while Shaim shone for colleague Abdulrazzaq Mohammadi.
Rebels Romance, trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by William Buick, led the UAE charge by winning the Prince of Wales's Stakes (Class 2) over 2,400 metres, beating stablemate Arabian Crown by half a length in a time of 2:27.83, with Almeric finishing third.
Rebels Romance raised his total earnings to more than £12.1 million, and extended his tally to 9 Group 1 victories among the 22 wins the Godolphin champion has recorded across various international races.
Promising colt Inner City Blues also confirmed his status as one of the brightest stars of the future, winning the July Stakes (Class 2) over 1,200 metres under Charlie Appleby and William Buick, beating Aday of Scarlett by one and a quarter lengths in a time of 1:11.35, remaining unbeaten after just his second start.
Charlie Appleby said: "Inner City Blues had to step up from a novice race into strong stakes-level competition, but we always trusted his ability. He is a horse with a wonderful physique who keeps developing week after week, and he responded brilliantly whenever the pressure increased during the race." He added: "We will give him enough time to develop mentally — he has great potential and still has a lot to offer."
Jockey William Buick confirmed that the horse showed signs of inexperience but has plenty of room to improve, noting that he could succeed over seven furlongs in the future as he gains more experience. In the Betway Handicap over 1,200 metres, Jazl, carrying the colours of Mohammed Sultan bin Markhan Al Ketbi, won under jockey Jack Mitchell and trainers Simon and Ed Crisford, beating Calico Blue by a head in a time of 1:10.22.
Shaim gave colleague Abdulrazzaq Mohammadi an important victory by winning the Sir Henry Cecil Stakes (Listed) over one mile, beating Colourful Forever by two and three-quarter lengths under Clifford Lee and trainer Karl Burke in a time of 1:39.70.