Osborne Becomes First Female Rider to Win at Meydan
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Photo: Dubai Racing Club
Ouzo and jockey Saffie Osborne win the Lord Glitters Handicap at Meydan Racecourse
History was made at Meydan Racecourse Feb. 16 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 over 1,800 meters on turf.
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.
"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 so, 10 years on, to be riding winners for him out here is pretty special."