St Leger-winning jockey Saffie Osborne has credited her move to “amazing” Newmarket after she became the first woman to win a British Classic.

The 24-year-old’s historic victory last month came three years after moving to the Suffolk market town – including a period which saw her “sofa surfing” in a bid to progress her career.

Having ridden 65 winners since the start of May, Osborne is currently sitting 10th in the Flat Jockeys Championship., external

“It [living in Newmarket] has been great, there’s such a great buzz around the town,” Osborne told BBC Look East. “I feel lucky to be based here.”

Osborne, who grew up in Lambourn, West Berkshire, said Newmarket was the “centre of horse racing” and thanked retired jockey Hayley Turner for providing her with a place to stay when she made the move.

“I was riding out here a lot,” she explained. “When I came to buy a house I thought best to buy one in Newmarket, if I bought one at Lambourn I’d just end up living with mum and dad.

“I predominately race for Richard Spencer who is based in Newmarket and so many other trainers. The close proximity for all the yards it allows me to ride out for so many different people.

“That’s been extremely helpful because you have to put in all the groundwork to get on these horses in the afternoon. Riding out in the morning is really important to get to know them.”