Doncaster Racecourse basking in success of Saffie Osborne's historic St Leger success

More than 30,000 racegoers flocked to Town Moor on Saturday afternoon to witness history being made by the popular jockey, who only had her ride in the Betfred St Leger Stakes on Joseph O’Brien’s Highwayman confirmed last Tuesday.

Officials say the 250th running of the world’s oldest and longest Classic saw a 16 percent increase in attendance compared to 2025, with this year’s St Leger Day welcoming its largest crowd since 2012 – when Aidan O’Brien’s Camelot was denied the Triple Crown.

In addition, HRH The Princess Royal was there to present an emotional Osborne with the iconic Betfred St Leger Trophy in the Parade Ring, surrounded by huge applause from the delighted crowd.

Outside of the Group 1 race, other action also saw Desert Castle, ridden by Billy Loughnane and trained by Charlie Appleby, land the Group 2 Betfred Champagne Stakes. Meanwhile, More Thunder, ridden by Tom Marquand and trained by William Haggas, claimed victory in the Group 2 Park Stakes.

Away from the racing, Doncaster-local Lesley Garrett sang the national anthem, and artist-in-residence Rebecca Wright also captured the atmosphere of the historic day in a live painting celebrating the famous mile and six furlongs race.

Rachel Harwood, executive director of Doncaster Racecourse, said: “Doncaster has made history.

“This year’s 250th Betfred St Leger has been a truly special occasion as we celebrated an historic moment in the history of the racecourse, the city and the sport.

"For two-and-a-half centuries, generations have gathered here on Town Moor to witness this great race but, for Doncaster, the St Leger has always meant more than one horse race; it’s helped shape our city, brought people together and offered opportunities and careers for generations of local people.

“In another 250 years, people will still tell the story of the St Leger but, today, we got to say we were here.

“We’ve staged a fitting celebration to mark this significant milestone, and I’d like to congratulate Saffie Osborne for her historic win in the 250th running on Highwayman.

"Hearing the St Leger roar is always a highlight of the four days for me, but today was particularly poignant.

"Thank you to HRH The Princess Royal for presenting Saffie with the coveted Betfred St Leger Trophy and for her presence on the day, which helped ensure this iconic race was a truly memorable occasion.

“The atmosphere around the Racecourse today and throughout the festival has been electric, with guests coming together to be part of such a significant moment in the history of the Betfred St Leger.

“We’re incredibly proud of the experience we’ve delivered to our customers and it’s been a truly memorable day.

“My sincere thanks go to Betfred, our festival partner, and to all our sponsors, partners, racing participants, colleagues and volunteers whose support has made this wonderful festival happen.”

Reflecting on her victory yesterday, Osborne said the win had been one of her career ambitions and had been life-changing for her.

She told At the Races, where she was riding at Windsor: “I feel very lucky to so this job whether is it a Monday, Saturday or any day of the week.

“I love doing it and it does feel, maybe not to the outside world, but my own life, because I was always worried I’d be looking back on my career and maybe not achieving what I wanted to and that was one of the biggest things I wanted to achieve.

“Whatever happens now, for the rest of my career it is something that will always be there.

Her father Jamie, who grew up in Yorkshire and is a successful Flat trainer, said: “I feel really proud, just like I did after she won her European gold medal at Eventing.

"That was pretty special and at that stage was probably the happiest day of my life – apart from when all the children were born!

"Saturday was on a par – it was amazing.”