Saffie Osborne Rewrites History with St Leger Triumph

Saffie Osborne made history by becoming the first female jockey to win one of British Flat racing’s five Classics. She achieved this feat with a victory in the St Leger on Saturday.

Osborne rode Highwayman, an 11-1 contender, securing a win in the world’s oldest Classic Flat race, celebrating its 250th year. She finished ahead of competitors Enceladus and Amelia Earhart.

The win means the absolute world, and I am grateful to Joseph O’Brien, Highwayman’s trainer.

Expressing her disbelief and joy after the race, Osborne shared her gratitude: “I definitely didn’t have this on the bingo card. I didn’t have a ride in the St Leger on Monday morning, let alone one with a chance. I cannot thank Joseph and his team enough for their faith in me. This win changes my life, though it might not change Joseph’s. Huge thanks to my agent Tony Hind and my parents.”

Before Osborne’s victory, no female jockey had won any of the five British Classics, which include the 2,000 Guineas, 1,000 Guineas, Epsom Oaks, and the Epsom Derby. Her triumph is expected to earn nearly £400,000 ($541,000) in prize money, divided among the horse’s owner, trainer, jockey, and stable staff.

This win adds to Osborne’s successful season, with previous victories in three races at Ascot on King George day in July and two more at Glorious Goodwood.

Osborne is the first female jockey to win a British Classics race. Prior to this, Hollie Doyle was the first woman to place in a British Classic at the Epsom Oaks in June 2022.