Doncaster Racecourse has confirmed plans for a four‑day celebration this autumn as it prepares to host the 250th anniversary of the Betfred St Leger Stakes. The festival runs from 10 to 13 September 2026, marking a quarter of a millennium since the first running of Britain’s oldest Classic in 1776.
What the festival will feature
The racecourse says the event will blend top‑class racing with fashion, live entertainment and hospitality. Organisers have described the anniversary as a chance to honour the St Leger’s long history while showcasing Doncaster’s role in British racing.
- Thursday 10 September – Betfred Ladies Day: Racing paired with the Style Awards, judged by Mark Wright, followed by his post‑racing DJ set.
- Friday 11 September – Betfred Gents Day: Highlights include the historic Doncaster Cup and the Betfred Leger Legends Race, a charity event for former professional jockeys supporting the Injured Jockeys Fund. Evening entertainment will feature saxophonist Ellie Sax performing an Ibiza Anthems Live show in the Party Enclosure.
- Saturday 12 September – Betfred St Leger Day: The focal point of the festival, when the St Leger Stakes itself will run in its 250th edition.
The racecourse said new enhancements have been added to the 2026 programme following a successful 2025 festival, which it described as the best‑attended British Classic meeting of the year. Specifics of the changes were not detailed in the announcement but the description indicates a broadened entertainment offering alongside the racing.
Why it matters locally
The St Leger is not only a sporting fixture but a cultural event for Doncaster, drawing visitors, hospitality trade and national attention to the town. The Doncaster Cup’s inclusion on Gents Day and the Leger Legends charity race underline the festival’s mix of competitive racing and community engagement.
| Date | Main attraction |
|---|---|
| 10 September 2026 | Betfred Ladies Day – Style Awards, Mark Wright DJ set |
| 11 September 2026 | Betfred Gents Day – Doncaster Cup, Leger Legends Race, Ellie Sax |
| 12 September 2026 | Betfred St Leger Day – 250th running of the St Leger Stakes |
Further details, including ticketing, hospitality packages and the full race card, will be released by Doncaster Racecourse in the coming weeks. For many in the town, the anniversary represents both a celebration of local heritage and an opportunity for businesses linked to the festival season.
