Wales & The West Clinch Second Racing League Title with Dramatic Treble at Southwell

Wales & The West reclaimed their Racing League crown in emphatic style at Southwell, securing their second title in three years with a thrilling treble on the final night. Jamie Osborne’s team, who were dethroned in the last race of the competition by Ireland last year, reasserted their dominance in the six-week series, fending off fierce competition from London & The South to emerge victorious.

Heading into the final fixture, Wales & The West held a 41.5-point lead over their closest rivals, but with the pressure on, Osborne’s team needed a strong performance to seal the deal. They did just that, with Saffie Osborne, the team manager’s daughter, playing a pivotal role in their success.

The night began with Ian Williams’ Dancing In Paris, a 4-1 shot who powered home in the opening Tote.co.uk It’s The Final Countdown Racing League R36 Handicap. Jamie Osborne, still haunted by last year’s narrow defeat, strategically played his joker, doubling the points for the win and setting the tone for the evening.

Reflecting on the victory, Osborne said, “I was deeply scarred by our defeat last year, when we managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory, and it’s a huge relief to win this time. We had a great, committed team of trainers who have all bought into the concept, which has made us the most consistent team throughout the competition.”

Saffie Osborne, who successfully rode Dancing In Paris to victory, remarked on her father’s strategy: “He was keen to get the joker right this year after last year’s bad luck. Luckily, everything worked out perfectly today.”

Saffie Osborne continued her outstanding form by securing another win aboard Edward Smyth-Osbourne’s Noodle Mission, a 10-1 shot in the Tote.co.uk It’s A 3 Horse Race Racing League R37 Handicap. She completed her treble in the Tote.co.uk Who’ll Take The Crown Racing League R41 Handicap, guiding Ed Walker’s Fantasy Believer (14-1) to victory. This third win of the night also secured her the top jockey prize for the third consecutive year, further cementing her status as one of the Racing League’s brightest stars.

Daniel Muscutt, despite putting up a valiant fight, finished second in the jockey standings. However, he found some consolation in guiding Manxman to victory in the Tote.co.uk It’s Not Over Yet Racing League R39 Handicap. The win ended Sir Mark Prescott’s Warmonger’s winning streak, with Muscutt’s mount leading a one-two finish for Chris Hughes’ East region.

Billy Loughnane, another standout in this year’s Racing League, teamed up with trainer George Boughey to secure two wins for the Ireland team. Oliver Show (11-2) triumphed in the Tote.co.uk Joins The Racing App Racing League R40 Handicap, while Thunder Moor delivered a thrilling victory in the closing Tote.co.uk Big Finale Racing League R42 Handicap, replicating his success from last year.

Elsewhere, Derbyshire-born Ben Robinson brought local pride to Southwell by guiding Brian Ellison’s Northern Spirit (15-2) to victory in the Tote.co.uk Live On The Racing App Racing League R38 Handicap. The win ensured that Mick Quinn’s North region avoided finishing last in the standings.

“It’s nice to get a sort of local winner—I’m from Derbyshire—and it’s great to see the Racing League offer such good prize money. Brian’s horses are in great form, and Northern Spirit ran really well today,” said Robinson.

As the dust settled on another thrilling Racing League, Wales & The West emerged as deserving champions, thanks to a perfect blend of strategy, skill, and determination. Jamie Osborne’s team will now relish their hard-earned victory, having overcome last year’s heartbreak to reclaim their rightful place at the top of the Racing League.