Believing repays Coolmore investment in Al Quoz Sprint

Purchased for nearly $4 million at Tattersalls last December, Believing furnished dividends in her first start for the Coolmore principals and Resolute in Saturday’s $1.5 million Al Quoz Sprint (G1). The George Boughey mare had gone close multiple times in Group 1 company, and she finally had things go her way down the straightaway at Meydan on Dubai World Cup night.

Sadly, the same could not be said for 6-5 favorite Howdeepisyourlove. The Hong Kong shipper sustained an irreparable injury after striking into another runner’s hind leg. He was pulled up and transported to Dubai Equine Hospital, where he was humanely euthanized. 

Believing had an alarming incident of a different kind in her last appearance on the racetrack. She acted up badly in the gate in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (G1) and had to be a last-minute scratch at Del Mar. The daughter of Mehmas had compiled an excellent resume for a future broodmare career, so her ensuing tour through the Tattersalls ring might well have marked a transition from the racecourse to the breeding shed.

Yet Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, and Derrick Smith were game to keep her in training with Boughey, with a view to snaring that elusive Group 1. Believing repaid their faith in her. 

Breaking on the far wing in post 1 with William Buick, Believing put herself in good early position not too far off the pace. Japanese speed merchant Win Carnelian threatened to spring a massive upset on the front end, but Believing hunted him down late by three-quarters of a length. The Irish-bred five-year-old reeled off about six furlongs in 1:07.77 and returned $12.

Win Carnelian salvaged runner-up honors by a short head from Regional. Danon McKinley came next, giving Japan second and fourth in their only turf loss of the night. Fellow Japanese shipper Puro Magic crossed the wire fifth, trailed by Marbaan, Quinault, West Acre, Audience, and Isivunguvungu.

Until Saturday, Believing’s signature win came in last summer’s Sapphire (G2) at the Curragh. Her high-profile placings include the 2023 Haydock Sprint Cup (G1) and 2024 Nunthorpe (G1), Flying Five (G1), and Prix de l’Abbaye de Longchamp (G1). She was also fourth in both of Royal Ascot’s premier sprints, the King Charles III (G1) and Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee (G1). Her resume of 25-7-5-4 reflects wins or placings in a total of 14 stakes.