History was made at the St Leger as jockey Osborne became the first female rider to win a British Classic, securing victory in the fifth and final leg of the Flat season. The breakthrough moment arrived after a week of uncertainty, with the jockey revealing she was unsure of her participation as recently as Monday morning.
Historic First for British Flat Racing
No female jockey had previously won any of the five British Classics—the 1,000 Guineas, 2,000 Guineas, Oaks, Derby, or the St Leger. Osborne’s triumph writes a new chapter in the sport’s history books, drawing immediate comparisons to Rachel Blackmore, the first female jockey to win the Grand National.
“I definitely didn’t have this on the bingo card this week,” Osborne told ITV Sport immediately after the historic victory in the fifth and final Classic of the British Flat season. “I didn’t even know if I would be riding the St Leger on Monday morning.”
Gratitude for Trainer’s Faith
Osborne was quick to credit trainer Joseph and his team for the opportunity, emphasizing the personal magnitude of the achievement.
“I have to thank Joseph and his team for putting their faith in me. It won’t change Joseph’s life, but it’s changed mine.”
Racing Pedigree and Rapid Rise
The winning jockey comes from a deep racing background. She is the daughter of trainer and former top National Hunt jockey Jamie Osborne, while her mother, Katie O’Sullivan, is a highly-regarded equine artist.
Osborne began her career as an apprentice in 2020, finishing second in the apprentice championship the following season. She then established herself as a leading talent, crowned leading jockey in the Racing League for three consecutive seasons from 2022 to 2024.
International Success and Classic Debut
Her 2024 campaign marked significant milestones on the global stage. She became the first female jockey to win a race at the Dubai Carnival, piloting Ouzo to victory. Her first Classic ride came in the same season, finishing eighth aboard Ten Bob Tony for trainer Ed Walker in the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket.
With this St Leger victory, Osborne’s name is now permanently etched in racing folklore alongside the sport’s greatest trailblazers.
