Saffie Osborne’s Historic Win at the St Leger

Saffie Osborne has made history as the first female jockey to win one of British Flat racing’s five Classics with her victory in the St Leger. Riding at odds of 11-1 on Highwayman, she overtook the competition in the race’s closing stages. The St Leger, recognized as the world’s oldest Classic Flat race, marked its 250th anniversary during Saffie’s astounding win.

Osborne shared her elation in an interview with the Racing Post after finishing ahead of rivals Enceladus and Amelia Earhart. She expressed that the triumph “means the absolute world” and acknowledged Highwayman’s trainer, Joseph O’Brien. She exclaimed, “I don’t think I’ve ever been speechless in my life! I definitely didn’t have this on the bingo card.” At the start of the week, Osborne didn’t have a ride in the St Leger, let alone prospects of winning. Grateful for Joseph and his team’s trust, Osborne emphasized that the victory had changed her life. She thanked her agent Tony Hind and gave special mention to her parents, calling the occasion a shock.

Osborne’s remarkable season included wins at Ascot during King George day in July and victories at Glorious Goodwood. Her success adds substantial financial reward, amounting to nearly £400,000 ($541,000), which typically benefits the horse’s owner, followed by allocations to the trainer, jockey, and stable staff.

Before Osborne’s achievement, no female jockey had claimed victory in any of the British Classics, which consist of the 2,000 Guineas, 1,000 Guineas, Epsom Oaks, and the Epsom Derby. However, Hollie Doyle set a precedent by being the first woman to place in a British Classic at the Epsom Oaks in June 2022.