Doncaster celebrates St Leger legacy at 250th anniversary showcase
The historic race was first run in 1776
Doncaster is to celebrates the legacy of the St Leger at a special 250th anniversary showcase.
Danum Gallery, Library and Museum (DGLAM) will host a new exhibition from Tuesday 10 November, showcasing the achievements of the St Leger 250 project and marking a milestone year for the world’s oldest Classic horse race.
The exhibition will include a collection of new works inspired by more than 250 years of stories, people, places and traditions connected to this historic race and mark the closing of The Great St Leger Exhibition which has exhibited a range of objects from the Heritage Doncaster Collection.
At a special event taking place on the opening day of the exhibition, a highlight will be the official unveiling of a series of newly commissioned works, each offering a unique interpretation of the St Leger story.
Artist Rebecca Wright of Wright Art Studio will unveil her completed work created following her live painting performance at this year's Betfred St Leger Festival, capturing the atmosphere, excitement and spectacle of race day.
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Visitors will also see a new commission by Doncaster artist Chris Teal, inspired by the famous ‘A Yearling Sale in Doncaster (1885)’ and developed in collaboration with hundreds of local people. The artwork combines heritage with community creativity providing a 2026 perspective on the St Leger's continuing relevance to Doncaster.
A further unveiling will reveal Imogen Joyce's striking textile work, 250 Years Woven: St Leger, a piece that reflects the rich history, traditions and stories woven through the race's remarkable 250-year legacy.
Visitors will also get to see the colourful horse sculpture created by Angie Hardwick working with a number of community groups. The woven horse captures 250 St Leger moments and memories.
The celebration will also showcase original poetry created by a group of local writers who have worked alongside acclaimed local poet Ian Parks, exploring themes of heritage, place, sport and community inspired by the St Leger and Doncaster.
Adding to the programme will be the launch of Pit Pony, a powerful new sound installation by Gemma Whelan in collaboration with local historian and St Leger expert Tony Barber, a group of Doncaster young people and composer Ben Bickley.
The piece captures the extraordinary moment when pit ponies emerged from Edlington Colliery to race like thoroughbreds, bringing together two important strands of Doncaster's history: coal mining and horse racing.
The artworks will be on display at DGLAM until mid-December and at Doncaster Racecourse during Spring 2027.