250-year-old St Leger brings royalty and 45,000 proseccos to Doncaster
The St Leger horse race draws around 30,000 racegoers for a 250-year tradition that began as sport for the rich.
The St Leger Stakes, first run 250 years ago, is one of horse racing's oldest classic races. Women spend months planning outfits for Ladies' Day.
Staff serve 45,000 glasses of prosecco and champagne to racegoers. The race started as a pursuit of the wealthy.
Doncaster's growth as a railway town in the 1800s meant ordinary people could attend too. Crowds grew from 20,000 to 200,000 once the railways were established.
The race has attracted royalty for decades. King George VI visited in 1948.
Queen Elizabeth II came several times in the 1950s. King Charles attended in 2023 to watch his horse.
Many visitors arrive by train and stop at historic coaching inns before heading to the course.
- 250 years
- Years of tradition
- 45,000 glasses
- Champagne served
- 200,000
- Peak crowd size
- 173
- Special trains in 1892
Why it mattersThe St Leger shows how a single event can anchor a city's identity and draw visitors across generations through tradition and spectacle.
AustraliaNo direct Australian consequence, but British horse racing traditions influence Australian racing culture and betting interest, particularly with international wagering platforms.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 22 h ago
