For George Boughey, the 2025 Dubai World Cup meeting remains a vivid memory. That April week brought him his first Group 1 triumph abroad when his filly Believing powered to victory in the Al Quoz Sprint at Meydan, just months after changing hands. On top of the professional milestone, Boughey welcomed his first child, making it an unforgettable period for the young Newmarket trainer.
“It ranks very highly,” Boughey recalls. “After what happened to her at Del Mar when she flipped in the stalls, to bring her back and have her first start after that be a Group 1 win in the Al Quoz was a fantastic achievement. She’d been a bridesmaid and finally became the bride — it was very special. She was bought to win at Group 1 level and then go to stud, and we delivered that for her owners.”
A year later, Boughey returns to Meydan with another high-class filly, Survie, ready to take her place in the spotlight in the Dubai Longines Sheema Classic. The five-year-old, a Group 2 winner in France under Nicolas Clement and Frauke Hermans, has quickly adapted to her new yard. Since joining Boughey, she has impressed with a win at Lingfield and a solid third in the G1 Neom Turf Cup in Saudi Arabia.
“She arrived the day after the Mares’ sale in good condition,” Boughey said. “The plan was always international campaigning. The Neom run was encouraging despite the tricky draw in stall 10, and she showed she can handle the step up in class. Her work had been strong and she had clearly progressed since Lingfield.”
Survie Sets Sights on Dubai Longines Sheema Classic
Boughey believes Survie has continued to thrive since her Saudi campaign. “She’s really come forward in the past few weeks, particularly with warmer weather. Her summer coat is coming through, and she’s in great shape heading into the race. She’s versatile over 10 to 12 furlongs, so this step up to the Sheema Classic is a logical next move before her European campaign.”
Despite Survie’s strong credentials, Boughey is realistic about the challenge ahead. Facing the world-class Calandagan and notable rival Rebel’s Romance, he knows the task will not be easy. “Calandagan sets a very high standard as the highest-rated horse in the world — he’ll be tough to beat. But our filly is improving and building her profile, and if she can run her race, we’d be delighted.”
If Boughey’s previous Dubai success is any guide, Survie could well leave her mark. The trainer has proven he knows how to prepare a filly for this stage, and all eyes will be on Meydan on 28 March to see if Survie can rise to the occasion.
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