Saffie Osborne becomes first female jockey to win a British Classic with 11-1 St Leger victory

Victory at Doncaster

Saffie Osborne became the first female jockey to win a British Classic on Saturday, guiding Highwayman to victory in the 250th running of the St Leger at Doncaster. The horse, trained in Ireland by Joseph O'Brien, started at odds of 11-1 after entering the field following a win in the Vinnie Roe Stakes. Osborne settled her mount into position and moved into contention as the runners entered the long Doncaster straight. With one furlong to run, Osborne urged Highwayman forward, leaving the Ballydoyle contingent behind. Billy Loughnane launched a challenge aboard the 5-2 second-favorite Enceladus, but Highwayman stayed in front to secure the win ahead of Enceladus and third-placed Amelia Earhart.

Late booking and reaction

The victory followed an unexpected booking early in the race week, as Osborne did not have a confirmed mount in the St Leger until Monday morning. Her agent, Tony Hind, secured the plum spare ride on the improving Joseph O'Brien runner as a reward for her consistent form during the racing season. Speaking to ITV Racing immediately after the finish, Osborne described her reaction to winning the world's oldest Classic.

“I don't think I've ever been speechless in my life and I didn't have this on the bingo card for this week. I didn't have a ride in the race on Monday morning, let alone one with a chance, and I can't thank so many people enough. Firstly, Joseph and his team for putting their faith in me, it won't change Joseph's life, but it will change mine.”

The 24-year-old jockey credited her family and agent while describing how Highwayman traveled during the race.

“My agent Tony Hind, I would be nowhere without him and I know it's cliched but my mum, dad and whole family. This means the absolute world and as I crossed the line I was in shock. I just can't believe it and it just doesn't feel real. I was more forward than I anticipated, but he was travelling so well into it, I couldn't believe it.”

Classic record and international experience

Osborne's win at Doncaster adds to her record of participation in prominent flat racing events in Britain and the United States. She had her first British Classic ride two years ago aboard Walker's Ten Bob Tony, finishing in eighth position in the 2000 Guineas. Osborne also gained international experience in the United States when she rode Heart Of Honor in two legs of the American Triple Crown, contesting the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes. In British racing history, the St Leger win places Osborne alongside Rachael Blackmore, who became the first female jockey to win the Grand National over fences in 2021.

Family background and apprentice career

Osborne was raised in horse racing as the daughter of trainer and former top National Hunt jockey Jamie Osborne and equine artist Katie O'Sullivan. Before focusing her career on flat racing, she completed a successful spell competing in eventing. After finishing school, she traveled abroad to build her riding experience, working with trainer Aidan O'Brien at Ballydoyle in Ireland before spending time in Australia with trainer Gai Waterhouse. Osborne launched her apprentice career in 2020 and recorded her first winner in July of that year. Her debut campaign was interrupted when a heavy fall at Windsor resulted in concussion, broken ribs, a broken arm, and a punctured lung before she returned to race riding.