She was descended from the British broodmare Pelting (foaled 1958) who was the ancestor of several other major winners including Moon Ballad, Bassenthwaite, Braashee (Prix Royal-Oak) and Central Park (Italian Derby).
[7] The filly was then stepped up in class for the Listed Eyrefield Stakes at Leopardstown Racecourse on 12 November and finished second of the twenty runners, beaten one and a half lengths by the Dermot Weld-trained colt Vinnie Roe.
On her first appearance as a three-year-old Rebelline contested the 1,000 Guineas Trial over seven furlongs at Leopardstown on 16 April and started 7/2 second favourite behind the highly rated Imagine.
[9] The filly started 11/2 third choice in the betting for the Irish Oaks over one and a half miles at the Curragh in July, but never threatened the leaders and finished seventh of the twelve runners, six lengths behind the winner Lailani.
Rebelline was off the course for more than two and a half months before returning in October when she was sent to France to contest the Group 1 Prix de l'Opéra over 2000 metres at Longchamp Racecourse.
[13] On 6 May Rebelline was stepped back up in distance for the Mooresbridge Stakes over ten furlongs at the Curragh, in which she was matched against the St Leger winner Milan.
[14] The Group 1 Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh on 26 May attracted a field of eight runners and saw Nayef start favourite ahead of Tobougg with Rebelline next in the betting on 7/1 alongside Bach (Royal Whip Stakes).
After struggling to obtain a clear run, McDonogh switched the filly to the inside and began to make rapid progress in the last quarter mile.
[16] He also explained that Rebelline had suffered from arthritis throughout her racing career and that her fitness had to be maintained by regular swimming sessions rather that conventional training gallops.