George Boughey’s Quest for Victory: Believing Poised to Break York Hoodoo in Nunthorpe Stakes
In the heart of British flat racing, where tradition and triumph intersect, George Boughey is on the brink of a potentially career-defining moment. As one of the sport's most promising young trainers, Boughey is preparing to break his winless streak at York’s renowned Knavesmire, a venue that has so far eluded his growing list of accomplishments. His star sprinter, Believing, is set to take on the prestigious Group One Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes at York’s Ebor Festival, with a £500,000 prize at stake.
The York Challenge: A Quest for Glory
York’s Knavesmire, a track steeped in history, represents one of the last frontiers for Boughey, who has yet to saddle a winner here despite his meteoric rise over the past five years. Along with Wetherby, it remains one of the two British flat racing courses where Boughey has not yet triumphed. But with Believing, he is optimistic that the time has finally come to end this drought.
“It would be great to have a winner at York, we haven't got anywhere near yet. It doesn't matter what day of the week it is—whether it's the Ebor meeting or just a normal card, for some reason we can't get them near the winner's circle," Boughey confessed, reflecting on his elusive York victory. "I stopped running horses at York a long time ago, but we might make an exception for a Group One!"
Believing: The Rising Star
Believing, a four-year-old mare racing in the colours of Highclere Thoroughbred Racing, has been the cornerstone of Boughey’s hopes this season. Her journey through the racing calendar has been nothing short of spectacular. She kicked off her campaign with a win in a Listed event at Haydock, followed by a triumphant run in the Group Two Sapphire Stakes in Ireland. Sandwiched between these victories were two commendable performances at Royal Ascot, where she finished fourth in both the King Charles III Stakes and the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee.
Her most recent outing saw her finish a close third in the King George Stakes at Goodwood, narrowly bested by Big Evs and Asfoora—two formidable opponents she will face again at York. Reflecting on her performance at Goodwood, Boughey admitted, "I did think after a furlong, 'crikey, we've really slipped up here and run her downhill at Goodwood,' having won at a stiff five (furlongs) at the Curragh."
Despite the challenge posed by Goodwood's downhill course, Believing proved her mettle, rallying late to secure her place among the top sprinters. Boughey is confident that the flatter, more forgiving York course will suit her better, allowing her to find her rhythm and unleash her full potential.
A Trainer’s Faith in His Filly
Believing's return to training has been nothing short of impressive. Boughey, who has seen her evolve into an exceptional competitor, continues to marvel at her resilience and consistency. "She's just restarted training the last few days and come back in super shape. She's an amazing filly—she keeps surprising me each time. You kind of think, 'Oh God, we'll come out of it and she'll have said it was one (run) too many,' and she just bounces out of each one."
This unwavering belief in Believing’s abilities underscores Boughey’s confidence as they head into the Nunthorpe Stakes. He knows that this race is more than just another entry on her racing record—it’s an opportunity to make history, to finally claim victory at York, and to establish Believing as one of the premier sprinters in the sport.
