Nunthorpe and Flying Five runner-up ready to renew rivalry.
Trainer George Boughey is not ready to concede defeat as he eyes a third encounter between his talented filly Believing and the formidable Bradsell. Following another strong performance, where Believing finished a commendable second in the Flying Five Stakes at the Curragh, Boughey's confidence remains high. Despite being narrowly beaten by Bradsell yet again, the trainer takes immense pride in his filly’s achievements throughout the season, which include notable victories in both the Achilles Stakes at Haydock and the Sapphire Stakes in Ireland.
Reflecting on Believing's journey, Boughey expressed his appreciation for the progress she has made over the past year. “What a season she’s had,” he remarked, highlighting the impressive turnaround from her 66-1 outsider finish in last year’s Haydock Sprint Cup. This year, she has grown into a formidable competitor, consistently demonstrating her talent on the track. Boughey credits the horse's success to the diligent care provided by her team, especially her regular rider, Holly, who plays a pivotal role in her training.
BRADSELL 💫
Bradsell remains unbeaten in 2024 after landing the Group 1 @BarOneRacing Flying Five Stakes.
That's 3⃣ top-level wins for the @Archie_Watson stable star.
🟥⬜️ @HollieDoyle1 | @curraghrace pic.twitter.com/VKxjTBcn7B
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) September 15, 2024
As she took to the track at Curragh, Boughey felt a surge of optimism. “I was enthused walking out onto the track with her on Sunday,” he recalled, noting her exuberance and physical condition. Such moments fuel a trainer's passion, making the struggles of racing all the more rewarding. His belief in her potential was echoed by top jockey Ryan Moore, who, after the race, remarked that Believing felt better than ever. Drawn on the opposite side of the track to Bradsell during their encounters at York and the Curragh, the situation has certainly posed challenges for Boughey and his team. Yet he remains undeterred, eyeing potential future matchups in prestigious races such as the Prix de l’Abbaye at ParisLongchamp and the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint at Del Mar.
“The draw is one of those things you can’t change,” Boughey acknowledged, emphasizing the element of luck in racing. With plans for a short break, Boughey is weighing options for the next steps in Believing's campaign. He confirmed, “She’ll have a bit of a break, and we’ll work out what we’re going to do next.” With both the Abbaye and the Breeders' Cup as possibilities, there’s excitement in the air about what lies ahead. However, he was clear about not entering her for Champions Day at Ascot, noting that the conditions wouldn’t be favourable.
In racing, as in life, the path is rarely linear. Boughey's acknowledgement of the draw bias on tracks shows awareness of the intricacies involved in competitive racing. “I think the last three five-furlong Group Ones of the year are all on incredibly biassed tracks,” he explained, hoping that luck might favour them in their upcoming endeavours. As the season wraps up, Boughey's unwavering belief in Believing's capabilities will keep fans on the edge, eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this story. Whether she faces off against Bradsell again or takes her path, one thing is clear: George Boughey and Believing are not done yet.
