After dominating the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen on World Cup Day, Tuz proved his brilliance once again with a commanding performance in the Listed Al Garhoud Sprint (sponsored by Phi Advertising) at Meydan. The feature event of the third Dubai Racing Carnival meeting saw Tuz overpower his rivals, crossing the finish line a stunning five-and-three-quarter lengths clear of defending champion Colour Up.

Despite being drawn widest in stall seven, jockey Tadhg O’Shea quickly maneuvered Tuz to the rail, where the seven-year-old gelding took control of the race. By the time they hit the straight, the result was beyond doubt, with Tuz cruising to a facile win that reaffirmed his standing as one of the sport's elite sprinters.

“He’s incredible and makes it look easy,” said O’Shea. “Out of the gates, he’s explosive. You just let him do his thing, and he lands running. He’s a ball of muscle and pure firepower.”

Trainer Bhupat Seemar was equally effusive in his praise. “He’s among the fastest horses in the world,” Seemar declared. “He beat some of the best sprinters from Japan and America in the Golden Shaheen, and while today’s field wasn’t as strong, he did everything right. There’s always some concern with a wide draw and his size, but he handled it beautifully.”

Seemar also noted Tuz’s ability to set scorching fractions, pointing out that his early speed burned off most of the field. The team plans to follow a tried-and-tested path toward defending the Golden Shaheen title, with Tuz likely heading next to the G3 Dubawi Stakes in January, followed by the G3 Mahab Al Shimaal on Super Saturday.

European Breakthrough: Osborne Triumphs with Heart Of Honor

British trainer Jamie Osborne celebrated his first Carnival win in style as Heart Of Honor delivered an impressive victory in the opening ARN Conditions Stakes for two-year-olds. Ridden by Adrie De Vries, the Honor A.P. colt tracked the pace three-wide before surging ahead in the straight, finishing four-and-a-half lengths clear of Estmrar.

Heart Of Honor, purchased specifically for a Dubai campaign, gave owners Jim and Claire Bryce plenty to celebrate. The couple, present at Meydan for the win, had previously campaigned Many A Star, who struggled at this level.

“This year, we wanted to take a different approach,” said Osborne. “Jim and Claire backed me in acquiring horses suited to dirt racing, and it’s fantastic to see the plan come together. Plus, it was my goal to give Claire a winner just before her birthday—it’s rare when everything aligns so perfectly!”

Heart Of Honor will next target a Non-Winners of Two race on January 10 as the team continues to plot a carefully planned Dubai campaign.