HORSE RACING - FIRST FEMALE JOCKEY TO WIN THE St LEGER

Saffie Osbourne rode Highwayman to victory in the 250th St Leger at Doncaster this weekend, becoming the first female jockey ever to win a British Classic!

And the timing couldn't be more historic:

this was the 250th running of Britain's oldest Classic. Saffie is only 24.

WHAT IS THE ST LEGER

The St Leger Stakes is a prestigious Group 1 flat horse race held annually in Great Britain. It's open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies and is run at Doncaster Racecourse in September.

Here are some key facts about the St Leger:

• Oldest Classic: Established in 1776, it's the oldest of Britain's five Classic races.
• Distance: The race covers 1 mile, 6 furlongs, and 115 yards (2,921 meters), making it the longest of the five Classics.
• Triple Crown: It's the final leg of the English Triple Crown, which also includes the 2000 Guineas and the Derby.
• Location: The race takes place at Doncaster Racecourse.
• History: The event was devised by Anthony St Leger and was initially called "A Sweepstake of 25 Guineas." It was renamed the St Leger Stakes in 1778.

WHO IS SAFFIE OSBOURNE

Saffie Osborne is the daughter of equine artist Katie O’Sullivan and former National Hunt jockey turned flat trainer, Jamie Osborne, for whom she now rides. 

Osborne started her riding career eventing, where she won six medals at pony, junior and youth European championships, before becoming an apprentice jockey in 2020. 

In 2022, Osborne was crowned Racing League leading jockey and achieved her first Group race win in October 2022, in Italy, while still an apprentice. Saffie had to wait another year for her breakthrough Stakes win in Britain, which came in the Valiant Stakes at Ascot.  

ABOUT HIGHWAYMAN THE RACEHORSE HIGHWAYMAN (FR)

HIGHWAYMAN (FR) is a bay colt. He is 3 years old (foaled 17 April 2023).

The owner of HIGHWAYMAN (FR) is Mr John I Neocleous and his current trainer is Joseph Patrick O'Brien, Ireland.

The pedigree for HIGHWAYMAN (FR) is: PERSIAN KING (IRE) - SALYANA (USA) - HARLAN'S HOLIDAY (USA).

HIGHWAYMAN (FR) last ran at Doncaster on 12 September 2026, in the BETFRED ST LEGER STAKES (Group 1) (1) over a distance of 1M 6F 115Y.

Ridden by Saffie Osborne, HIGHWAYMAN (FR) finished 1st of 11 runners. The Industry Starting Price (ISP) for HIGHWAYMAN (FR) was 11/1 (Betfair SP 12.50).

Did you know men and women compete on entirely equal terms in dressage, show jumping, eventing and horse racing because success relies on riding technique, balance, and connection with the horse rather than muscular power.