History was made at Meydan Racecourse on Friday when Saffie Osborne became the first female jockey to ride a winner in the course’s 14-year history.
The 21-year-old missed out on Ouzo’s previous Dubai Racing Carnival success through injury but was back on board for the featured Lord Glitters Handicap [Presented by Al Tayer Motors], over 1800metres on turf.
💫 That history-making moment! 💫@OsborneSaffie @osbornejamie #DubaiCarnival pic.twitter.com/spKyDOdFbI
— Dubai Racing Club (@RacingDubai) February 16, 2024
Held up at the back of the 14-strong field, Ouzo, trained by Osborne’s father Jamie, still had most of them ahead of him in the straight. He then had to overcome some trouble in running before the gaps opened just in time, allowing him to charge past Godolphin pair Highbank and First Sight for a length success.
🗣️ "Ten years ago I was sitting on the sofa watching Toast Of New York winning the UAE Derby!|@OsborneSaffie is on cloud nine after Ouzo provides the upwardly mobile rider with a first Meydan success 🏆
@osbornejamie must be so proud 🫶 pic.twitter.com/SzVKgxnhaU
— Dubai Racing Club (@RacingDubai) February 16, 2024
“I was delighted for everyone last time but gutted not to be on him,” said Osborne. “All credit to [Assistant Trainer] Jimmy McCarthy and Dad’s team for getting him spot on as he’s a hard horse to get right.
“I remember sitting on the sofa watching when Dad won the UAE Derby [with Toast Of New York in 2014] so, ten years on, to be riding winners for him out here is pretty special.”
