Five things about the St Leger Festival, Yorkshire’s Classic
1.It is the oldest of Britain’s five Classics. At just under 250 years old, the St Leger Stakes is the oldest of Britain’s five Classics having first taken place in 1776. It is also the last to be run out of all five. Others are run at Epsom Newmarket.
2.The race was founded by an Irish soldier. The race has Major-General Anthony St Leger to thank as its namesake. The Irish soldier established a two mile race for three year old horses, which then became the race we know and love today. St Leger also went on to be an MP for Grimsby and Governor of St Lucia.
3.It is the longest out of all of Britain’s Classics. At one mile and six furlongs, The St Leger Stakes is the longest race out of the five Classics, and that’s despite it being shortened from its original length of two miles.
4.St Leger is the final leg of the English Triple Crown. Along with the Derby and the Two Thousand Guineas races, the St Leger makes up one third of the English Triple Crown, with the winner having to finish first in all three races. The last time a horse received this prestigious honour was Nijinsky way back in 1970.
5.The St Leger Stakes isn’t the oldest race of the festival. While the St Leger is certainly the biggest and most well-known race of the festival, it is the Doncaster Cup that actually holds the title for the oldest race across the weekend. Originally called the Doncaster Gold Cup, it predates the St Leger Stakes by ten years.
*The Betfred St Leger Festival is at Doncaster Racecourse September 12-15. Ladies Day is on Thursday with Betfred St Leger Stakes on Saturday. The weekend is rounded off with family-friendly entertainment at the Betfred Sunday Funday.doncaster-racecourse.co.uk
