Jessica Harrington has done it again. The Kildare trainer celebrated a massive St Leger result after Hotazhell delivered a remarkable performance to give her one of the biggest wins of her already decorated career.
The race itself was full of drama, with Joseph O’Brien saddling both the first and second home, but it was the performance of Hotazhell that got people talking. Harrington, who has never been one to shy away from a big occasion, watched on as her charge defied the odds to claim Champion success in a race that had plenty of twists along the way.
Harrington has long been one of Irish racing’s most respected figures. From her early days producing top class jumpers to becoming a genuine force on the flat, she has built a reputation for getting the best out of horses that others might overlook. Hotazhell is the latest example of that. Not many had the horse near the top of their shortlists going into the race, but Harrington had clearly spotted something that the market had missed.
The St Leger is one of the most prestigious flat races on the calendar and landing it is no small thing. For an Irish trainer to travel and come away with the prize is always a source of pride, and Harrington took it all in her stride in the way that only she can.
The day also had a historic feel to it beyond the Irish angle. Saffie Osborne made history by becoming the first woman to ride an English Classic winner, steering Highwayman to lead home what turned out to be a one-two for Joseph O’Brien. It was a landmark moment for racing and one that will be talked about for years to come.
O’Brien himself had plenty to smile about with his runners filling the top two spots, but the story of the day kept coming back to Harrington and what she managed to pull off with Hotazhell. It is the kind of result that reminds people why Irish racing continues to punch so far above its weight on the international stage.
Harrington set up her yard at Commonstown Stud in County Kildare and has been a constant presence at the top level of the sport for decades. She became the first woman to train a Cheltenham Gold Cup winner when Sizing John won in 2017, and she has kept adding to her CV ever since. Days like this one are what all the early mornings and hard work are about.
The Irish racing community will be raising a glass to her tonight. Another big race, another big result, and another reminder that Jessica Harrington remains one of the sharpest minds in the game.
Absolutely brilliant from Jessica, she really knows what she’s doing doesn’t she. Hotazhell what a name for a horse lol, but fair play to the whole team, proper deserved result that.