The 2025 edition of the Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint, held at the iconic Meydan Racecourse, offered a thrilling spectacle as the British mare Believing delivered a remarkable late surge to secure the most significant victory of her career. Guided to perfection by William Buick, her performance not only confirmed her class on the international sprinting stage but also demonstrated the resilience and precision that has come to define her campaign under trainer George Boughey.
Having shown flashes of brilliance in past elite races across Europe, Believing had long hinted at her potential for a major breakthrough. Her previous appearances, including commendable efforts in top-tier events like the Nunthorpe Stakes, the Flying Five, and the Prix de l’Abbaye, placed her consistently among the best without quite claiming top honors. Her acquisition in December for over $4 million, in a joint ownership between Coolmore and Resolute Racing, signaled high hopes and belief in her abilities—and on this Dubai evening, she rewarded that faith emphatically.
The race itself unfolded with intensity. Japanese speedster Win Carnelian, under the control of Kosei Miura, dictated a strong tempo and looked poised to hold off the competition as the field entered the final stretch. However, Buick, no stranger to success on World Cup night, demonstrated his track expertise once more. Timing his challenge with precision, he maneuvered Believing through a gap on the inside, allowing her to edge past her rivals in the dying moments. Her winning margin, just over half a length, came in a swift 1:07.77, highlighting both her tenacity and the tactical excellence of her rider.
Behind her, Win Carnelian stayed on courageously to finish second, fending off another British contender, Regional, who produced a brave performance of his own. The trio proved a class above the rest of the field, finishing well ahead of the chasing pack. Jockeys across the board acknowledged the high standards set in the race, with riders like Callum Rodriguez and Cristian Demuro expressing admiration for their mounts’ efforts, even if they fell short of the top prize.
For the connections of Believing, the result was a culmination of careful planning and perseverance. Buick, stepping in due to Ryan Moore’s unavailability, praised the filly’s grit and the meticulous preparation by Boughey’s team. Back at home, with Boughey awaiting a new arrival in the family, assistant trainer Henry Morshead represented the stable. He emphasized the filly’s development and the dedication of the yard that had brought her to peak condition for this race, especially after a challenging experience at Del Mar last year.
Other runners, including Danon McKinley, Puro Magic, and Marbaan, had their moments but ultimately couldn’t match the top three on the night. Each jockey offered thoughtful assessments of their horses’ performances, many highlighting the unfamiliar track or race dynamics as influencing factors. While some were left with a sense of what might have been, the overwhelming consensus was that Believing was a deserving and impressive winner.
In a sport where fractions of a second make the difference between victory and defeat, Believing showcased not just speed but heart, capturing a race that will be remembered for its intensity and the poise of a mare who finally ascended to the top of the sprinting hierarchy.
