By Tom Frary
Kempton's first division of the two 11-furlong novices on Wednesday evening was a long way from a strong contest, but it witnessed a rare sight as Rebel's Romance's brother Fortitudine (Dubawi) powered to a 21-length debut success.
Already gelded, Godolphin's newcomer was sent off the 7-2 second favourite and broke alertly to lead. Dominating throughout, the newcomer kept piling it on up the straight to register the emphatic success. Jockey James Doyle was among those taken aback by such a dynamic display on debut. “I think everyone has been a bit surprised by that, to be honest,” he said. “It sounds like his work was only okay, he was just going through the motions a little bit at home but he sparked up on the track there! He jumped very quick and was quite professional really.”
He just had a little wander when the rail dropped away but one tap and away he went.”
“He was learning on the job nicely and it's not often you win like that,” he added. “It bodes well, hopefully he's in for a good career. He feels like he lengthens and doesn't do anything too quick, I was keen to keep the revs up and the trip is right.”
Wow 😮
Fortitudine (Dubawi) is a brother to Rebel's Romance and wins by half the track on debut for @the_doyler, Charlie Appleby and @godolphin! @kemptonparkrace pic.twitter.com/yTsUVuPdc1
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) August 5, 2026
Rebel's Romance, who won here on the second start of his illustrious career, ended up collecting two Breeders' Cup Turfs, a Joe Hirsch Turf Classic, a Dubai Sheema Classic, four Group 2s in Germany, a Champions & Chater Cup in Hong Kong and three Group 2s at home including last year's Hardwicke.
The Listed-placed dam, who also produced the Manhattan Stakes and Jebel Hatta winner Measured Time (Frankel), is a daughter of the Musidora winner and Oaks and Yorkshire Oaks-placed Short Skirt (Diktat) from the family of the Japanese champion Victoire Pisa (Neo Universe) among others.
5th-Kempton, £12,000, Novice, 8-5, 3yo/up, 10f 219y (AWT), 2:19.89, st/sl.
FORTITUDINE (IRE) (g, 3, Dubawi {Ire}–Minidress {GB} {SP-Eng}, by Street Cry {Ire}) Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $8,717. O/B-Godolphin; T-Charlie Appleby.
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