The soft thump of Jamie Osborne’s hand on Heart of Honor’s shoulder said everything. A gentle kiss on the gelding’s neck followed, a quiet moment between trainer and horse before the bustle of Meydan Racecourse took over. Beside him stood his daughter, jockey Saffie Osborne, back from injury and visibly emotional as she prepared to reunite with the horse she calls “one of the most genuine partners I’ve ever ridden.” The pair headline Friday’s Dubai Racing Carnival card, with the focus keyword “Heart of Honor” taking centre stage once more.
Heart of Honor, now a gelding, makes his seasonal return in the Palm Jebel Ali Conditions race after a campaign that took him from a nose defeat in the G2 UAE Derby to brave runs in both the G1 Preakness and G1 Belmont. Meydan has always felt like home—his two career wins came here—and Osborne hopes the familiar surroundings spark another surge forward.
“This looks a good spot to start him back,” the trainer said. “He will tighten up for the run. His big goals are still down the road, but hopefully he’s fit enough to be the one they all have to beat.”
He faces seven rivals, including Listed Al Bastakiya winner Galactic Star and grey newcomer Gray Boss, who impressed on debut just two weeks ago.
Meshtri Aims to Make History
The feature, the Listed Dubai Creek Mile, brings another compelling narrative as Meshtri attempts to become the first dual winner of the race. Trainer Michael Costa believes the gelding is exactly where he needs to be.
“Meshtri is back to his best,” Costa said with confidence. “This is the perfect point for him to kick off the season, and we’re expecting him to improve from here.”
Among those lining up against him is the seasoned campaigner Desert Wisdom, a horse who has carried the colours of the Ahmed Al Shemaili team with distinction. Jockey Ray Dawson, reunited with the chestnut, hopes a fresh start brings back the spark.
“He’s had a little time off,” Dawson noted. “When he’s right, he’s very good around Meydan. A short break might be exactly what he needed.”
Smart System Draws Confidence in 1400m Clash
The second-last race, the Como Residences Handicap over 1400m, appears wide open, but Dawson is bullish about Smart System’s chances after guiding him last season to two wins over this very track.
“I really like this horse,” he said. “His last run over a mile stretched him a bit, but he still shaped like the winner until the final 300 metres. Back in trip, with a run under his belt, he could be one of my better rides of the night.”
Go Chrome Go, an eight-time winner in South America, also makes a long-awaited return. Trainer Julio Olascoaga is simply pleased to have him racing again.
“He’s back after a long time away, but his issues look behind him. His trial was good—we’re excited to see him back in action.”
Future Stars Step Out in Maiden Contests
The Thoroughbred action begins with two highly anticipated maiden events. The Bay Grove Residences for fillies sees Ahmad Bin Harmash saddling three—Dialed To Dubai, She’s Good, and Yuno—with stable jockey Connor Beasley choosing Yuno. Dawson partners Dialed To Dubai, who caught the eye in trials.
“It’s her first day in school,” Dawson said, “but she’s shown enough to suggest she’ll learn plenty and go the right way.”
Another debut runner attracting interest is Tago Mago, trained by Jamie Osborne and owned by Jim and Claire Bryce—also owners of Heart of Honor.
“She ran with promise at Southwell,” Osborne said. “She breezed well on the dirt here and should improve again.”
Olascoaga’s Tjareed, who trialled well against the colts, is another likely contender.
Juvenile Colts Line Up for 1600m Test
The Palm Beach Towers Maiden over 1600m has drawn 11 runners, including two for Charlie Appleby—Devon Island under James Doyle, and National History under Richie Mullen. Osborne also sends out Decalogue and Brotherly Love, the latter a half-brother to Heart of Honor.
“Saffie has chosen Brotherly Love, but I’m not sure she’s on the right one,” the trainer admitted with a smile. “He’s a big unit and will learn plenty. Decalogue, meanwhile, has improved a lot—he’s guaranteed to handle the surface.”
Group 2 Bani Yas Opens the Evening
The meeting opens with the G2 Bani Yas for Purebred Arabians, led by dual G1 winner Mubeed. Dawson, who has partnered him for both top-level victories, is optimistic.
“Mubeed needs no introduction. Seven furlongs might be a touch sharp, but if he’s ready, he could outclass them.”
AF Alajaj, returning at age eight, also commands respect. Karl Oertel—representing owner Khalid Al Nabooda—hopes this is the season the veteran earns the major win he has narrowly missed.
“He deserves that elusive G1,” Oertel said. “Hopefully this year will be his year.”
Racing begins at 5:30pm, with General Admission priced at AED10.
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