martin webb
No regrets for this pandemic purchase Martin Webb’s lockdown purchase of Ubettabelieveit as a two-year-old has taken the owner into a long term bloodstock venture, writes James Thomas
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LENTY OF US will have left lockdown regretting a few rash purchases. Perhaps it was an exercise bike that suddenly doesn’t look so appealing now that the pub is open again, or a 1,000-piece jigsaw that has remained with 998 pieces out of place. For racehorse owner Martin Webb, however, a purchase he made while confined to his home has had far more profound consequences. It was during the first lockdown in early
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2020 that Webb bought Ubettabelieveit, a decision that has led to some notable successes and some memorable journeys, both literal and metaphorical. Not only did the colt land the prestigious Group 2 Flying Childers Stakes, but he also took Webb and the Malton-based trainer Nigel Tinkler on a maiden voyage to the Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland. Now, with the 2022 breeding season nearly upon us the journey continues, with Ubettabelieveit set to embark upon his
second career at Mickley Stud. The son of Kodiac was bred by Derek and Gay Veitch at Ringfort Stud in County Offaly from the Mujadil mare Ladylishandra, making him a sibling to the Group 3 winners Harlem Shake and Tropical Paradise, as well as the Listed scorer Shenanigans. Having been pinhooked by Roger Marley and John Cullinan, the team behind the Church Farm and Horse Park Stud operation, the colt’s target had been the Goffs UK Breeze-Up Sale in Doncaster.
