After his show career was over, Rebel sired the 1999 World Grand Champion Tennessee Walking Horse, RPM.

[1] He was bred by Harlinsdale Farm of Franklin, Tennessee, the former home of the notable sire and show horse Midnight Sun.

[2] Dark Spirit's Rebel was initially trained by Ramsey Bullington, who had previously won one World Grand Championship.

[2] In an interview after the win, Frank Neal noted that, while he was proud of owning a World Grand Champion, "We are even prouder of the fact that our horse finally enabled Bud Dunn to accomplish this.

"[2] The owners also commented that 13 was a lucky number for Dark Spirit's Rebel; he was the 13th horse purchased at Harlinsdale Farm's 13th production sale, had the 13th stall in Dunn's stable, and arrived in Shelbyville, Tennessee (location of the Celebration) 13 days before the World Grand Championship, among other examples.