Osborne makes history as first female jockey to win British Classic

Saffie Osborne made history on Saturday as the first female jockey to triumph in one of British Flat racing's five Classics - the prestigious St Leger at Doncaster. The 24-year-old galloped Highwayman, a 11-1 underdog, to a dramatic victory in the final stages of the race, marking the 250th anniversary of the oldest classic Flat race in the world.

Osborne's triumph was the result of a one-two finish for her trainer Joseph O'Brien, whose horse Enceladus (5-2) secured second place, two-and-a-half lengths behind Highwayman. Aidan O'Brien, Osborne's father and a renowned trainer, was aiming to achieve the rare feat of winning the St Leger for the fourth consecutive year. However, his horse Amelia Earhart (22-1) finished third, well behind the winning mare.

Pre-favorite Christmas Day (7-4) had been favored by Aidan O'Brien to complete a historic double of victories in both the Derby and St Leger. Yet, Christmas Day finished an impressive nine places down in ninth position. Osborne, speaking to ITV Sport immediately after her remarkable win, expressed her disbelief, saying, "I definitely didn't have this on the bingo card this week. I didn't even know if I would be riding the St Leger on Monday morning."

Osborne graciously acknowledged the trust Joseph O'Brien placed in her, stating, "I have to thank Joseph and his team for putting their faith in me. It won't change Joseph's life, but it's changed mine." Joseph O'Brien, who had previously ridden to victory as a jockey in 2013 with Leading Light, had claimed his first triumph as a trainer in 2020 with Galileo Chrome.

Enceladus had been the favorite for the St Leger, having demonstrated rapid improvement throughout the season, including a notable win in the Gordon Stakes at Goodwood. However, Highwayman had also shown promising progress, particularly in winning the Vinnie Roe Stakes at Leopardstown.