UK raiders dominate as Believing scoops the Sapphire

UK raiders dominated in the Barberstown Castle Sapphire Stakes, with Believing leading home her compatriots in this Group 2 contest.

Trained in Newmarket by George Boughey, the 111-rated four-year-old ran twice at Royal Ascot, finishing fourth in the King Charles III Stakes on the Tuesday, before occupying the same position in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes on the Saturday.

Both of those races were Group 1 affairs and down in class this afternoon, the Mehmas bay was sent off the even money favourite under Ryan Moore.

Settled behind the leaders, the now five-time winner was sent to the front over a furlong from home and soon ridden, she stayed on well in the closing stages, coming home a length-and-three-quarters to the good.

The Karl Burke-trained Beautiful Diamond (5/1) filled the runner-up spot under Sam James, while Ed Walker's Makarova (7/2), who was short of room a furlong out, was another half-a-length back in third.

"She has been in very good form this year, she won well at Haydock and had two very solid runs in Group 1's at Ascot," Moore commented.

"She was probably entitled to win this. She is very straight forward and seems to be most suited to five furlongs."

Henry Morshead, assistant to Boughey, added: "She's such a hardy, tough filly and she did it well.

"She came out of Ascot great. She ran with great credit in two Group 1's over the week which is amazing. She hasn't done a lot since and we've just freshened her up.

"She can be quite busy at a high level through the second half of the year, and I'd imagine she'll have sales hopes later in the year.

"Highclere are great supporters of the yard and it’s great to get a Group 2 win for them."

STEWARDS REPORTS

L.T. McAteer, rider of Jakajaro trained by David Marnane, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount got squeezed out coming out of the stalls.

C.T. Keane, rider of Twilight Jet trained by M.D. O'Callaghan, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount got bumped from behind inside the two furlong pole.

R.L. Moore, rider of Believing, trained by George Boughey (in GB), reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung right.

D. McMonagle, rider of Ano Syra trained by John James Feane, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount received a bump inside the two furlong pole.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident in the closing stages involving Twilight Jet, ridden by C.T. Keane, unplaced, Ano Syra, ridden by D. McMonagle, placed fifth, Makarova (GB), ridden by H. Crouch, placed third, and Beautiful Diamond (GB), ridden by S.H. James, placed second, where it appeared Makarova ran short of room. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. C. T. Keane stated that things got a little tight and he received a bump from behind. D. McMonagle stated that he maintained a straight line and received a bump from his right. H. Crouch stated that the gap closed in front of him. S. H. James stated that he felt he kept reasonable straight. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards found S. H. James, was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly, and having considered his record in this regard the Raceday Stewards suspended him for two racedays.

H. Crouch, rider of Makarova (GB), trained by Ed Walker (in GB), reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was denied a clear run.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee