Apprentice jockey Mohamed Osman guided Princess Beau K to victory in the second race Jan. 15 at Laurel Park for his first lifetime win (VIDEO).
Osman sent the $5,000 claimer to the front before relinquishing the lead a furlong from home. Princess Beau K fought back, however, and closed in on the finish line to win by 2 1/2 lengths over Friendly Princess in 1:30.51 for seven furlongs over the muddy going.
"I am feeling great," said Osman, a 33-year-old native of Somalia. "I was relaxed when the other horse came up to us and I just rode her with confidence."
It was the first on-the-board finish in 24 career mounts for the former hotel manager.
"I have wanted to be a rider since I was 28," Osman said. "It took me this long to get where I wanted to be. In 2011, I quit my job and went to South Carolina to learn how to break babies and have been galloping at Pimlico and Bowie since. I just love the horse."
Charlie Williams trains California-bred Princess Beau K, who won for the sixth time in 51 lifetime starts. The daughter of Here's Zealous paid $35.80.
Mohamed Osman celebrates his first victory.
Jim McCue, Maryland Jockey Club