Trainer Jamie Osborne made a bold move by purchasing Heart of Honor for €160,000 at the 2024 Arqana May Breeze-Up sale, despite the horse’s dirt-bred lineage. His strategy was not to compete in Europe but to target dirt races in Dubai, where he believed the competition was more manageable compared to the turf races dominated by established trainers like Charlie Appleby. Heart of Honor’s success in Dubai, including a close second in the G2 UAE Derby, led Osborne to enter him in the American Triple Crown series, where he recently finished fifth in the Preakness Stakes.
Osborne’s daughter, Saffie, will again ride Heart of Honor in the upcoming Belmont Stakes. He expressed pride in her abilities, noting her strength and dedication, and highlighted the unique dynamic of working with her as both a father and a trainer. This relationship adds a personal dimension to their racing endeavors, especially given the challenges Osborne has faced throughout his career.
Originally a successful steeplechase rider, Osborne transitioned to flat racing in 1999, motivated by a dislike for the harsh English winters. He felt compelled to remain in the sport he had known all his life, ultimately becoming a trainer. His journey reflects a commitment to adapting and finding new opportunities within the racing world, as evidenced by his innovative approach to training dirt horses for the Dubai circuit.
