ON BEHALF OF THE TEAM HERE AT DONCASTER RACECOURSE
WE LOOK FORWARD TO WELCOMING YOU TO THE 250 TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BETFRED ST LEGER.
This Betfred St Leger Festival Guide is designed to provide you with all the key information to make life easier for Owners, Trainers, Stable Staff and horses to ensure your stay is as smooth as possible.
We are privileged to welcome you to the Oldest Classic in the World and the only Classic run in the North of England, something which the City of Doncaster is extremely proud of, especially with such a historic roll call including some of racing’s greats.
We are always working hard to improve and strive for better, so we hope you will appreciate some of the changes we have made this year. Most notably the increase in prize money , improved stable staff offering (currently ranked 4th in the UK) and enhanced Owners experience with a dedicated liaison to cater for all your needs. Doncaster Racecourse is extremely proud to have achieved Gold Standard from the ROA for our Owners & Trainers facilities.
We are always on hand to answer any questions you may have, and we look forward to welcoming you to the 250th Betfred St Leger Festival.
Yours sincerely,
David Attwood CLERK OF THE COURSE
“Doncaster Racecourse is proud to play host to one of the most prestigious race weeks of the British Horse Racing calendar. Steeped in over 200 years of history, the Betfred St Leger Festival is home to the World’s oldest Classic ‘The Betfred St Leger Stakes’, founded in 1776 by Colonel Anthony St Leger. This year celebrates the 250th year of the St Leger.
“
Home to the renowned St Leger Stakes - the oldest of the five British Classics and the final leg of the Triple Crown - the festival is a celebration of sporting excellence and heritage.
Founded by Colonel Anthony St Leger, the race was originally designed to test the stamina and class of three-year-old thoroughbreds, and it continues to do so today over a challenging one mile, six furlongs and 115 yards.
Spanning four days each September, the festival features a rich program of elite flat racing, beginning with the opening day and building up to the showpiece St Leger Stakes on the Saturday.
from around the globe, making it a cornerstone of the flat racing calendar.
Beyond the track, the event is synonymous with style and tradition - Ladies Day is a highlight, showcasing high fashion and elegance in the grandstands. With a vibrant atmosphere, a blend of history and modern spectacle, and an enduring legacy, the St Leger Festival remains a must-attend fixture for all racing enthusiasts.
NIJINSKY, FOALED IN 1967 AND TRAINED BY THE LEGENDARY IRISH TRAINER VINCENT O’BRIEN, IS WIDELY REGARDED AS ONE OF THE GREATEST RACEHORSES IN THE HISTORY OF THE SPORT.
Bred in Canada by E. P. Taylor and sired by the influential Northern Dancer, Nijinsky possessed a rare combination of speed, stamina, and presence that captivated racing fans around the world. In 1970, he etched his name into the annals of turf history by becoming the last horse to win the elusive British Triple Crown, triumphing in the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket, the Derby at Epsom, and the St Leger Stakes at Doncaster.
This remarkable treble had not been achieved for 35 years before Nijinsky, and no horse has managed it since. Each leg of the Triple Crown demands a different set of qualities - the Guineas requiring speed and precision, the Derby testing balance and acceleration over a classic middle distance, and the St Leger challenging stamina over a much longer trip. Nijinsky passed each of these tests with brilliance, cementing his legacy as a true phenomenon of the turf.
Beyond his racing career, Nijinsky made a significant impact at stud, siring numerous Group 1 winners and influencing bloodlines across generations. His graceful stride, commanding presence, and indomitable spirit remain iconic, and his 1970 Triple Crown victory is still heralded as one of the greatest accomplishments in Thoroughbred racing. More than five decades later, Nijinsky’s name continues to symbolise the very highest standard of equine excellence and the enduring allure of the Triple Crown challenge.
• Left handed
• Pear shaped
• Approx. 1m 7½f round
• Straight mile and round mile tracks
• 5f, 6f & 7f are all on the straight track
• Additional distances can come about through rail movement
• From the home turn there is a 4½f home straight.
HOWCROFT LEGER STAND & BOHDI SOLUTIONS GRANDSTAND
• Daily going reports from 7 days out through to raceday
• Detailed weather forecasts
• Soil moisture readings
• Daily going stick readings
You can also contact the Clerk of the Course anytime for up-to-the-minute forecasts and conditions:
DAVID ATTWOOD
T: +44 (0)7860 274289
E: dattwood@doncaster-racecourse.co.uk
W: doncaster-racecourse.co.uk
DoncasterRaces
@doncasterraces
@DoncasterRaces
@ClerkDoncaster
STABLING ACCOMMODATION
• 148 stables
• Paper or shavings bedding options
• 30 on-site rooms (all ensuite)
• Day lounge
• Showers
• Covered and fully rubberised wash bays
• Cooling fans
• Self-filling water troughs
• 24hr stable manager
• On-call experienced local veterinary surgeon
• Complimentary food and drink any time of the day, including the evenings before
• All dietary needs catered for
TO BOOK STABLES AND OVERNIGHT
ACCOMMODATION
PLEASE CONTACT:
stabling@doncaster-racecourse.co.uk OR
CLERK OF THE COURSE:
David Attwood
dattwood@doncaster-racecourse.co.uk
HOTEL
Additional accommodation is available at our on-site Hilton Garden Inn Hotel (pending availability). With fabulous ensuite rooms, bar and restaurant offering fantastic views of the track, it’s a great location for an overnight stay.
TO BOOK A ROOM, PLEASE CONTACT:
E: hgireservations@doncasterracecourse.co.uk
T: 01302 986888
AT DONCASTER, HORSE WELFARE IS OUR HIGHEST PRIORITY, AND WE’VE MADE SIGNIFICANT INVESTMENTS IN RECENT YEARS TO REMAIN AT THE FOREFRONT OF EQUINE CARE.
• X-ray machine is available on-site
Further information on horse welfare can be found in our stable yard documentation.
• Four highly experienced veterinary surgeons on-site every day.
• Water carried in all groundstaff vehicles
• Mobile water bowser enabling water to be transported to any part of the track
WE ARE DELIGHTED TO ANNOUNCE AN INCREASED PRIZE FUND OF OVER £3 MILLION FOR THE 250 TH ST LEGER FESTIVAL.
Our total prize money is now £3,020,000 across the four days of the St Leger festival.
We are also pleased to be once again hosting the £400,000 UAE President Cup (UK Arabian Derby).
BEST TURNED OUT
It’s not just the prize money which has increased. We are also giving back to the hard-working stable staff who put so much love and care into looking after the horses.
Every race has a minimum Best Turned Out Prize of £50 with £3,680 in total across the four days –the highlight being £500 on offer to the groom in charge of the Best Turned Out in the St Leger Stakes.
OWNERS, SYNDICATES & SHARED OWNERSHIPS MAY REQUEST UP TO EIGHT COMPLIMENTARY OWNERS & TRAINERS BADGES PER RUNNER FOR THE OWNERS & TRAINERS RESTAURANT, WHICH INCLUDES A COMPLIMENTARY LUNCHEON.
The number of Owners permitted into the Parade Ring is eight per horse. However, we appreciate this is an extremely important part of any Owner’s visit and if you require additional badges, please ask in advance and where possible we will try to accommodate your request.
We politely ask that all badge requests are made by 16:00 the day before racing.
Alternatively, Syndicates and Shared Ownerships may request up to 20 Syndicate Lounge badges.
To book into the Syndicate Lounge, or if you have any issues booking badges, please contact:
E: owners&trainers@ doncaster-racecourse.co.uk or
Owner & Trainer Liaison
CHRIS PATTEN
E: cpatten@arcowners.co.uk
T: 07884 268149
THE OWNERS AND TRAINERS RESTAURANT IS CONVENIENTLY LOCATED IN THE LOGICIAN SUITE ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF THE BODHI SOLUTIONS STAND.
This restaurant is reserved exclusively for Owners & Trainers with runners that day and overlooks the racecourse and finishing straight. You will have a dedicated host for the day, and you will be offered a complimentary luncheon (with a valid voucher), afternoon cakes with tea and coffee, a full bar and BritBet service.
If you have any specific dietary or allergen requirements, please email: owners&trainers@doncaster-racecourse.co.uk in advance of your raceday.
RESTAURANT BOOKING
To book either The Home Straight Restaurant or the Conduit Restaurant, please contact one of the team on 01302 499730, or email racing@doncaster-racecourse.co.uk
If Owners & Trainers wish to dine in one of our alternative restaurants an exclusive discount is available.
In addition to our exclusive Owners & Trainers Restaurant, guests can enjoy a variety of exceptional dining options. Take in spectacular views of the track from the Home Straight or Conduit Restaurants, or explore further with The Garden Suite, The Old Weighing Room, and premium experiences in The Sky Garden or the 1776 Marquee – all available during the Betfred St Leger Festival.
WE ARE OFFERING THE CHANCE FOR WINNERS OF SPECIFIC RACES FREE INITIAL ENTRY INTO THE BETFRED ST LEGER STAKES.
The following races have been chosen to provide a potential pathway for horses and we hope it is something which you will consider:
DONCASTER
THURSDAY 9 JULY
CLASS 2 – NOVICE STAKES, DISTANCE: 1M 4F
This race is for 3yo and upwards Novice horses who have taken time to develop but are quickly establishing themselves as high class stayers.
DEAUVILLE
SATURDAY 8 AUGUST
LISTED PRIX MICHEL HOUYVET, DISTANCE: 1M 7F
This race is open to 3yo colts and fillies only, providing one of the earliest opportunities for black type over this staying distance.
DONCASTER
SATURDAY 12 SEPTEMBER
CLASS 2 THE BRITISH STALLION STUDS EBF MAIDEN STAKES, DISTANCE: 1M
This race is open to all 2 year olds and provides free entry into the 2027 Betfred St Leger stakes.
FEATURING THE £165,000 GROUP 2 PARK HILL STAKES AND THE £125,000 GROUP 2 MAY HILL STAKES.
KEY DATES
18 Aug: Second Scratch for Weatherbys Sprint
4 Sept: Confirmation for all races
8 Sept: Declaration for all races
Please note: race orders are subject to change.
O: TONY BLOOM & IAN MCALEAVY
T: WILLIAM HAGGAS
J: TOM MARQUAND
FEATURING THE £165,000 GROUP 2 DONCASTER CUP.
Please note: race orders are subject to change. KEY DATES
HANDICAP STAKES
5 Sept: Confirmation for all races
9 Sept: Declaration for all races
DONCASTER CUP STAKES WINNER
SWEET WILLIAM
O: NORMANDIE STUD LTD
T: JOHN & THADY GOSDEN
J: ROBERT HAVLIN
FT. THE £700,000 GROUP 1 BETFRED ST LEGER, THE £150,000 GROUP 2 CHAMPAGNE STAKES AND THE £165,000 GROUP 2 PARK STAKES.
KEY DATES
4 Aug: Entry and stake for the Betfred Champagne Stakes & Park Stakes
11 Aug: Entry and stake for the Betfred St Leger
24 Aug: Second entry for the Betfred St Leger
25 Aug: Scratch for the Betfred St Leger, Betfred Champagne Stakes & Park Stakes
7 Sept: Confirmation and supplementary entries for the Betfred St Leger (£50,000), Betfred Champagne Stakes & Park Stakes * The Winner of this race will receive free entry into the 2027 Betfred St Leger. Please note: race orders are subject to change.
O: M TABOR & D SMITH & MRS JOHN MAGNIER
T: A P O’BRIEN
J: TOM MARQUAND
FEATURING THE £95,000 GROUP 3 SCEPTRE FILLIE’S STAKES.
KEY DATES
9 Sept: Confirmation for all races
11 Sept: Declaration for all races
Please
FAIR ANGELLICA
O:
T: RICHARD HUGHES
J: FINLEY MARSH
PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES
BY CAR
Doncaster Racecourse boasts excellent links to the motorway network including M1 (junction 32), M18 (junction 3/4), A1M (junction 36) and the M62.
For Sat Nav the postcode is DN2 6BB . If you use What Three Words, these are AREA.SHIRT.ASIDE for Doncaster.
PARKING
Priority parking is reserved for Owners & Trainers and Jockeys in Car Park A. Please follow the yellow directional signage for Car Park A, located off Leger Way and speak to one of our parking stewards if you require any assistance on the day.
A number of forward parking spaces are reserved for Accessibility and Blue Badges. These are offered on a first come first served basis. If you have a particular accessibility request, please contact the Racecourse Office in advance of your raceday on 01302 304200 and we will do our best to accommodate your requests.
BY RAIL
Doncaster Train Station is located just two miles from the racecourse and offers easy access with both the London to Edinburgh, and Plymouth to Newcastle services stopping at Doncaster Interchange.
BY SHUTTLE
We have a Shuttle Service running on between the Racecourse and Doncaster Interchange (Train Station) for all race meetings. It will commence from the Interchange at approximately the time of our gate opening and continue until approximately 30 minutes before our first race. The return journey (which will stop at a designated point on sound of the bell) will start just after the penultimate race, and continue until approximately one hour after the last race. If there is entertainment following racing the service will continue until this has finished.
Shuttle Bus information is subject to change and may be amended or withdrawn without prior notice. From £3.00 single, £5.00 return. Please check the Travel South Yorkshire website.
BY AIR
We are within easy reach of Manchester, Leeds Bradford and East Midlands airports. For helicopter landing permission at Doncaster Racecourse please contact Phillip at Rotary Wing: E: ops@rotarywing.co.uk
Permission WILL NOT be granted until Doncaster Racecourse Management Company Ltd are in possession of, and has confirmed receipt of, a completed Insurance Indemnity and flight plan.
RACHEL HARWOOD
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
rharwood@doncaster-racecourse.co.uk
DAVID ATTWOOD CLERK OF THE COURSE
dattwood@doncaster-racecourse.co.uk
+44 (0)7860 274289
CHRIS PATTEN
OWNERS LIAISON
RACHEL BLIZZARD OWNERS & TRAINERS
owners&trainers@ doncaster-racecourse.co.uk
STABLING AND OVERNIGHT STAFF ACCOMMODATION
stabling@doncaster-racecourse.co.uk
MAIN OFFICE
HILTON GARDEN INN
hgireservations@ doncaster-racecourse.co.uk
+44 (0)1302 986888
HOSPITALITY
racingnorth@arenaracingcompany.co.uk
cpatten@arcowners.co.uk
+44 (0)7884 268149
reception@doncaster-racecourse.co.uk
+44 (0)1302 304200
