Historic St Leger Win
Saffie Osborne becomes the first female jockey to win the historic St Leger.
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Key Points
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Highwayman’s victory earned a first prize of £397,000.
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The Group One St Leger was run over 1 mile and 6 furlongs, with Action setting the pace for most of the race before fading late.
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The Doncaster race was first staged in 1776, making the 250th running a milestone for the world’s oldest Classic Flat race.
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Osborne said she was more forward in the race than she had anticipated because Highwayman was travelling so well into the straight: “I couldn’t believe it.”
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Osborne also credited her agent Tony Hind, saying, “I would be nowhere without him,” while thanking her parents and wider family after the win.
Saffie Osborne made history by becoming the first female jockey to win one of Britain's five Flat-racing Classics, according to Head to Topics. The 24-year-old guided 11-1 outsider Highwayman to victory in the 250th St Leger at Doncaster, with the horse powering clear in the final stages to beat stablemate Enceladus by roughly three lengths. Osborne was not even assured of the ride until race week, making her breakthrough all the more remarkable.
Highwayman's win earned a first prize of £397,000 for trainer Joseph O'Brien, who secured a one-two finish as MK FM reported. The victory also denied the heavily backed 7-4 favorite Christmas Day, which faded to ninth place. Osborne said the achievement had changed her life and credited her agent, trainer, and family for the opportunity.
An Unexpected Shot at Racing's Oldest Prize
Osborne received the spare ride on Highwayman only days before the race, according to Winnipeg Free Press. The horse's improving form had made him a credible contender, but nobody expected the outsider to win. Osborne said she was more forward in the race than anticipated because Highwayman was travelling so well into the straight. "I couldn't believe it," she told reporters after crossing the finish line.
After the race, Osborne gave special thanks to her agent Tony Hind, saying, "I would be nowhere without him," as reported by Mirror. She also thanked her parents and wider family for their support throughout her career. The jockey's emotional reaction reflected the magnitude of becoming the first woman to win a Classic in the 248-year history of British flat racing.
How Highwayman Defied Long Odds on the Doncaster Course
The race covered 1 mile and 6 furlongs over Doncaster's famous track, according to Turf Diario. Action set the pace for most of the race before fading in the final stretch. Highwayman's surge in the closing stages proved decisive, as Osborne guided the horse home ahead of Joseph O'Brien's second runner.
The victory gave trainer Joseph O'Brien a commanding one-two finish. This result prevented Aidan O'Brien from securing a fourth consecutive St Leger win and demonstrated that O'Brien's stable had depth beyond a single leading contender. Enceladus finished second while Amelia Earhart, also trained by Aidan O'Brien, claimed third place.
A Historic Milestone for Racing's Oldest Classic
The 250th running of the St Leger connected a contemporary breakthrough to one of British racing's longest-established traditions. The race was first staged in 1776, making it the world's oldest Classic Flat race. Osborne's victory occurred at this milestone year, amplifying the historical significance of her achievement.
Her win marks a turning point for women in professional horse racing. Osborne's success demonstrates that top female jockeys can compete at the highest level and claim victory in elite events. The 24-year-old's breakthrough will likely inspire more women to pursue careers as professional jockeys in British racing.
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