Photo Credit: Dubai Racing Club
ritish trainer Jamie Osborne loves an overseas jaunt, and he could be set for the biggest race in America after Brotherly Love [pictured] won the Listed Dubai Road to the Kentucky Derby [formerly Al Bastakiya] at Meydan Racecourse on Friday.
There was drama before the 1900metre contest, which carried 20 Kentucky Derby qualifying points to the winner for the first time, when favourite Salloom burst through the gates and was scratched.
The remaining 11 runners went a good pace early on which played to the strengths of Brotherly Love, who was cajoled throughout by Saffie Osborne. She got there with plenty in hand, however, her mount finding a lot close home and beating Duke Of Immatin by two lengths. In doing so he went one better than his half-brother, Heart Of Honor, who was second in this race a year ago.
“He’s becoming like his brother in ability and demeanor,” said Saffie Osborne. “They both like making life difficult for me, but when I came out into the straight and he switched leads I always felt like I was going to pick them up. He stays all day, this horse, and has a lot of class.
“It was gutting to get pipped in this race last year with Heart of Honor so it’s great to avenge that for Jim and Claire [Bryce, owners], it’s very special for them. That’s Dad’s sixth winner of the Carnival and I’m not sure people realise how hard that is to do.”
“Sweet revenge!” added Osborne Senior. “Last year we were very frustrated so to avenge that with Heart Of Honor’s little brother is pretty incredible really.
“Everything about this horse last summer screamed dirt and when they went hard early on that suited us.”
About The Author
