Osborne makes history as first female jockey to win British Classic

Saffie Osborne made history on Friday by becoming the first female jockey to triumph in one of Britain's five Classics, claiming victory in the St Leger at Doncaster aboard the horse Highwayman. The 24-year-old jockey, who burst past the field in the closing stages of the race, had been a long shot at 11-1 odds. Osborne's win marked the second St Leger victory for trainer Joseph O'Brien, whose colt Enceladus finished second, two-and-a-half lengths behind.

Aidan O'Brien, Osborne's father and the third trainer in contention for the historic fourth consecutive St Leger win, settled for third place with Amelia Earhart. Pre-favorite Christmas Day, backed at 7-4, finished ninth. Osborne expressed her gratitude to O'Brien and his team for their confidence in her, stating that while this moment won't change her father's life, it has changed hers.

Joseph O'Brien, who had previously won the St Leger as a jockey in 2013 and his first victory as a trainer in 2020, had hoped to secure back-to-back wins with Enceladus. Highwayman had also shown significant improvement, having won the Vinnie Roe Stakes at Leopardstown earlier in the season.