Betfred Derby (G1) winner Christmas Day has been declared to face 10 rivals in the 250th running of the world’s oldest Classic, the Betfred St Leger Stakes (G1).
Worth £700,000 and ran over 1m6f at Doncaster Racecourse this Saturday, racegoers can look forward to a thrilling seven-race card full of competitive fields, none more so than in the feature race itself.
Christmas Day, stormed to victory at Epsom, and his trainer Aidan O’Brien has won this Group 1 contest an astonishing nine times, including each of the last three renewals.
O’Brien has also declared Pierre Bonnard who posted his best effort this year when runner-up in the Sky Bet Great Voltigeur Stakes (G2) at York last time. Stablemates Amelia Earhart and Action complete the Ballydoyle quartet.
The O’Brien stranglehold on the Betfred St Leger Stakes does not stop there either as son Joseph O’Brien is doubly represented with Royal Ascot winner Enceladus and hat-trick seeking Highwayman.
O’Brien won the Betfred St Leger with Galileo Chrome back in 2020, and will bid to add another Classic victory to his already impressive CV as a trainer.
He said: “Enceladus has been progressing well and, while this represents another step up in class, we’re hopeful he can run a good race on Saturday.”
He added: "Highwayman has improved plenty over his last few starts. This is a big step up for him, but hopefully he can continue that progression and be competitive at this level.”
The last English-trained winner of the St Leger was Eldar Eldarov in 2022. Andrew Balding seemingly holds the best chance of keeping this year’s trophy on home turf after Hatteen and Galiyan were both declared.
Balding said: “Hatteen is making use of the free entry from winning the ‘Win and You’re In’ race at Doncaster earlier in the year. I thought he ran very well at Goodwood in a strong handicap. He has improved with each start. 1m6f will be a question mark but if he stays, he’s going in the right direction to run a really good race.”
He added: “Stamina should not be an issue for Galiyan. On the strength of his homework, he could be competitive again. We’re looking forward to running them both.”
Alderman outran odds of 100/1 when he posted an excellent effort to finish fifth in the Betfred Derby and he has been freshened up since his latest run. Karl Burke’s Golden Story and Faye Bramley’s Rebel Rocker complete the final field of 11.
Latest Betfred St Leger odds: Christmas Day 2/1jf, Enceladus 2/1jf, Pierre Bonnard 7/2, Highwayman 10/1, Hatteen 14/1, BAR 20/1
The once-raced Godolphin colt Desert Castle will look to preserve his unbeaten record as he faces five rivals in the Betfred Champagne Stakes (G2). He will face the likes of Andrew Balding’s Gentle Hurricane who was runner-up in the Tattersalls Acomb Stakes (G3).
Eight runners have been declared for the Betfred Park Stakes (G2) including the Saeed Suhail-owned pair of More Thunder and Never So Brave. More Thunder drops back to 7f for the first time in 2026, while Never So Brave and stablemate Flora Of Bermuda represent the Andrew Balding stable who have won two out of the last three renewals of the Betfred Park Stakes.
For the very first time, the Betfred St Leger will make its debut as a World Pool race and be part of a blockbuster Saturday of the global pools alongside races on the opening day of the Irish Champions Festival and Makybe Diva Stakes day in Australia.
Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, will also be in attendance, adding further excitement to what is set to be a memorable day at Doncaster Racecourse.
