What is the St Leger?
The St Leger is the oldest of British racing's five Classics, first run in 1776
and the senior Classic in the world. Staged at Doncaster each September over an
extended trip, it is the staying championship of the three-year-old generation and
the race that closes the Classic season.
The race and the course
Run over one mile and six furlongs, the St Leger is the longest of the Classics and
the one that most rewards genuine stamina. Doncaster is a wide, galloping,
left-handed track with a long home straight, a fair, searching test on which a
true stayer can be seen to best advantage.
History and the Triple Crown
The St Leger's great historical significance lies partly in the Triple Crown, the
prize awarded to a colt who wins the 2000 Guineas, the Derby and the St Leger in a
single season. As the breeding industry has come to prize speed, that combination
of a mile, a mile and a half and a mile and three-quarters has become extraordinarily
hard to achieve, which only adds to the St Leger's standing.
St Leger betting
The market is shaped by the summer's middle-distance form and the recognised
trials. For a full breakdown of the field, see our runners and tips coverage in the
build-up to the race.
The St Leger is the staying highlight of the autumn Classic season. Every operator below is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission. Always check the bookmaker's site for current odds and terms.
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When is the St Leger?
The St Leger is run in September at Doncaster, as the centrepiece of the racecourse's St Leger Festival. The exact date is confirmed by Doncaster with the fixture list each year.
How far is the St Leger?
The St Leger is run over one mile and six furlongs, the longest of the five Classics and a true test of a three-year-old's stamina.
Why is the St Leger special?
First run in 1776, the St Leger is the oldest of the five Classics and indeed the oldest of its kind in the world. It is also the final Classic of the season, bringing the three-year-old campaign to its conclusion.
What is the Triple Crown?
The English Triple Crown is won by a colt who takes the 2000 Guineas, the Derby and the St Leger in the same season, a feat of speed and stamina so demanding it is now achieved only very rarely.
How can I watch the St Leger?
The St Leger is broadcast on UK television as part of Doncaster's St Leger Festival coverage, and major bookmakers stream the race to eligible account holders.