George Boughey is hopeful that Believing will give him his first winner at York when she competes in the Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes for Group One glory.
York, along with Wetherby, is one of the few British tracks where Boughey has yet to secure a win during his successful five-year training career. The 32-year-old trainer is eager to change that next week with his top sprinter Believing, who will contest the £500,000 feature on the third day of York’s prestigious Ebor Festival.
“It would be fantastic to get a winner at York,” Boughey said. “We haven’t managed to achieve it yet, whether it’s during the Ebor meeting or on a regular day. For some reason, we haven’t been able to get them to the winner’s circle.”
Boughey added, “I stopped running horses at York a while ago, but we might make an exception for a Group One!”
Believing has had a standout season with Highclere Thoroughbred Racing, including a Listed win at Haydock and a Group Two victory in the Sapphire Stakes at the Curragh. She also performed well at Royal Ascot, finishing fourth in both the King Charles III Stakes and the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee.
Since her Curragh win, the four-year-old has placed third in the King George Stakes at Goodwood behind Big Evs and Asfoora, both of whom she will face again at York.
Reflecting on Believing’s run at Goodwood, Boughey noted that after the first furlong, he was concerned they might have erred by running her downhill, especially since she had previously won at a stiff five furlongs at the Curragh. He pointed out that the five furlongs at Goodwood is likely faster than at York. Despite this, he is excited to see her compete at the top level again. At York, Boughey believes she will be able to find her rhythm and can produce her best work in the latter part of the race.
Boughey added, “She’s just restarted training and has come back in great shape. She continues to surprise me each time. I always worry she might have had enough, but she keeps bouncing back and impressing.”