Jamie Osborne’s meticulous planning and large team are paying dividends at the 2026 Dubai Racing Carnival. The British trainer enjoyed a memorable day at Meydan’s second meeting of the year, guiding two very different horses to victory.
The first to shine was nine-year-old Sean, who finally broke his Carnival duck in the DP World Digital Technology Handicap over 1900 metres on turf. After three years of trying, Sean, a family favourite, was expertly delivered by Saffie Osborne, pouncing late to win by half a length from Kathab on his eleventh Meydan start.
“She’s ridden him fairly cold, but I was pleased they kept the pace going,” Jamie Osborne said. “It’s amazing as he’s nine and a bit of a family pet. Ian and Claire Barratt very kindly gave him to Jimmy McCarthy and me because they wanted to retire him, and we said, ‘Not yet.’ I’m ridiculously happy, it’s brilliant.”
Saffie Osborne added, “I was off the bridle most of the way and he needs them to go fast. Turning in, I thought if he’s ever going to win, it’s going to be today. He deserves it more than anyone as he’s an out-and-out tryer.”
Just 35 minutes later, Osborne struck again with three-year-old Brotherly Love in the Mina Rashid Maiden over 1600 metres on dirt. Settled in mid-pack, the half-brother to stable star Heart Of Honor found plenty under pressure to win by four lengths from Yamdeek.
Owners Jim and Claire Bryce praised the horse’s potential. “We’re hoping he’s a proper horse and he did look it tonight,” said Jim Bryce. “Jamie bought him before Heart Of Honor even raced, and he’s been a delight.”
Saffie Osborne noted, “He’s a much easier ride than his brother. He jumped, travelled well, and handled the distance perfectly.” Jamie Osborne hinted the colt would likely skip the UAE 2000 Guineas in favour of the Al Bastakiya – UAE Derby.
The Carnival continued to showcase emerging talent. George Scott’s Force And Valour took the fourth race, a turf contest, with Billy Loughnane riding the four-year-old to a two-length win over Laasudood. The same owners returned later with Flying Comet capturing the Al Wasl Stakes under Silvestre De Sousa, demonstrating a strong night for the yard.
Simon and Ed Crisford also doubled up when Ocean Viking won the closing Mina Hamriya Handicap over 1900 metres. Making his Meydan debut, the five-year-old led in the final 200 metres to secure a stylish victory under James Doyle.
De Sousa added a previous victory aboard Molaqab in the Jebel Ali Port Handicap, a tight 1400-metre turf contest, prevailing in a thrilling four-way finish by a quarter-length over Dubai Beach.
Charlie Appleby’s Mothecomb, a late developer, redeemed a December third-place finish by taking the Lord North Handicap over 1800 metres. Ridden by Richie Mullen, the four-year-old led at crucial stages to win by a length and a quarter from Fort George.
Sprinters made their mark as well. Cats By Five beat G1 winner Danyah in the DP World GCC Handicap over 1200 metres, while Miss Yechance impressed in the DP World Express Handicap over 1000 metres, giving jockey Francisco Leandro Goncalves his first UAE victory.
Meydan racing resumes on Friday, 16 January, with the G2 Cape Verdi as the highlight.
For more stories, results, and updates from the world of horse racing, stay tuned to RaceBuzz.