Well done, Saffie Osborne… I couldn’t be happier to have been proven wrong

GIRL Power. That’s what the weekend was about and I’ve never been happier – no let’s say utterly joyous – to have been completely wrong. Fair play to Saffie Obsorne winning the St Leger on Highwayman – a historic race this year in more ways than one Credit: PA It was awesome to see the legendary Jessie Harrington land a shock Group 1 winner in the Irish Champion Stakes courtesy of Hotazhell Credit: Sportsfile I didn’t give any chance to Saffie Osborne in the St Leger – although I will quantify that for the nutters a little later – or Jessica Harrington’s runner in the Irish Champion Stakes, but both landed the big prizes. Well done, ladies. Absolutely brilliant. Loved it. Osborne stood up and delivered on Highwayman as she cried her way to victory in the 250th renewal of the world’s oldest Classic and why not? It was awesome. The day was fantastic. And the St Leger deserved this moment of history. Magic. Harrington caused a major upset over at Leopardstown when 50-1 outsider Hotazhell took out a number of more fancied rivals to edge out Wimbledon Hawkeye in a close finish. Brilliant, Jess. Most read in Horse Racing We discussed the St Leger on ITV’s Opening Show Saturday morning, and when asked if I thought Highwayman could score I responded with “no chance”. Ultimately it seemed ridiculous to me that a horse who had been 250-1 three runs before in a maiden at Naas (when only 8th of 15) could win a Classic after landing a Listed race at 22-1. But of course, it could happen and it did. That’s the beauty of racing. Naturally I got abused on social media. @mrgordo2027 went to town calling for me to be sacked and replaced immediately, although he later deleted the tweet so I can’t tell you what it said exactly. But trust me it was nasty! @westpointevans typed: “Can we repost what Matt said on the Opening Show about Highwayman??” @poppydaisy added: “Highwayman? Can’t win?” While @garygal60723459 sarcastically chipped in with: “Yeah highwayman had no chance”. Of course, none of those having a pop had messaged before the race revealing that my big hope Christmas Day – who did this column such a favour in the Derby – had a low grade infection and would be awful and Pierre Bonnard would also be a disaster. But that’s just life isn’t it? The abuse tweets always make me chuckle. None of those glowing in my analysis also messaged on Thursday when my Sun column smashed the day tipping three winners (including Bourbon Blues at 7-1). But all that is not the point. I could of course go on TV and say all horses in every race have a chance. Most TV presenters do that. It’s not hard. And of course, Highwayman had a chance. He’s trained by a genius and he’d won his last two starts well after looking a shambles in the early part of his career. So he was improving. Any horse who turns up in any race has a chance. We saw that just the other day at Goodwood when a 1-33 poke was turned over. But what’s the point in saying to your viewers you think every horse can win? I’ll always say what I think. I’ll always take the abuse. And I’ll always have an opinion. I’ll be wrong plenty of times and right plenty of times. In the latter case I’ll hear nothing from anyone, and in the former X will go into meltdown. The great news is when I’m right it gives me and many punters and followers much enjoyment, even if it is in silence. And when I’m way out of line it also clearly gives many people an equal kick. That includes Saffie Osborne who’s been telling everyone – including me – what an idiot I am. In those scenarios I’m left feeling everyone’s a winner! FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here. Comment now