The second day of the Betfred St Leger Festival saw the oldest race still run under the official rules of horse racing, the Howard Wright Doncaster Cup Stakes, take place. First held in 1766, it was Robert Havlin who took the Betfred Doncaster Cup win with Sweet William for the second year in a row.
This is a day entrenched in the history of Doncaster and always promises top-class racing with this year being no different. Epic battles between determined jockeys ensued from the first race to the last, which made for excellent viewing for spectators.
While there was an array of standout performances, Sweet William stole the headlines with a show stopping performance that clinched the victory to retain the Betfred Doncaster Cup crown in what was truly a spectacle to remember.
The action didn’t stop after the racing, as Café Mambo and Lovely Laura brought the iconic sunset vibes with a live set, after racing concluded in the Party Enclosure.
Rachel Harwood, Executive Director of Doncaster Racecourse, said: “Betfred Doncaster Cup Day always provides some fantastic racing and this year’s Betfred Doncaster Cup Race had guests on the edge of their seats from start to finish.
“It’s a pleasure to bring world-class racing to Doncaster every year, as well as incredible entertainment to compliment the races. This year Café Mambo and Lovely Laura were here to deliver a showstopping performance that had guests dancing into the evening.”
The Betfred St Leger Festival will return to celebrate a major milestone in 2026 as the festival celebrates the 250th anniversary of the first running of the St Leger Stakes. Tickets for next year’s racedays will become available following their 2025 conclusion. Anyone that books tickets before October 31st will receive 17.76% off, paying tribute to the year it all began way back in 1776.
Secure your attendance at the festival’s remaining days by getting tickets while you still can: https://www.doncaster-racecourse.co.uk/
ENDS
For more information, please contact the Betfred St Leger Festival PR team at Hatch: stlegerfestival@hatch.group / 0113 361 3600
About the Betfred St Leger Festival
The Betfred St Leger Festival is one of the highlights of the flat racing season. Thousands attend to watch history in the making across four thrilling days of action and excitement. The penultimate day of the festival sees the Group 1 Betfred St Leger Stakes, the world’s oldest Classic, which has been won by legendary horses through the decades and jubilant crowds watch on to see a little piece of horse racing history each year.
The Betfred St Leger Festival at Doncaster Racecourse, which takes place from 11th – 14th September, is one of the most prestigious race weeks of the British horse racing calendar and an experience not to be missed!
Doncaster Racecourse is part of Arena Racing Company (“ARC”), the largest racecourse operator in the UK. Further information about ARC can be found at www.arenaracingcompany.co.uk
