Meydan: Francisco Leandro’s first night and a card full of stories

The Brazilian rider returned to action aboard the Argentine Go Chrome Go and finished fourth; Oasis Boy was eighth in the Dubai Creek Mile (L), won by Mendelssohn Bay

Mendelssohn Bay returned to high-level winning form in outstanding fashion / DUBAI RACING CLUB

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (Special for Turf Diario) – Several key storylines emerged from Friday’s racing at Meydan. Brazilian jockey Francisco Leandro finally made his seasonal debut, finishing fourth aboard the Argentine Go Chrome Go (California Chrome) in the Dubai Islands Handicap (1400m, dirt); Oasis Boy could manage only eighth in the Dubai Creek Mile (L, 1600m, dirt), where Mendelssohn Bay (Mendelssohn) ruled; and Heart of Honor(Honor A.P.) returned in tremendous fashion.

For Leandrinho, it was a demanding return. He resorted repeatedly to the whip, which earned him a warning from the Emirates Racing Authority for a first-time infringement. It had been a very long layoff for the chestnut from Stud Friends, who responded honorably, finishing 17 lengths behind the runaway winner Echo Point (Dubawi).

Heart of Honor: A Powerful Return

Now gelded, Heart of Honor came back with authority.

After a first half of the year rubbing shoulders with the elite in the Preakness S. (G1) and the Belmont S. (G1), the Jamie Osborne trainee returned to Meydan with star billing—and didn’t disappoint. The colt, beaten by the narrowest of margins in March’s UAE Derby (G2), returned to the scene of that heartbreak and delivered a dominant performance in the Nakheel S., the final race of the Carnival card.

True to his temperament, the son of Honor A.P. broke sluggishly, almost indifferent. But Saffie Osborne kept her cool, angled him out, allowed him to find his rhythm and, once clear, the bay unleashed his trademark late acceleration. The final margin—7 1/4 lengths over Galactic Star (Improbable)—told the full story.

“He always gives us a scare, that’s just his way… a bit lazy early, but he saves everything for when it matters,” said a relieved Jamie Osborne.His next target is already set: the The Entisar (L) in three weeks’ time, where he will also avoid any penalty.

For Saffie Osborne, recently back after a three-month injury layoff, it was a much-needed emotional boost.

“We knew the mile might be a bit sharp for him, but this was just to get him rolling again. He’s a very special horse and he needed this after some tough defeats,” she explained.

Mendelssohn Bay Raises the Curtain

The loudest applause of the night belonged to Mendelssohn Bay, who returned to top-level form in the Dubai Creek Mile (L), sponsored by Nakheel.

Trained by Bhupat Seemar, and remembered for his victory in the UAE 2000 Guineas (G3) in 2024, the son of Mendelssohn pounced on defending champion Meshtri (Medaglia d’Oro) around the bend and drew off impressively to win by six lengths, guided by Richie Mullen.

“Last year was tough, having to face older horses. Tonight he broke like a bullet and traveled beautifully throughout,” Mullen said.“The Al Maktoum Mile looks like the logical next target. And I think he’ll stretch out further in the future.”

The Emotion of Remorse

The most heartwarming moment came courtesy of the veteran Remorse, who claimed the Thunder Snow Handicap in nostalgic fashion—eight years old, full of heart, and still full of power.

With Tadhg O’Shea in the saddle, he dominated from start to finish and pulled clear by 6 1/2 lengths, proving his class remains intact despite age—and despite the heavy fall he suffered last season in Abu Dhabi.

“He’s a very loved horse. Caroline, Bhupat’s wife, rides him every day and keeps him in perfect order,” said O’Shea.“He gave me my first ride in the Dubai World Cup and also in the Saudi Cup. Not many come back like this after a fall. It’s all credit to the team and owner Ali Haddad.”

Devon Island, an Early Ace for Appleby

It is rare to see Charlie Appleby unveil one of his big guns this early in the Carnival, but the move paid dividends. Devon Island, a €650,000 son of Practical Joke, dominated the Palm Central Maiden for colts over 1600 meters on dirt.

With James Doyle aboard, the 2-year-old quickened smartly inside the final 300 meters and won with authority by five lengths.

“We weren’t quite sure what to expect. He didn’t show that much in his trial here, but he responded perfectly,” said Doyle.The UAE 2000 Guineas (G3) in January now looms as his obvious next target.

Yuno, Another for bin Harmash

The team of Ahmed bin Harmash added another victory thanks to Yuno, a daughter of Rock Your World, who had to work harder than expected before asserting herself in the Palm Jebel Ali Maiden.

Served by a confident ride from Connor Beasley, she eventually drew off with authority:

“We’ve always held her in high regard. She’ll learn a lot from this and she’ll get to a mile in time,” Beasley noted.

Finishing second, just under a length behind, was Tjareed (Yaupon), making her debut for Julio Olascoaga and Antonio Cintra. She ran a huge race, showing speed from the start and refusing to give in.

Her future, without question, looks very bright.