St Leger Festival horse racing returns to Doncaster - everything you need to know

Continuous ridden by Ryan Moore wins the Betfred St Leger Stakes
-Credit: (Image: Tim Goode/PA Wire)


Thousands of people are set to descend on Doncaster Racecourse as St Leger Festival returns this week.

The four-day festival will take place from Thursday, September 12, to Sunday, September 15, with special events planned for each day of the festival.

With Betfred Ladies Day, Betfred Doncaster Cup Day, Betfred St Leger Day, and Betfred Sunday Funday to enjoy across the four-day event, there'll be something on offer for everyone.

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Lots of added extras will be included too, like an incredible cash prize for the best dressed on Ladies Day, live entertainment from JLS band member Marvin Humes and 90s tribute band Onside Britpop, plus all of the usual race day fun.

Yorkshire Live has rounded up everything you need to know about St Leger Festival from what to expect on each day of the event, to ticket information and potential travel disruption. Scroll below to find out more.

What is the St Leger Festival?

The Betfred St Leger Festival is a horse racing festival which takes place annually in Doncaster and features one of the World’s Oldest Classics. The St Leger race, which is one of the country’s oldest horse races and was first run in 1776. The festival is thought of as one of the highlights of the flat racing season.

What to expect

Day one

The renowned festival commences with Betfred Ladies Day on Thursday, September 12, and invites all fashionistas to dress to impress.

Tickets to Ladies Day at Doncaster Racecourse are selling fast -Credit:Doncaster Racecourse
Tickets to Ladies Day at Doncaster Racecourse are selling fast -Credit:Doncaster Racecourse

Day one will also see the return of the Style Awards which are open to everyone, with the opportunity to win a whopping £1,000 cash prize. To participate, all visitors have to do is have their picture taken at the flower wall outside on the concourse.

There will also be a spotter in the crowd keeping an eye out for the most stunning outfits, and the shortlist will be shown on the big screen before the final judging takes place on the Champagne Lawn.

The day will finish with legendary boyband member, TV and radio presenter Marvin Humes providing a live DJ set after the racing.

Day two

Friday, September 13, will see the return of Betfred Doncaster Cup Day. The race is the oldest currently run under the rules of horse racing and the final leg of the Stayer’s Triple Crown.

There's something on offer for everyone at this year's festival -Credit:Doncaster Racecourse
There's something on offer for everyone at this year's festival -Credit:Doncaster Racecourse

There will be live entertainment throughout the day, and the racecourse will celebrate the 'Best of British' with authentic UK tribute band Onside Britpop filling the festival with their 90s spirit.

Visitors can also expect to see some fantastic British winners, such as last year's first place jockey, Hollie Doyle, aboard her horse Trueshan

Day three

Saturday (September 14) is expected to be the highlight of the festival as the St Leger race, which is the World’s oldest Classic and was first run in 1776 will take place.

This showpiece race is also the final leg of the Stayers Triple Crown, consistently attracting popular trainers from across the country, and boasting a glittering roll of honour with some of the most acclaimed horses in history.

The Ultimate Party Band, a four-piece high-energy group, will keep racegoers partying on the Champagne Lawn after the racing.

Jockey Frankie Dettori during the Betfred St Leger Festival
Jockey Frankie Dettori during the Betfred St Leger Festival -Credit:Danny Lawson/PA Wire

Day four

The festival will come to a close on Sunday, September 15, as the racecourse will host a 'Sunday Funday', showcasing fantastic horse-racing such as the popular Graham Lee Bet Vickers Leger Legends charity race.

There will be plenty of family-friendly entertainment across the venue too, including stilt walkers, a circus workshop, glitter artist, kids disco, bubble artist, treasure hunt and colouring station.

Road closures and travel disruption

There will be no road closures in place throughout the duration of St Leger festival, however drivers are being warned to expect extra traffic on routes including Bawtry Road and Leger Way.

Our travel partner, Inrix, is currently displaying the following warning: “Advance Warning - Betfred St Leger Day horse race at Doncaster Racecourse.Gates open at 11:50am. Expect extra traffic on Bawtry Road and Leger Way on 14th September.”

Trains to and from Doncaster station are also expected to be busier than usual as festival goers travel in and out of the city.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla watch the action during the Betfred St Leger Festival at Doncaster Racecourse
King Charles III and Queen Camilla watch the action during the Betfred St Leger Festival at Doncaster Racecourse -Credit:Danny Lawson/PA Wire

Police presence

South Yorkshire Police have said that there will be high visibility patrols in Doncaster during the course of the festival and people are being reminded to plan ahead as parts of the city will be busier than usual while St Leger takes place.

Chief Inspector Jonathan Greaves, who is the tactical commander for this event, said: “It is great to welcome the St Leger Festival back to Doncaster as it really is a brilliant event for the city. As with previous years, South Yorkshire Police will be supporting the festival and its organisers to make sure that everyone enjoys it safely.

“High-visibility patrols will take place over the course of the festival to ensure your safety and if you see our officers out and about during St Leger, please don’t hesitate to speak to them if you’ve got any questions or queries or if you need our help.

“Even if you just want to say hello, please do come and speak to us as our officers are there to engage with you and make sure you feel safe over the course of the event.”

Tickets

Tickets to the Betfred St Leger Festival 2024 are available now from just £12.50 per person, with limited availability on most hospitality packages. Visit www.doncaster-racecourse.co.uk for more information or call the team on 01302 304200.

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