William Buick was sensational aboard Believing in the Al Quoz Sprint

The British mare delivered a brilliant performance to capture the turf sprint at Meydan in style

Believing came flying late, getting up with the wire fast approaching / DRC

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – Special to TDN – Believing, the talented British mare, picked the perfect moment to break through at the top level, storming home late to capture her first Group 1 title in a thrilling renewal of the G1 Al Quoz Sprint (1200m, turf), sponsored by Azizi Developments.

Trained by George Boughey out of Newmarket, the daughter of Mehmas has tested the patience of her connections more than once, but has consistently delivered top-class efforts. Her three most recent starts had all come in elite company, finishing third in the G1 Nunthorpe S. at York, runner-up in the G1 Flying Five at the Curragh, and third again in the G1 Prix de l’Abbaye.

Purchased for just over $4 million at Tattersalls last December, Believing now races in partnership for Coolmore and Resolute Racing.

For much of the Meydan straight, it appeared she might once again have to settle for a minor placing. Japan’s Win Carnelian, with Kosei Miura aboard, dictated the pace with confidence and still looked in control inside the final 400 meters. But rallying up the inside came Believing, along with fellow British sprinter Regional, both looming large.

With William Buick—a Dubai World Cup night specialist with now nine victories at the meeting, including Blue Pointin this same race back in 2019—Believing began to surge. Her rally was sustained and relentless, and she poked her head in front inside the final strides to win going away by a decisive 0.68 lengths, clocking a sharp 1:07.77 for the 1200 meters.

Win Carnelian fought bravely to hold second, just ahead of Regional, as the trio pulled clear from the rest of the field.

“George was really confident coming into the race—the preparation had gone perfectly,” said Buick. “I was lucky to pick up the ride. Ryan [Moore] was originally going to be on her, but he was in Australia earlier today, so I got the call.”

“She’s such a game filly. She really deserved a Group 1. She showed everything she’s made of and gave her all. Full credit to George and his team for bringing her here in peak condition.”

Believing had been scratched at the gate ahead of last year’s Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint due to pre-race issues. This time, everything went exactly to plan.

With Boughey and his partner at home awaiting the birth of their first child, it was assistant trainer Henry Morsheadwho oversaw the final preparations in Dubai.

“She had a great prep. Her gate work this winter was excellent, which was something we really focused on after what happened at Del Mar,” said Morshead. “But my God, what a brave filly. She puts her head down and she digs in. That’s a reflection of everyone’s hard work back home.”

He added, “This is incredibly special. Coolmore has been an absolute pleasure to work with, and it’s a huge honor to have this filly in the barn for her 5-year-old campaign.”