Leger 250: Biggest crowd in twenty years for Friday's Gents' Day

The biggest Friday crowd in 20 years attended Betfred Gents Day at the 250th aanniversary of the St Leger Festival in Doncaster,

Day two of the Betfred St Leger Festival at Town Moor saw 12,550 racegoers attending a day headlined by the historic Betfred Doncaster Cup and Betfred Leger Legends Stakes.

The figure was an increase of 13% compared to 2025 and the biggest crowd attending on Friday since 2006.

The Group 2 Betfred Howard Wright Doncaster Cup, the oldest race still run under official rules and dating back to 1766, provided the day's racing highlight, when favourite Caballo De Mar bounced back to land the Betfred Howard Wright Doncaster Cup Stakes (G2) in comfortable fashion with jockey Oisin Murphy onboard.

The Betfred Leger Legends Stakes, the only race in Britain for retired jockeys, also took place on Gents Day for the first time.

20 years on from his victory in the Grand National, jockey Niall Madden claimed victory in the charity race, which raises funds for the Injured Jockeys Fund, aboard Tolstoy for trainer Brian Ellison.

Frankie Dettori, who has won the Betfred St Leger Stakes six times in his career, was also in attendance to support his former colleagues.

Due to ride in the Leger Legends himself, he had to pull out of his riding return as he continues his recovery from a car crash.

Away from the racing, EastEnders icon John Altman met and mingled with racegoers throughout the day, while Andy’s Man Club was in attendance in the Exhibition Hall, giving visitors the opportunity to find out more about its free, confidential peer-to-peer support for men.

After racing, Ellie Sax Presents Ibiza Anthems Live took over the Champagne Lawn, bringing a high-energy mix of iconic Ibiza anthems and live saxophone to round off the day in style.

Frankie Dettori, former champion jockey, said: “Today, most importantly, I'm here for the Leger Legends race, supporting the Injured Jockeys Fund, which is close to my heart. It's been over 60 years since the project started.

“We have three beautiful rehabilitation centres, and the reason we try to raise money is to keep these centres open and to look after the people who use them.

"Doncaster Racecourse is a beautiful track; I have a good track record here and was lucky enough to have won the St Leger Stakes six times."

Rachel Harwood, Executive Director of Doncaster Racecourse, said: “Betfred Gents Day didn’t disappoint racegoers on the second day of the 250th Betfred St Leger Festival, with some brilliant racing and a great atmosphere around the Racecourse.

“It’s always a privilege to welcome back retired jockeys to race in front of the Doncaster crowd, and this year’s Betfred Leger Legends line-ups included JJ Hamblett from boyband Union J, alongside legendary jockey-turned-trainer, Gay Kellaway.”

“The Betfred Howard Wright Doncaster Cup is such an important part of our history, so it was very special to see the race take centre stage alongside the Betfred Leger Legend Stakes.

“It was another memorable day for the festival and a great way to build towards the 250th running of the Betfred St Leger Stakes, which we are all so excited about.”

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

Customers are being advised to act fast for tickets to attend the Betfred St Leger Day on Saturday 12 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