As the Betfred St Leger Stakes celebrates its historic 250th anniversary running, the spotlight falls not only on the world’s oldest Classic, but also on the remarkable trophy that has become part of the race's modern history.
For the past two decades, the Betfred St Leger trophy has represented something more than a traditional sporting prize. Each year, a new and individual piece is created by a designer maker, ensuring that the trophy presented to the winner is as distinctive as the achievement it celebrates.
The story began in 2007, when silversmith Christ Knight was approached to design the first perpetual trophy as part of the redevelopment of Doncaster Racecourse's grandstand and brought together a design team to develop the concept for the trophy that remains at the centre of the Betfred St Leger today.
Hand-wrought and weighing approximately ten kilograms, the solid silver trophy is composed of a large rose water dish with a central rose bowl. The large dish is the permanent trophy of the Betfred St. Leger Stakes, comprising a large Yorkshire Rose surrounded by three layers of flames, inspired by an old Yorkshire flag and also providing a nod to the Triple Crown, of which the Betfred St Leger Stakes is the last leg.
At the heart of the design is a central, removable rose bowl, which is then awarded to the winner of the race. Each year a new contemporary designer silversmith is commissioned to design a new centre, re-interpreting and invigorating the main trophy through the coming years.
For the 250th anniversary running, the winner’s central rose bowl was designed by Jen Ricketts, who specialises in hand piercing, using a very fine saw and saw blade to create intricate work.
Jen wanted to celebrate the heritage of the Betfred St Leger and Doncaster. A cityscape of the city in the background, and at the forefront of the design is a dramatic finish-line scene, depicting two horses racing neck and neck to capture the excitement, energy and atmosphere of race day. Fine details, such as the flowing saddle cloths, create a sense of movement and speed, conveying the power and grace of the thoroughbreds. Incorporated are the dates 1776 - 2026, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the St Leger.
The Doncaster cityscape is made up of four key buildings: the Minster, the Corn Exchange, the Clock Tower Grandstand and the Red Lion Public House. The entire composition is framed within the outline of a Yorkshire rose, celebrating both Yorkshire’s identity and the race’s enduring heritage. The rose also creates a visual connection between the removable silver centrepiece and the larger trophy, allowing the central design to stand as a complete artwork while harmonising perfectly with the overall trophy.
Regarding her final design, Jen said: “I was honoured to be asked by Chris Knight and Doncaster Racecourse to design and create the centrepiece for the 250th Anniversary Betfred St Leger Trophy.
“It was an incredibly prestigious commission, but one that held personal significance too. Having always had a great love of horses, creating this piece was something I had aspired to throughout my career as a silversmith.
“Working alongside Chris Knight was a really rewarding experience; being able to exchange ideas and develop the design together really pushed my creativity further than I expected.”
Project lead Chris Knight said: “Jen is the absolute perfect designer-maker for the 250th anniversary year. Her design brings together the heritage of one of Britain's great races with the skill, creativity and dedication of contemporary silversmiths and designer makers.”
The Betfred St Leger Festival takes place Thursday 10 to Sunday 13 September, with the Betfred St Leger Stakes running on Saturday 12 September. Find out more at
www.doncaster-racecourse.co.uk/racing-highlights/st-leger-festival
