Saffie Osborne made history on Saturday at Doncaster, becoming the first woman to win a British Classic race. She achieved this feat by guiding the 11-1 outsider Highwayman to victory in the Betfred St Leger.
The three-year-old horse, which began the race at odds of 11-1, secured a win by three lengths, earning a first prize of £397,000. This victory marks a significant moment in the 250-year history of the Doncaster showpiece, which was first run in 1776.
Highwayman's stablemate, Enceladus, finished second, resulting in a 1-2 finish for trainer Joseph O'Brien. Amelia Earhart took third place in the Group One contest, run over 1 mile and 6 furlongs. Action had led the field for much of the race before tiring in the final stages.
"I don’t think I’ve ever been speechless in my life and I didn’t have this on the bingo card for this week," Osborne told ITV Racing after the race. She expressed gratitude, noting she did not have a ride in the race at the start of the week, let alone one with a chance. Osborne specifically thanked Joseph and his team for their confidence in her, her agent Tony Hind, and her family, emphasizing that while the win might not change O'Brien's life, it would change hers.
"This means the absolute world and as I crossed the line I was in shock. I just can’t believe it and it just doesn’t feel real," Osborne stated. She also commented on her race tactics, mentioning she was more forward than anticipated but Highwayman was traveling so well that she couldn't believe it.
Joseph O'Brien, son of renowned trainer Aidan O'Brien, has a previous connection to the St Leger, having trained the winner California Chrome in 2020.