As excitement builds for the upcoming Royal Ascot meet, all eyes will be on Believing, a racehorse slated to grace the famous track once more. This talented mare, now under the ownership of Coolmore, has had an impressive career trajectory, marked by her recent triumph in the Al Quoz Sprint at Meydan, where she made a victorious debut for her new connections.
Believing, who changed hands for a cool 3,000,000 guineas in December 2024, has been marked for greatness from the get-go. Under the watchful eye of trainer George Boughey, she has been nothing short of remarkable on the turf this season, proving her mettle among the top contenders. Her journey through the ranks has been one of progression, with each race sharpening her formidable prowess.
Now a five-year-old, she finds herself on the brink of a rare challenge: racing while in foal. Yes, Believing is set for an unusual yet exhilarating stint at Royal Ascot, despite her mating with the legendary stallion Frankel this spring. This decision draws intrigue from across the racing world, with industry watchers eager to see how she will perform under such unique circumstances.
Ambition Meets Tradition
Royal Ascot, with its pomp and pageantry, offers the perfect stage for Believing’s potential last hurrah on the racecourse. Her likely entries are in the King Charles III Stakes, where she currently stands at 12/1 odds, and the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes, for which she holds 10/1 odds. Such odds reflect the belief in her talent and the respect she commands among her peers.
Mark Byrne, representing Coolmore, elaborated on the strategic thinking behind racing a mare in such a rare condition. In a revealing talk on the ‘Bred For It’ podcast, Byrne expressed Coolmore’s commitment to excellence and innovation within the realm of thoroughbred racing.
“We aim for the highest standards, seeing her as a future star in the breeding world,” Byrne remarked. He likened Believing’s prospects off the track to those of renowned broodmares like Immortal Verse, highlighting the potential legacy awaiting her in the breeding sheds.
Crowning Glory or Farewell Race?
Believing has always danced on the edge of greatness, falling just short in prestigious sprints like the Nunthorpe and Flying Five, before clinching third in the Prix de l’Abbaye. Such performances underscore her competitive spirit and the heart she puts into her runs.
As she heads into Royal Ascot, fans and pundits alike will watch eagerly, with many pondering if this could indeed be her crowning moment, sealing a glittering racing career before she trades the track for the tranquil life of a broodmare.
Byrne confirmed, “It would indeed be an exception for Coolmore to race a mare in foal, but for Believing, we make an exception. We hope to see her stride down the Ascot track with a grace and determination that mirrors her past performances.”
The Horizon Beckons
Bred for excellence and groomed for greatness, Believing’s story at Royal Ascot is more than just another entry in the racing calendar. It’s a testament to a mare treasured for her racing mettle and future potential as a foundation mare in the breeding realm.
Racing enthusiasts, prepare your binoculars for what promises to be a historic meeting. Will Believing, under the stud of Frankel’s resulting foal, thunder down the stretch to etch her name in racing history? Or will her legacy be carried forward in new generations of racers bearing her lineage?
Only time will tell as Royal Ascot approaches, where tradition meets ambition for Believing and the racing world watches with bated breath.
