SEAN - Photo: Dubai Racing Club
Jamie Osborne meant business with a large team for this year’s Dubai Racing Carnival and it is reaping rewards. The British trainer celebrated a double at Meydan’s second meeting of 2026, thanks to two very different horses.
First came Sean (pictured), who won his first Carnival race after three years of trying, aged nine, in the opening DP World Digital Technology Handicap, over 1900metres on turf.
The veteran was produced late by Saffie Osborne to secure the victory, pouncing on Kathab, who looked to have the race won. Instead, it was a half-length success for Sean on his eleventh Meydan start.
“She’s [Saffie Osborne] ridden him fairly cold but I was pleased when they seemed to keep the pace going. Its amazing as he’s nine years old and a bit of a family pet. Ian and Claire Barratt very kindly gave him to [Assistant Trainer] Jimmy McCarthy and I because they wanted to retire him and we said “not yet.
“I’m ridiculously happy, it’s brilliant.”
“I was off the bridle most of the way and he needs them to go fast,” added Saffie Osborne. “Turning in, I thought if he’s ever going to win its going to be today. The horse deserves it more than anyone as he’s an out and out tryer.”
The second win, just 35 minutes later, came with owners Jim and Claire Bryce whose Brotherly Love broke his maiden at the fourth attempt in the Mina Rashid Maiden, over 1600metres on dirt.
A three-year-old half-brother to Osborne’s stable star Heart Of Honor, Brotherly Love was settled in mid pack on the rail but found plenty when asked for his effort, striding out for a four-length win over Yamdeek.
“We’re hoping he’s a proper horse and he did look it tonight,” said Jim Bryce. “I’ve got to give the credit to Jamie as he bought him before Heart Of Honor even raced. We’ve recently bought the Kameko foal too, the last one from the mare.”
Saffie Osborne added: “He’s a much easier ride than his brother. He jumped, travelled well and I was concerned I was a bit too far forward, but he’s seen it out nicely.”
“He looks like he’ll get better the further he goes,” said Jamie Osborne. “We don’t want to over-race him so it’s unlikely he’ll go to the [UAE 2000] Guineas. The Al Bastakiya – UAE Derby is probably the route we’ll take.”
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