The Betfred St Leger Festival returns to Doncaster to celebrate 250 years

First run in 1776, the Betfred St Leger Stakes is Britain’s oldest Classic horse race and the final leg of the prestigious Triple Crown.

Named after founder Anthony St Leger, it remains one of the greatest tests for three-year-old thoroughbreds and has welcomed some of racing’s biggest names throughout its illustrious history.

This landmark anniversary celebrates 250 years of sporting heritage while showcasing the enduring importance of horse racing to Doncaster and British sport.

Following the success of 2025, which saw the Betfred St Leger Festival become the best-attended British Classic meeting of the year, Doncaster Racecourse has unveiled a host of exciting enhancements for 2026.

Betfred Ladies Day

The four-day festival gets underway with the ever-popular Betfred Ladies Day on Thursday 10th September, where top-class racing meets fashion and entertainment.

Alongside the return of the prestigious Style Awards, judged by Mark Wright, racegoers can enjoy his high-energy post-racing DJ set, keeping the celebrations going long after the final race.

Betfred Gents Day

On Betfred Gents Day on Friday 11th September, attention turns to the historic Doncaster Cup, the oldest race still run under official rules.

The day also features the Betfred Leger Legends Race – Britain's only charity race for former professional jockeys, raising vital funds for the Injured Jockeys Fund.

After racing, world-renowned saxophonist Ellie Sax will bring her Ibiza Anthems Live show to the Party Enclosure, keeping the energy high into the evening.

Betfred St Leger Day

The biggest day of the festival arrives on Saturday 12th September with Betfred St Leger Day, when the world’s oldest Classic, the Betfred St Leger Stakes, celebrates its milestone 250th anniversary running.

Following an afternoon of premier racing and entertainment, Capital Breakfast presenter Jordan North will round off the celebrations with a feel-good DJ set packed with crowd favourites.

Betfred Sunday Funday

The festival concludes with Betfred Sunday Funday, offering a packed programme of live racing, entertainment and activities for all ages, providing the perfect finale to four unforgettable days.

Alongside the on-track action, visitors can enjoy a range of new experiences for 2026. Highlights include an upgraded Picnic Zone, where guests can bring up to four cans of their preferred drink, enhancements to the iconic Ladies Day Champagne Lawn features, and the return of the much-loved Style Awards.

For those looking to elevate their day, the new limited-capacity Prestige Enclosure offers an exclusive experience for the 250th running of the Betfred St Leger Stakes, with premium trackside views on the winning line, all-inclusive drinks, a food voucher, live entertainment and unrivalled access to the day’s biggest moments.

New hospitality packages provide even more ways to celebrate, including the Celebration Box Package with Champagne and sharing platters, and the new Wine and Dine package, featuring a delicious two-course bistro menu in the picturesque Old Weighing Room.

Visitors can experience all four days of the Betfred St Leger Festival with a Grandstand or County 4-Day Pass from just £99 per person.

With world-class racing, live entertainment, fashion, hospitality and unforgettable experiences, there’s never been a better time to be part of one of Britain's most iconic sporting occasions as it celebrates 250 years of history.

Book tickets now

To book tickets now click here.

For more details visit the website at www.doncaster-racecourse.co.uk.

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