Leger 250: 11,000 on opening day as Style Awards winner is revealed

Over 11,000 racegoers turned out for the opening day of this year’s St Leger Festival as racing got under way in Doncaster in spectacular style.

The historic 250th anniversary Betfred St Leger Festival has officially kicked off in style, with Ladies Day bringing all the glamour and spectacle at Doncaster Racecourse.

In total, 11,658 ladies and gents donned their most glamorous looks ahead of the glittering race day spectacle - a 12% increase on 2025’s attendance.

The opening day saw racegoers embrace the spirit of Ladies Day, with the Style Awards providing one of the day’s highlights.

Linda Haylett from Nottingham was crowned the winner by Style Awards judge, fashion and lifestyle influencer Daisy Tomlinson, taking home a £2,500 prize pot, including £1,000 voucher for Sheffield-based shopping centre, Meadowhall.

Linda wore a stunning pink dress with a handmade detailed hatinator adorned with flowers and butterflies.

Linda, said: “Oh wow, honoured, really honoured.

“I feel so proud, so pleased, so excited; I was quite emotional! I didn’t expect it; I am so happy!

“It took me a week to make the hatinator. I make hats like this for friends as a hobby as I love being creative!”

Daisy Tomlinson said: “I love the Leger Festival and come most years with my friends, so being involved as the style awards ambassador this year has been so exciting.

“Seeing all the ladies here looking fantastic has been so much fun and choosing a winner has been very tough - everyone looked incredible!

“I loved the details on the winner’s hatinator around the St Leger and her pink outfit looked stunning.”

Out on the track, Night In Vegas claimed victory in the Weatherbys £300,000 2-Y-O Stakes, with Charles Bishop in the saddle for trainer Eve Johnson Houghton.

The day’s two feature races delivered two impressive victories. Waardah, ridden by Callum Rodriguez and trained by Owen Burrows for owner Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum, landed the Group 2 Betfred Park Hill Fillies’ Stakes.

The Group 2 Betfred May Hill Stakes went the way of Musical Times, who maintained her unbeaten record under William Buick for trainer Charlie Appleby and owners Godolphin.

Away from racing, the Meadowhall x Flannels Beauty Bar allowed racegoers to enjoy complimentary hair and beauty touch-ups throughout the day, while Mark Wright took to the Champagne Lawn after racing with a high-energy live DJ set keeping the Ladies Day celebrations going into the evening.

Rachel Harwood, Executive Director of Doncaster Racecourse, said: “Ladies Day is always a fantastic way to open the Betfred St Leger Festival, and this year felt particularly special as we began our 250th anniversary celebrations.

“The fashion and style on show were particularly fantastic this year, with guests really embracing the occasion and marking the start of this extraordinary moment in the history of our racecourse and City with an array of extra special outfits.“

“The Style Awards were a real highlight, with the Style Guide brought to life by the creativity and individuality of our visitors, which really added to the excitement of the day.

“Thursday was a great start to what promises to be a very memorable four days.

”There is still time to secure tickets for the remaining days of the Betfred S Leger Festival, which takes place on Friday 11th September until Sunday 13th September.

Customers are being advised to act fast for tickets to attend the Betfred St Leger Day on Saturday 12th September as some tickets have sold out and there are limited tickets remaining for the Grandstand. To be a part of one of the UK’s biggest sporting events, head to: https://www.doncaster-racecourse.co.uk/racing-highlights/st-leger-festival