Saffie Osborne has expressed confidence that her 2026 performances position her as a serious contender for the jockeys’ championship in the coming years. The 24-year-old jockey, currently seventh in the standings with 40 wins, will lead the Britain & Ireland team alongside former and current champions Ryan Moore and Dylan Browne McMonagle at tomorrow’s Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup at Ascot.

Osborne’s progress this season has seen her prize-money earnings surpass her 2024 total, largely due to victories in notable races such as the Weatherbys Super Sprint and the Moet & Chandon International. Reflecting on her career trajectory, she noted that while she rode many winners in 2024, she lacked opportunities on top-quality horses—a situation that appears to be changing.

Her path to this point has not been without setbacks. Osborne recounted that the previous year was marred by two injuries, forcing her to cut short her racing season just as it was gaining momentum. She described a period when things did not seem to align, raising concerns that she might have reached a performance plateau. However, she said her achievements in 2026 have demonstrated otherwise.

Osborne’s affinity with Ascot is well established. She has secured 21 wins at the venue, including a treble on King George day and two victories during her sole prior Shergar Cup appearance. She attributes this success partly to longstanding familiarity with the course, having been a regular visitor from a young age.

Discussing her current form, Osborne highlighted a particularly strong May with 20 winners and credited improved weight management and partnerships with leading trainers for her recent successes. She emphasized the demanding nature of the profession, stating that aspiring jockeys must aim for the top to endure the sport’s challenges.

The Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup, a team-based international event, will provide Osborne and her teammates with an opportunity to showcase their skills on a high-profile stage. Meanwhile, the Castletown Stud’s Asfoora has been cleared to defend her title in the Coolmore City Of Troy Nunthorpe Stakes at York, indicating ongoing competitive action in the summer flat racing calendar.