There was a palpable surge of emotion at Meydan on Friday night as Heart Of Honor Meydan result headlines were already being whispered around the parade ring before the horses even pulled up. Trainer Jamie Osborne greeted his returning star with relief and pride etched across his face, while jockey Saffie Osborne, who only returned from three months on the sidelines the previous day, allowed herself a broad smile as the crowd applauded their emphatic victory.
Back at the scene of his agonising near-miss in the G2 UAE Derby in April, Heart Of Honor produced a stirring performance in the Nakheel Stakes, the final contest on the card. As has become part of his personality, the gelding was slowly away, but Saffie never wavered. She angled wide, took a patient route into the straight, and once daylight appeared, the response was electric. Heart Of Honor surged clear, powering home by seven and a quarter lengths from runner-up Galactic Star, marking a triumphant return to form.
“He’s frightened us many times in races – that’s his style,” said Osborne, still visibly relieved. “There’s an element of laziness, but it means he conserves energy for later on. The Listed Entisar in three weeks’ time is the plan — he won’t have a penalty, so it makes sense.”
Owner Jim Bryce, who shares the gelding with his wife Claire, echoed the sentiment. “It’s such a relief. You know he has the class, but nothing is ever guaranteed on this track.”
For Saffie Osborne, it was a deeply meaningful moment on her comeback weekend. “We knew this trip [1600m] would be on the short side for him, but it was about rhythm and giving him a good start to the season,” she said. “He’s very special to all of us, and I’m so pleased to see him back in front after some tough defeats.”
Mendelsohhn Bay Roars Again
The Heart Of Honor Meydan result wasn’t the only sparkling moment of the night. The grandstand erupted for Mendelsohhn Bay, who claimed his second stakes victory in the Listed Dubai Creek Mile, storming past defending champion Meshtri and drawing away by six lengths under Richie Mullen. For trainer Bhupat Seemar, the win signaled a powerful return to form.
Remorse Delivers Emotional Triumph
A heart-stirring moment followed in the Thunder Snow Handicap, where Remorse — once sixth in the Dubai World Cup — rolled back the years to win decisively under Tadhg O’Shea. Now eight, and recovered from a serious fall at Abu Dhabi last season, Remorse drew a loud, appreciative cheer.
“He’s a stable favourite,” O’Shea said warmly. “He’s been through plenty and shown huge heart to come back. I’m delighted.”
Devon Island Stakes Classic Claim
Earlier, promising two-year-old Devon Island announced himself as a leading contender for the G3 UAE 2000 Guineas, sweeping home by five lengths in the Palm Central Maiden for Charlie Appleby and James Doyle.
Elsewhere on the Card
• Yuno battled strongly to take the Palm Jebel Ali Maiden for Ahmad bin Harmash and Connor Beasley
• Echo Point secured the Dubai Islands Handicap, easing away by six lengths for Musabbeh Al Mheiri
• Mubeed delivered class performance in the G2 Bani Yas for Purebred Arabians, winning comfortably under Ray Dawson
Meydan racing returns on Friday, 5 December, with the Listed Al Garhoud Sprint as the feature.
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