Saffie Osborne credits Newmarket move after historic St Leger victory

Historic St Leger win reshaped Osborne’s outlook

Jockey Saffie Osborne has credited her move to Newmarket with helping transform her career after she became the first woman to win a British Classic. The 24-year-old rode to victory in the St Leger last month, fulfilling what she had described as a childhood dream.

Osborne said the success had taken time to sink in. “I knew growing up in racing how hard it is to win British Classics,” she said. “It’s all I ever dreamed of as a kid.”

Newmarket’s training network opened opportunities

Osborne moved to the Suffolk market town three years ago after spending time “sofa surfing” as she sought to advance her career. She thanked retired jockey Hayley Turner for providing her with a place to stay after the move.

She said Newmarket’s concentration of training yards allowed her to ride out for more trainers and build the groundwork required to receive afternoon assignments. Osborne primarily races for Richard Spencer, who is based in Newmarket, as well as other trainers.

“It [living in Newmarket] has been great, there’s such a great buzz around the town,” she said. “I feel lucky to be based here.”

Record victory stands in a narrow historical field

The National Horseracing Museum says seven female jockeys have ridden in British Classics over 250 years, totaling 13 rides. Osborne’s St Leger victory therefore made her the first woman to win any of the five British Flat racing Classics.

Osborne began her first season as an apprentice in 2020 and rode her first Classic four years later. Since May, she has ridden 65 winners and ranked 10th in the Flat Jockeys Championship at the time of the report.