French ace Christophe Lemaire delivered another Meydan masterclass as he guided Admire Daytona to a nail-biting victory in the $2 million Group 2 UAE Derby on Saturday, narrowly denying British star Saffie Osborne, a historic win in the race which has major Kentucky Derby implications.
In a dramatic renewal of the $1 million contest for three-year-olds, Osborne looked poised to become the first female jockey to win a race in the 29-year history of the Dubai World Cup meeting as she kicked Heart Of Honor clear in the home stretch.
But Lemaire, a multiple-time JRA Award winner for Best Jockey stayed cool and composed before he timed his challenge to perfection aboard the Kazuyoshi Kato-trained Admire Daytona, collaring Osborne’s mount in the final strides to win by a head.
It marked a second UAE Derby win for Lemaire following his 2023 triumph aboard Derma Sotogake and a fourth straight victory in the race for Japan, underlining the nation’s growing dominance in Dubai’s marquee meeting.
Osborne, the 22-year-old daughter of trainer Jamie Osborne and artist Katie O’Sullivan, showed immense poise in defeat, proving once again why she is one of the most exciting young talents in British racing. “It’s a very special feeling to ride in Dubai on nights like this,” she said. “He gave everything – just came up against one better on the day.”
Third place went to Don In The Mood under Ryusei Sakai, who also rode last year’s winner Forever Young, the ante-post favourite to win the 2025 Dubai World Cup.
The win also signals Japan’s serious intent on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, with Admire Daytona likely to now be pointed toward Churchill Downs as the UAE Derby is part of a separate series of prep races covering Europe and the Middle East to the American showpiece.
