Rapidly improving sprinter grabbed a first Group win.
No Half Measures, trained by Richard Hughes, is set for a potential leap to Group One competition in France following an impressive victory in the Dubai International Airport World Trophy Stakes at Newbury. The three-year-old filly, ridden by Ryan Moore, delivered a career-best performance on heavy ground, claiming a one-and-a-quarter-length victory in the Group Three sprint.
Competing over five furlongs, No Half Measures comfortably tracked the early leader Democracy Dilemma before surging ahead in the final furlong to secure the win. Behind her, Relief Rally and Annaf battled for second, with just a nose separating the pair at the finish, while Democracy Dilemma finished a close fourth.
This victory marks Hughes' first Group race success as a trainer, and it came under testing conditions after a thunderstorm soaked the track with 15 millimeters of rain earlier in the day. No Half Measures, previously rated just 74 in May, has been on an upward trajectory, including a Listed win at Deauville in August.
Ryan Moore š«”
No Half Measures wins the G3 Dubai International Aiport World Trophy Stakes @NewburyRacing for trainer, @RHughesracing š
ā Champions Series (@ChampionsSeries) September 21, 2024
Reflecting on her progress, Hughes said, "She was rated 74 in May and just hasn't stopped improving. She's not even blowing." The trainer is now considering the Prix de l'Abbaye at ParisLongchamp on Arc weekend as a next target, a bold step for the filly who finished sixth in the Prix du Petit Couvert at the same venue just six days ago.
"She's in the Abbaye... If she keeps improving, anything can happen," Hughes added, optimistic about her prospects if she draws well in the prestigious race. With consistent improvement throughout the season, No Half Measures is certainly a filly on the rise, and all eyes will be on her potential Group One debut in France.
