Saffie Osborne called up for Leger duty aboard Highwayman

Saffie Osborne has the chance to continue her dream season with a first Classic, having picked up the exciting spare ride on Joseph O’Brien’s Highwayman in the Betfred St Leger at Doncaster on Saturday.

The 24-year-old has been a regular in the winner’s enclosure this term, with notable highlights including victory aboard Zigazig Ah in the Weatherbys Super Sprint, a treble at Ascot on King George day and a Glorious Goodwood double.

She also captained the Great Britain and Ireland team involving Ryan Moore and the now-sidelined Dylan Browne McMonagle to Shergar Cup glory and rode Touleen for Owen Burrows in the 1000 Guineas and Coronation Stakes, finishing second to Precise in the latter.

Osborne said: “My agent texted me yesterday to tell me I was riding him and I was very excited, he looks a really nice horse and it’s great to get the opportunity.

“Joseph is having an incredible season as always and it’s an honour to get the call up to ride a horse like this who looks like he has a serious chance.”

In an Irish-dominated Leger betting market, Highwayman is a general 12-1 fourth-favourite, with stablemate Enceladus and the Aidan O’Brien-pair of Derby hero Christmas Day and Pierre Bonnard the only runners ahead of Osborne’s intended mount at this stage.

The Persian King colt will arrive on Town Moor having proven himself over the Leger trip when winning the Listed Vinnie Roe Stakes and his rider is hopeful there is more to come in the 250th edition of the world’s oldest Classic.

“There’s lots of good horses in the race, but Highwayman looks very progressive,” continued Osborne.

“He won a Listed race last time out and looked to stay the trip well that day, so hopefully the same distance on Saturday will be no issue for him.”

She went on: “It’s been a great season and my agent Tony Hind has been incredible at getting me on some really good horses and I’m really excited.”