Doncaster Racecourse is set to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the oldest classic horse race in the world – and there’s another even older race over the festival
The world’s oldest classic horse race is set to celebrate its 250th birthday. The Betfred Doncaster Cup first started in 1766 – the same time a 10-year-old Wolfgang Mozart was touring Western Europe and a full nine years before the American Revolutionary War.
It is considered the oldest race still run under official rules. And its more famous sibling – the St Leger Stakes – remains the oldest of Britain’s five classic horse races having being established in 1776.
It’s no surprise, then, that Doncaster Racecourse is expecting huge crowds for the two races’ momentous return next week.
The likes of TOWIE star and DJ Mark Wright and Daisy Tomlinson will star as the festival kicks off with Betfred Ladies Day on September 10.
That’s followed by Betfred Gents Day on Friday (September 11) which features the Betfred Doncaster Cup. Saturday brings the biggest day of the festival with the Betfred St Leger Stakes – one of the most prestigious races in the British Flat Racing calendar.
Christmas Day (7/4) leads the field as favourite at the 3.40pm race, followed by Pierre Bonnard (11/4) and Enceladus (11/4).
Executive Director of Doncaster Racecourse Rachel Harwood, said “We are really excited to lay on such a jam-packed week of first-class racing and entertainment for the 250th Anniversary of the World’s Oldest Classic race – and even more excited to welcome so many racegoers to the course next week.
“We’ve seen ticket sales and hospitality in high demand this year, with many options already sold out; with more headline DJ sets and famous faces appearing than ever before, there is something suitable for everyone – even the little ones on Sunday! We do still have some limited availability tickets left, including tickets for the Grandstand and Picnic Enclosures, so make sure you snap them up fast to avoid disappointment.”
The St Leger Stakes was started by Anthony St Leger, an Irish soldier and local politician who lived near Doncaster. It originally ran over 2 miles and didn’t even have a name until 1778 – when the Marquis of Rockingham proposed naming the race “the St Leger Stakes” as a compliment to its founder.
It’s inextricably linked to Doncaster race course but global conflicts occasionally forced it to relocate. From 1915 to 1918 it was moved to Newmarket due to World War 1.
And the 1939 St Leger is the only cancellation in the race’s history, following the outbreak of World War 2.
Tickets for the Betfred St Leger Festival, which is just 90 minutes from London by train, start from £15pp and can be found here.