The 2025 Dubai World Cup day dream failed to materialize for the Hollywood Racing team and SA racing fans as former SA champion Isivunguvungu never sparked in the Gr1 Al Quoz Sprint at Meydan on Saturday.
Anthony Delpech greets Christophe Soumillon (Pic – Chase Liebenberg)
“Things never mapped out for him in the race. He was overracing and got stuck behind when it was time to go,” a disappointed Anthony Delpech told the Sporting Post.
Jockey Christophe Soumillon said: “I was in a good position but he didn’t quicken.”
But it was British-trained mare Believing who arrived in the nick of time to claim the first Group 1 victory of her career in a blistering Al Quoz Sprint Sponsored By Azizi Developments.
During her career with George Boughey in Newmarket, the daughter of Mehmas has tested the patience of her team but has amassed an impressive collection of results including placed efforts at the highest level on all her three most recent starts in the Nunthorpe Stakes at York, the Flying Five at the Curragh and on her most recent appearance in the Prix de l’Abbaye.
Believing and William Buick power home from Win Carnelian (Pic – Dubai Racing Club/Liesl King)
In December, she was bought for just over $4million at Tattersalls and is now owned by a partnership of Coolmore and Resolute Racing.
For much of this event, it looked as if a smaller share of the prize-money might be the best she would manage again.
Japanese challenger Win Carnelian was dictating the pace under Kosei Miura and was in total control with 400m remaining, although Believing and fellow British challenger Regional were just starting to emerge as the only dangers.
William Buick, a master at Meydan with nine Dubai World Cup night wins in the bag already including with the mighty Blue Point in this race back in 2019, was starting to get Believing rolling and she poked her head up the inside in the final few strides to strike by 0.68 lengths and in a sharp time of 1:07.77.
Win Carnelian hung on bravely for second, just ahead of Regional with the trio well clear of the remainder.
“George was really bullish about her before the race, her prep has been faultless,” said Buick. “This is a lucky spare ride for me. Ryan [Moore] was meant to ride her, obviously he was in Australia this morning, I stepped in”
“The filly was very tough. She really deserved to to get that Group 1. She showed there what she’s all about, she really knuckled down. Fair play to George in his team for having her in tip-top shape for tonight.”
Believing was withdrawn before the start of the Breeders’ Cup Sprint last November after giving trouble in the gate.
With Boughey and his partner at home awaiting the birth of their first child, assistant trainer Henry Morshead was on duty and said: “Her preparation into this has been very strong and her gate-work has been good all winter, which was a concern coming from Del Mar last time.
“But God she’s tough, she really sticks her head down, she’s a real testament to the hard work everyone puts in at home.”
Morshead added: “It’s hugely special and Coolmore are unbelievably straightforward to deal with. We’re hugely honoured to have her in the yard this year as a five-year-old.”
