St Leger History
The St Leger Stakes is the oldest and longest of the five British Classic races, which also include the 1000 Guineas, 2000 Guineas, Epsom Derby and Epsom Oaks. It is held each September in Doncaster, in South Yorkshire.
Doncaster benefited from the lucrative stagecoach trade in the 16th century. This led to horse breeding in the town, and to the popularity of horse racing. The first known horse races were held there as early as the 17th century.
St Leger history began in September 1776, when the first race was run over two miles on Cantley Common in Doncaster, for a sweepstake of 25 guineas. In the inaugural race, colts carried eight stone each and fillies carried seven stone, 12 pounds.
The organiser of the first race – and owner of Allabaculia, who won the race – was Charles Watson-Wentworth (2nd Marquess of Rockingham), a Whig statesman who served two terms as Prime Minister of Britain, as well as serving as Leader of the House of Lords. However, the idea for the race is attributed to a former MP, Lieutenant Colonel Anthony St Leger.
In 1777 and 1778, the St Leger Stakes were run again on the Cantley Common. In 1779 though, the race was moved two miles to the east, to the Town Moor – the spot now occupied by Doncaster Racecourse, where the St Leger Stakes continues to be run each September.
Since 1776, the St Leger Stakes has been run every year with only one exception – it was cancelled in 1939, due to the outbreak of the Second World War. During the First World War (1915 to 1918), the race was held at Newmarket Racecourse.
Like the other British Classic races, the St Leger Stakes has enjoyed considerable support – and participation by – the British royals and gentry. In both 1896 and 1900, the St Leger Stakes winners were owned by the Prince of Wales, later Edward VII. The 1942 winner, Sun Chariot, was owned by King George VI.
Don’t miss the continuation of St Leger history in September 2008, with the 232nd running of the race at Doncaster. For information on how to get there, see St Leger travel.
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