The St Leger Festival, one of the most prestigious events in British horse racing, begins tomorrow at the illustrious Doncaster Racecourse. Known for its rich history, thrilling races and – of course – the crowning glory of the St Leger Stakes, this festival is a must-attend for horse racing enthusiasts.
Whether you are a sporting fanatic or just looking to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, the St Leger Festival offers something for everyone. Below, we preview the 2024 event, providing some betting tips along the way.
NetBet is your go-to platform for all your horse racing odds and markets. NetBet ensures you are always in the thick of the action when you bet sport during the St Leger Festival.
History of the St Leger Festival
The St Leger Stakes, the festival’s centrepiece, is the oldest of Britain’s five classic races and dates back to 1776.
This race is the final leg of the English Triple Crown, following the 2000 Guineas and the famous Epsom Derby. Over the centuries, the St Leger has built a storied legacy, becoming a symbol of endurance and excellence in flat racing.
The festival has evolved to include other significant races and it is a huge fixture in the British sporting calendar as the seasons change from summer to autumn.
Overview
Dates: September 12-15, 2024
Location: Doncaster Racecourse, Doncaster, England
Key Races
St Leger Stakes (September 14): The headline event of the festival, a gruelling one-mile, six-furlong race that tests the stamina and skill of the best three-year-olds in the sport.
Portland Handicap (September 14): One of Britain’s most prestigious sprint handicaps, the Portland Handicap at the St Leger Festival is always a fast-paced challenge, testing speed and strategy over five-and-a-half furlongs.
Park Hill Stakes (September 12): Often referred to as the ‘Fillies’ St Leger’, this race covers one mile and six furlongs and attracts top-class fillies and mares.
Mallard Handicap (September 13): A long-distance handicap run over one mile and six furlongs. Known for testing the stamina and staying power of horses, it often features some of the best staying handicappers in training and can act as a stepping stone to other top staying races later on in the season.
Betting Tips
*Odds are correct at time of publication and subject to change
St Leger Stakes
Illinois – 2.56
Jan Brueghel – 5.00
Grosvenor Square – 5.50
NetBet’s Pick – Illinois is our pick to win the St Leger Stakes this time around due to his impressive stamina, strong late-race acceleration and top-class form throughout the season. All that makes him a standout contender in the field.
Portland Handicap
Elmonjed – 6.50
Shagraan – 7.50
American Affair – 11.00
NetBet’s Pick – Despite not being the favourite, we are going with American Affair, thanks to his impressive sprinting ability, strong late pace and a track record of thriving under handicap conditions – which often catch rivals off guard.
Park Hill Stakes
Kinross – 3.50
Lead Artist – 5.00
Noble Dynasty – 5.00
NetBet’s Pick – Lead Artist, thanks to her exceptional endurance, consistent performances over long distances and a proven ability to handle the course conditions at Doncaster.
Mallard Handicap
Subsequent – 3.38
East India Dock – 3.38
Shadow Dance – 4.20
NetBet’s Pick – Subsequent. Proven stamina over long distances, consistent form this season and the ability to handle varied ground conditions, he is going to take some stopping on Friday.
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