Saffie Osborne rode an incredible 6,539-1 treble on Thursday evening which ultimately made her €23,000 richer as she was crowned the Racing League's leading rider.
On the final night of the six-week competition, her father Jamie's Wales and The West team took the Racing League title, finishing ahead of Matt Chapman’s London and The South team, that had led since the opening night.
Saffie's first win came on Tregony (9-2 favourite), who was winning on a league night for the third time. But the 10-year-old Raising Sand (40-1) and Billy Mill (28-1) also won to make it a remarkable hat-trick for the youngster – the first of her career.
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Saffie was in tears after Raising Sand’s victory, and it was easy to see why.
Her father said: “Raising Sand is the longest inmate we’ve ever had, he’s been with us for seven years, he’s been a magnificent servant but he hadn’t won a race since 2019.
“I was in a difficult situation with the team because he wasn’t an obvious pick and I think some of my fellow trainers felt there was too much nepotism at work so it’s a huge relief that has happened.
“I thought tonight was all about beating Matt and winning it for our team but I’m really quite emotional about this horse, I think he was one of the first horses I chucked Saffie on when she was 13.”
His daughter said: “I feel such a fool, but this horse means the world to me and everyone at home
“I’ve ridden him in some big races and for him to win tonight is special. He was one of the first I ever rode.”
It then got even better for the team when Rod Millman’s Billy Mill came from the clouds under Osborne to complete the treble.
“That my first ever treble and to have a £20,000 bonus on the end of it makes it even better!” she said.
“I can’t really believe it to be honest and I’m a bit shocked.
“I think this is the biggest achievement of my career, although it is only my second full season!
“Dad has been good friends with Jeremy (Wray, Racing League founder) and it’s a brilliant concept, bringing more money into the sport, I don’t think you can knock it.
“It’s amazing for the owners of this level of horse to race for this money, we’re grateful to the owners and trainers who have supported it and I’ve ridden for trainers I might not normally have ridden for.”
Not surprisingly Osborne senior was immensely proud of his daughter winning the leading rider crown.
“There were a set of circumstances that meant it was mathematically possible for her to win, but when you looked at her rides it didn’t look likely,” said Osborne, whose outfit finished on 785 points to London and The South’s 693.
“She’s proved herself, she’s riding really well and she’s got a chance of making it as a jockey.”
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