Saffie Osborne became the first female jockey to win a British Classic when taking the Group 1 Betfred St Leger aboard the Lexus Melbourne Cup-bound Highwayman for Joseph O’Brien at Doncaster on Saturday.

The three-year-old was cut from 100/1 to 20/1 for success at Flemington on 3 November after leading home a one-two for his stable, with connections confirming he would be heading to Australia.

The Persian King colt has been a rapid improver since finishing midfield in a Naas maiden in June, getting off the mark by nine lengths at Killarney before producing a 22/1 shock in the Listed Bet With Tote On Racing & Sports Irish EBF Vinnie Roe Stakes at Leopardstown last month.

Yet further progression came as he surged from a midfield position under Osborne – chosen for the spare ride on Monday – to produce a dominant staying performance. Highwayman hit the front easily two furlongs out and powered two and a half lengths clear of stablemate, and 5/2 race favourite, Enceladus with Aidan O’Brien’s Amelia Earhart in third.

Osborne’s landmark success comes in the 250th running of the St Leger, the oldest of the five British Classic races.

She said: “I can’t believe it. I didn’t even have a ride in the St Leger until Monday. I’m a bit shocked, things like this can change your life, although it won’t change Joseph O’Brien’s as he wins big races all the time.

“I try not to think about the female element of it all because Hollie [Doyle] and Hayley [Turner] have had their own firsts, but this is mine and you can’t ever take it away from me.”

Winning owner John Ioannis Neocleous travelled from Canada to England for the race and is excited about further travels to Australia.

He said: “We’re going to Australia I think, but Joseph will make the plan. It’s been a hell of a summer winning this and the Galway Plate in Ireland. I’ve never been to Australia so it’d be a great trip.”

O’Brien was recording a second victory in the race as a trainer, six years on from Galileo Chrome’s success under Tom Marquand, while he also rode Leading Light to glory in 2013.

The trainer said: "The St Leger is a historic race and to have the first and second is very special. He was a slow learner initially, but he won his maiden well and then won the Listed race and put himself in the race, because we didn't have many other options.

"Saffie gave him a great ride and I'm delighted for both ownerships, John [Neocleous] and the Niarchos family who own the second, it's really special.

"I don't know if Saffie has had many rides for us but obviously today with jockeys all over the place, we were delighted to be able to get her when we secured her earlier in the week."

Picture: Healy Racing