Chapter II appointed to lead regional PR for landmark 250th Betfred St Leger Festival in Doncaster
The agency will lead media relations and communications activity surrounding one of the UK's most prestigious racing festivals
Sheffield-based PR and marketing agency Chapter II has been appointed to deliver the regional public relations campaign for this year's historic 250th anniversary running of the Betfred St Leger Festival at Doncaster Racecourse.
The agency will lead media relations and communications activity surrounding one of the UK's most prestigious racing festivals, supporting the milestone celebration of the world's oldest Classic horse race. The campaign will focus on showcasing the festival's rich heritage while highlighting its continued importance as a major sporting, cultural and economic event for South Yorkshire.
The Betfred St Leger Festival will take place from Thursday 10 September to Sunday 13 September 2026 at Doncaster Racecourse, with the historic 250th anniversary running of the Betfred St Leger Stakes taking place on Saturday 12 September.
The four-day festival attracts tens of thousands of visitors to Doncaster each year, generating significant economic impact for the city and wider region. The 250th renewal marks a landmark moment in the race's history, with a programme of world-class racing, entertainment and hospitality planned to celebrate its legacy and enduring place in British sporting culture.
The appointment represents another significant client win for Chapter II, strengthening the agency's growing portfolio across sport, events and leisure.
Rachel Harwood, Executive Director of Doncaster Racecourse, said: "The 250th anniversary Betfred St Leger Festival is an incredibly significant moment not only for Doncaster Racecourse but for British racing as a whole. Chapter II demonstrated a real passion for the festival and a strong understanding of its heritage, alongside the creativity and experience to maximise the opportunity this milestone presents."
Allie Dransfield, Head of Agency at Chapter II, commented: "To be entrusted with the regional PR for such an iconic sporting event is something we're incredibly proud of. The Betfred St Leger Festival has been at the heart of Doncaster for generations, and the 250th running provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity to celebrate its history, its impact and its future.
“Our team is passionate about telling stories that matter, and this is one of the biggest stories in Yorkshire this year. We look forward to working alongside the team at Doncaster Racecourse to raise the profile of this landmark occasion, attracting audiences locally, regionally and beyond, while showcasing the festival's importance to the region's economy, tourism and cultural identity."