Leger 250: 60,000 make historic meeting busiest for more than a decade

Doncaster has celebrated a historic 250th St Leger Festival, with more than 60,000 racegoers making it the busiest in more than a decade.

History was made at Town Moor as Saffie Osborne became the first female to win a British Classic when she romped to victory in the St Leger aboard Highwayman.

Four days of first-class racing, entertainment and celebration saw 60,000 racegoers attend the historic festival, a 16% increase on last year and the biggest crowd since 2015.

On Saturday, the festival’s centrepiece, the Betfred St Leger Stakes, saw Highwayman, ridden by Osborne and trained by Joseph O’Brien, claim victory in the world’s oldest Classic.

HRH The Princess Royal was in attendance to present the coveted Betfred St Leger Trophy, while crowds surrounded the parade ring to applaud the landmark moment, creating a truly special addition to the momentous day.

The festival got underway on Thursday 10 September with Betfred Ladies Day, where, alongside high-octane racing, Linda Haylett was crowned the 2026 Style Awards winner, as chosen by lifestyle personality and local girl Daisy Tomlinson.

Betfred Gents Day on Friday, saw Caballo De Mar, ridden by jockey Oisin Murphy, claim the historic Betfred Doncaster Cup and jockey Niall Madden aboard Tolstoy win the Betfred Leger Legends Stakes, the only race in Britain for retired jockeys, in aid of the Injured Jockeys Fund.

Saturday’s landmark Betfred St Leger Day welcomed over 30,000 racegoers for the 250th anniversary running of the Classic, its largest crowd since 2012.

Betfred Sunday Funday concluded the festival, welcoming racegoers of all ages for the final day of racing alongside a programme of family entertainment.

Off the track, there was family entertainment from PAW Patrol’s Chase and Skye, alongside the treasure hunt, arts and crafts, roving museum and fun fair rides, bringing the four-day celebrations to a perfect close.

Across the festival, guests were also treated to a packed programme of live entertainment, including Mark Wright, Ellie Sax, Jordan North and The Everly Pregnant Brothers, while Artist in Residence, Rebecca Wright, captured the atmosphere of the 250th anniversary of the Betfred St Leger through a live painting on Saturday.

Rachel Harwood, Executive Director of Doncaster Racecourse, said: “We’ve been delighted by the incredible response from guests throughout the festival, and it has been a privilege to celebrate such a significant milestone in the history of the Betfred St Leger with so many people, including HRH The Princess Royal.

“I am immensely proud to be the custodian of this remarkable race at this moment in its history. None of us truly owns the Betfred St Leger; our responsibility is to care for it, celebrate its heritage and ensure it continues to thrive for the generations who will follow us.

“Since 1776, racing has helped shape our city, bringing people together, attracting visitors from across Britain and around the world, and providing opportunities and careers for generations of local people.

The Betfred St Leger Festival will return in 2027, following this year’s landmark 250th anniversary celebrations. Tickets are now on sale for the 2027 festival. Secure yours for the best price online at https://www.doncaster-racecourse.co.uk/racing-highlights/st-leger-festival