Saffie Osborne wins St Leger on Highwayman for historic British Classic first

Saffie Osborne became the first female jockey to win a British Classic on Saturday, guiding Highwayman to victory in the St Leger at Doncaster. BBC Sport reported that the 24-year-old secured the landmark success in the 250th anniversary year of the oldest Classic Flat race.

Highwayman, an 11-1 chance, finished two and a half lengths ahead of Enceladus, giving trainer Joseph O’Brien the first two home. Amelia Earhart took third for Aidan O’Brien. His Derby winner Christmas Day, sent off the 7-4 favourite, finished ninth, ending the trainer’s bid for a fourth successive St Leger victory.

Osborne told ITV after the race that she had not known on Monday morning whether she would have a St Leger ride. In comments carried by BBC Sport, she thanked Joseph O’Brien and his team for trusting her with the opportunity and described the result as life-changing.

The booking had come together earlier in the week. Racing TV reported on Tuesday that Osborne’s agent had contacted her the previous day to confirm she would partner Highwayman. Before the race, she spoke of her excitement at receiving the call and pointed to the colt’s improving form. The son of Persian King had won the Listed Vinnie Roe Stakes over the St Leger distance, giving her evidence that the trip would suit him.

The victory followed several notable results for Osborne this season. According to Racing TV, she won the Weatherbys Super Sprint on Zigazig Ah, rode three winners at Ascot on King George day and recorded a double at Glorious Goodwood. Those performances had already made this a successful campaign before the late opportunity to ride Highwayman brought her a place in Classic history.

Her season also included captaining Great Britain and Ireland to Shergar Cup victory in a team featuring Ryan Moore and Dylan Browne McMonagle. Racing TV’s account noted another significant result aboard Owen Burrows’s Touleen, who finished second to Precise in the Coronation Stakes. At Doncaster, Osborne added a first British Classic victory to that record.