Global sensation Rebel’s Romance won his eighth Group One by regaining the Grosser Preis von Berlin (2,400m) at Hoppegarten on Sunday.

Charlie Appleby’s seven-year-old won four top-level races last year, - including the Group One Champions & Chater Cup (2,400m) at Sha Tin, - and has shown no signs of decline this campaign.

Sent off as the $1.2 favourite after a pair of Group Two wins and a close Group One third at Ascot on his prior start, Rebel’s Romance was always travelling best under Billy Loughnane and took over from long-time leader Junko 300m out.

That rival tried to battle back, but 2022 winner Rebel’s Romance kept on strongly to win by three quarters of a length, providing 19-year-old Loughnane with his first Group One winner.

“It’s a feeling I can’t describe, a feeling of ecstasy. What a star of a horse. I’m very lucky to be riding in these colours and to have the opportunity to sit on a horse like this,” said Loughnane.

“He’s a star of a horse. Big thanks to Will [Buick]. I spoke to him last night and he told me exactly what to do.”

There was also simulcast action in France on Sunday, with Sajir causing a $27 boilover in the Group One Prix Maurice de Gheest (1,300m) at Deauville.

As is customary, $1.5 favourite Lazzat went to the front under James Doyle as he looked to back up his impressive Royal Ascot victory and cement himself as the best sprinter in Europe.

Instead, it was Sajir who stole the show for Oisin Murphy, going from last to first to run down Lazzat and provide Andre Fabre with his first win in the race.

“This is the first time I’ve had him at 100 per cent,” said Fabre. “He’s always had some minor issues, but today he was in perfect condition.

“It could not be better, and Prince Faisal is a great man. He’s a great breeder and a great person, so I’m delighted for him.”