Saffie Osborne: St Leger win has removed fear of failure for jockey - BBC Sport
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St Leger win has removed Osborne's fear of failure
Image source: PA Media
Image caption: Osborne had her first season as an apprentice in 2020 and rode her first Classic four years later
By Laura Scott, Sports News Correspondent, Published 27 minutes ago
St Leger-winning jockey Saffie Osborne says the "fear of failure" has left her after she became the first woman to win a British Classic.
The 24-year-old said that despite wanting to achieve "so much more", her victory at Doncaster on Saturday means she will always be able to look back and think her career was "worth it".
Osborne, who estimates driving 65,000 miles a year alone, often in bustling conditions, acknowledged the sport's challenges but highlighted her love for it.
"It has been a male-dominated sport for an extremely long time, and I suppose it's becoming less and less of a conversation, which is quite nice."
She added:
"I think it's also quite poignant because there's so few left of first things for women to do in this sport."
Only six female jockeys have had rides in British Classics in 250 years, according to the National Horseracing Museum.
Osborne's success came after her first ride for trainer Joseph O'Brien, filling in due to an injury to regular jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle.
She emphasized that her opportunities are not based on gender but rather merit and gaining respect within the industry.
"I don't feel like in my position now that I'm ever looked at any differently because I'm a woman... Hopefully Saturday will open more doors."