History HISTORY ST LEGER WINNERS Doncaster is one of the oldest established centres for horse racing in Britain, with records of regular race meetings going back to the 16th century. In 1600 the corporation tried to put an end to the races because of the number of ruffians they attracted, but by 1614 it acknowledged failure and instead marked out a racecourse. Ladbrokes St. Leger Festival The earliest important race was the Doncaster Gold Cup, first run over Cantley Common in 1766, ten years before a move to the racecourse's present location. In 1776 Colonel Anthony St. Leger founded a race in which five horses ran. This race has remained in existence and become the world's oldest classic race. During the first world war the racecourse was used for military purposes and substitute races were run at Newmarket from 1915 to 1918. Doncaster has the distinction of both starting and ending the flat season on turf. Every September, Doncaster hosts the prestigious four-day St. Leger Festival, which is acclaimed as the premier sporting occasion of the Autumn calender.

Doncaster has also taken over events whose traditional homes have closed, such as the Lincoln in 1965. More history was made at Doncaster in 1992 when it staged the first ever Sunday meeting on a British racecourse, a crowd of 23,000 turned up despite there being no betting. Today, after more than four hundred years of racing, the St. Leger is undoubtedley still the highlight of Doncaster's year. Throughout the racing calendar there is a full programme of top class racing, with flat racing in the summer and jumping action all winter. early leger Early running of the St Leger B&W Historical Jockey John Singleton with the first ever St Leger winner in 1776 Allabaculia The Lincoln THE WILLIAM HILL LINCOLN FACTS AND FIGURES A race called the Lincolnshire Handicap was first run over two miles at Lincoln in August, 1849. In 1853, a new fixture was staged at Lincoln in February and featured a race called the Lincoln Spring Handicap,run over a mile and a half and won by Caurire.

The distance of this contest was reduced to a mile in 1855 and moved to a date in March. In 1859, the two races merged to become the Lincolnshire Handicap, run over a mile in March. The Lincolnshire Handicap was run at Lincoln (AThe Carholme@) up to and including 1964. Following that course's closure, the race moved to Doncaster in 1965 and was renamed the Lincoln Handicap. Along with the Grand National, the William Hill Lincoln forms the ASpring Double.@ Jockey Dave Dick achieved the unique distinction of winning both races - he scored in the Lincoln of 1941 on Gloaming, carrying just 7st 4lb and went to triumph in the ADevon Loch@ Grand National of 1956 on ESB, who shouldered 11st 3lb to victory. During World War II, three runnings were held at Pontefract (1943-1945). The 1916 renewal was at Lingfield, while there was no race in 1917 or 1918 due to World War I.

Due to a Â£34 million redevelopment at Doncaster, the 2006 renewal was held at Redcar, while in 2007 the race was hosted by Newcastle. It returned to a revamped Doncaster in 2008. The dozen winners of the William Hill Lincoln between 1926 and 1937 (King Of Clubs (1926), Priory Park (1927), Dark Warrior (1928), Elton (1929), Leonidas II (1930), Knight Error (1931), Jerome Fandor (1932), Dorigen (1933), Play On (1934), Flamenco (1935), Overcoat (1936) and Marmaduke Jinks (1937)) gave their names to the horses used in the popular board game Totopoly. There have been only two dual winners of the William Hill Lincoln - Ob (1906 & 1907) and Babur (1957 & 1958). No horse has managed to win more than once since the race was transferred to Town Moor.

The biggest shocks came with the 100/1 shots King Of Clubs (1926), Elton (1929) and Jockey Treble (1947). Since it has been run at Doncaster, the biggest-price winner was the 50/1 shot Bronze Hill (1973) while there have been six 33/1 successes during the same period - Southwark Star (1975), Cuvee Charlie (1988), Evichstar (1990), Roving Minstrel (1995), Stone Ridge (1996) and Zucchero (2002). The shortest-price winner was Saucebox (1855, Evens). During its time at Doncaster, eigth favourites have obliged - Riot Act (1966), Captains Wings (1978), Cataldi (1985), Right Wing (1999), John Ferneley (2000), Nimello (2001), Stream Of Gold (2005) and Expresso Star (2009).

Since its transfer to Doncaster, the most successful trainer has been Paul Cole, with three wins (Kuala Lipis 1997, John Ferenely, 2000 and Nimello, 2001). Jimmy Fortune, successful in 2000, 2001 and 2009, is the only jockey since 1965 to win the race on three occasions. Richard Quinn and Jimmy Quinn are the only other current jockeys to have won the race twice, joining Scobie Breasley, Sandy Barclay, Edward Hide and Greville Starkey. The Lincoln was one of the few races to elude Lester Piggott. Since 1965, Cataldi (1985) and Babodana (2004) share the honour of having carried the biggest weight to victory - 9st 10lb. The lowest winning weight during the same period was the 7st 3lb carried by Southwark Star (1975). The Grimthorpe Chase Historical Doncaster This Doncaster race has a long and varied history but is now a prime stop on the road to Aintree.

The Grimthorpe Chase, run here at Doncaster, has had a varied and intermittent history. Some years it dipped out of the programme book completely while at other times the distance of the race has been radically altered. However in the spirit of Charles Darwin, whose The Origin of Species is currently celebrating its 150th anniversary, the Grimthorpe which may once have been teetering on the edge of extinction has adapted to suit prevailing conditions evolving into a leading Grand National trial. The eponymous Grimthorpe family have been involved in racing for many years. Ralph Beckett, the third Baron Grimthorpe owned Fragrant Mac, who won the 1952 Scottish Grand National, as well as Fortina who was victorious in the 1947 Cheltenham Gold Cup. Fortina went on to sire Fort Leney and Glencaraig Lady who emulated his feat at Prestbury Park. Christopher Beckett, the fourth Baron, was a member of the Jockey Club and director of Thirsk Racecourse.

Prior to the early 1980s the Grimthorpe was run over two miles and 150 yards, taking place on the same card as the Rossington Main Hurdle. The distance was then upped dramatically nearly doubling to a stamina testing four miles and 100 yards. The 1987 renewal, over the longer trip, included the winners of the last three Scottish Nationals in the form of dual-winner Androma and Hardy Lad. The latter won the race however third-placed Little Polveir went on to win at Ayr, reversing the placings with Hardy Lad, and followed up two years later in the Grand National. The distance was changed again to the current trip of three and a quarter miles in the 1990s when it was run as the Velka Pardubicka Grimthorpe Chase. This provided a tie-in with the famous race run in the Czech Republic (previously Bohemia) which is an exacting challenge over varied obstacles, including sections over ploughed fields.

The Velka Parubicka course was based on the Grand National course of the 1880s inspired by the Aintree success of Bohemia-born Count Kinsky on his own Zoedene. The Ultimate Guide to Doncaster Racecourse FAQs The ultimate backdrop.. The history of horse racing on Doncaster Racecourse, or Town Moor, as it is often known, can be traced back to the 16th century. Indeed, Doncaster is still home to the oldest Classic, the St. Leger , established in 1776. For all its history, Doncaster underwent a £34 million redevelopment between 2006 and 2007, which has made it one of the most modern racecourses in the country. Today, Doncaster has the distinction of opening the Flat racing season on turf, with the Lincoln Meeting in March and closing it, with the November Handicap. The racecourse is also the busiest, on turf, in the country, with a total of 35 Flat and National Hunt race meetings throughout the year. Facilities A warm welcome awaits.. Doncaster Racecourse offers race goers four types of basic ticket, known as Family, Grandstand, County and Premier.

Ticket prices range from £6 per person for the Family ticket through a weekday National Hunt fixture to £82.50 per person for a Premier ticket to St. Leger Saturday. Doncaster offers free admission to children under 18 for all fixtures, except those followed by a live music concert and concessions are available for groups, online bookings and senior citizens. Doncaster Racecourse offers a range of hospitality packages, including top quality catering, to suit all types of corporate event and claims to be one of the best conference and exhibition facilities in the Midlands and the North East. For conferences, exhibitions and other corporate events, Doncaster Racecourse offers the Lazarus Exhibition Hall, with 36,000 square feet of floor space and numerous glass-fronted conference and meeting rooms. Advice, equipment and technical expertise is available from an in-house conference support team. Outdoor display and event space is also available, together with free parking for up to 3,000 vehicles. Getting there View Larger Map What makes the Doncaster course so unique? The Flat course at Doncaster is left-handed and approximately two miles in circumference.

It is mostly flat, except for a slight hill about a mile and a quarter from the winning post and galloping in nature. It has a sweeping turn into a long, four and a half furlong straight and is ideal for big, long-striding horses. The National Hunt course at Doncaster consists of eleven fences per circuit, only one of which is jumped twice in races over two miles and a run-in of just over a furlong. The course drains well, so rarely produces testing conditions.. St Leger The highlight of the racing year at Doncaster is undoubtedly the St. Leger Festival , which takes place in September each year and culminates in the oldest Classic, the St. Leger. Together with the 2,000 Guineas and the Derby, the St. Leger forms the so-called “Triple Crown”, last won by Nijinsky, ridden by Lester Piggott, in 1970. Indeed, the St. Leger has become synonymous with the name of Lester Piggott, popularly known as the “Long Fellow”, but Piggott is, in fact, only the second most successful jockey in the history of the St. Leger.

With eight wins, Piggott trails 19th century jockey Bill Scott by one. Nevertheless, it was a piece of characteristic personal manoeuvring by Piggott that convinced Ivan Allen, owner of Comanche Run, to insist that he replaced Luca Cumani’s stable jockey Darrell McHargue in the 1985 St. Leger and so broke Frank Buckle’s 157-year-old record for the number of Classic winners ridden. The longest-priced winners in the history of the St. Leger were Ottrington in 1812 and Theodore in 1822, who both started at 100/1. The shortest-priced winner was Galtee More in 1897, who started at 1/10. Lincoln Handicap The history of the Lincoln Handicap , formerly the Lincolnshire Handicap, can be traced back to Lincoln Racecourse in 1849. It was originally run over two miles and then a mile and a half before being reduced to its current distance, a mile, in 1855. It was transferred to Doncaster following the closure of Lincoln Racecourse in 1965.

Since 1965, the longest-priced winner of the Lincoln Handicap was Bronze Hill in 1973, who started at 50/1. The shortest-priced winner was Penitent in 2010, who started at 3/1. Top Owners, Jockeys and Trainers William Buick (image credit: Biltho ) On the Flat at Doncaster, over the last five seasons, Goldolphin is the leading owner with 27 winners from 156 runners, followed by Hamdan Al Maktoum with 15 winners from 11 runners. William Buick is the leading jockey with 31 winners from 129 rides, although he’s hotly pursued by Paul Hanagan, with 29 winners from 224 rides. The two of them are some way ahead of the pack, headed by Keiren Fallon, with 19 winners from 150 rides. In the training ranks, Musley Bank handler Richard Fahey has saddled more than double the number of runners than anyone else and is, understandably, leading trainer with 33 winners from 307 runners during the last five seasons.

Wiltshire trainer Richard Hannon also does well at Doncaster and he’s in second place with 27 winners from 142 runners in the same period. Over the Jumps, J.P. McManus is the leading owner with 8 winners from 36 runners, followed by Andrea and Graham Wylie with 6 winners from 41 runners. Jockeys James Reveley and Dougie Costello have ridden 15 winners apiece, from 102 rides and 81 rides, respectively and are just one ahead of Denis O’Regan, who’s ridden 14 winners from 77 rides. Nicky Henderson is the leading National Hunt trainer at Doncaster over the last five seasons with 23 winners from 92 runners. Follow Doncaster Racecourse on Social Networks Big Race History: The Lincoln : Events : Horse Racing Free Bet Malcolm Pannett and Philip Alstead fill in the past history of The Lincoln which has its roots in a race first run in 1849.

The Lincoln, or Lincolnshire Handicap as it was known until the race moved to Doncaster in 1964, has been in existence since the middle of the 19th century. A conglomeration of the two-mile Lincolnshire Handicap run in August, inaugurated in 1849 and won by Midia ridden by Barker who weighed in at 4st 11lb, and the mile-and-a-half Lincoln Spring Handicap, inaugurated in 1853. The race changed to the current distance of a mile in 1855 when Sausebox, who went on to win the St Leger, obliged at even money favourite - the shortest price in the history of the race. The event was in danger of disappearing from the programme in 1874 until bookmakers had a whip round raising the then substantial purse of one thousand pounds. The bulk of the money went to the connections of Tomahawk who easily beat 34 rivals partnered by 17-year-old Fred Archer who at the end of the season would be crowned champion jockey for the first time.

The continuing return on the investment, as the race became established as an unpredictable cavalry charge, meant it was a grand well spent by the turf accountants particularly with the Lincoln's emerging link to the Grand National as the first leg of the Spring Double. Jockey Dave Dick uniquely won a renewal of both races taking the Lincoln on Gloaming in 1941 and, fortuitously after Devon Loch's collapse, adding the Grand National on E.S.B. in 1956. The record set for the greatest number of runners in any flat race, when 58 went to post for the 1948 renewal won by Commissar, is unlikely to be broken due to the maximum limits now imposed.

Notable winners include Ob (1906 and 1907) and Babur (1957 and 1958) who both won two years in a row; St Maclou (1902), who beat Sceptre who went on to win four classics that season; Buchanan (1881) an almost white horse who emerged ghostlike from a snow storm; Saving Mercy (1984) the last Irish-trained winner; Amenable (1991), ridden by Alex Greaves the only woman to be successful in the race; and the winners from 1926 to 1937 who are immortalized in the board game Totopoly made by the makers of Monopoly. Lincoln racecourse, also known as the Carholme, closed after Levy Board funding was withdrawn. Shortly before its demise the Lincoln was transferred to Doncaster. The Lincoln was also run at Lingfield (1916) and Pontefract (1942-1944) during war time while Redcar (2006) and Newcastle (2007) stepped in during the recent redevelopment of Town Moor.

10 years ago - Richard Quinn timed his run on favourite Right Wing to perfection smoothly passing Captain Scott in the final fifty yards to win by half a length. Night Of Glass was a further length back in third with Raheen in fourth the only horse on the stands' side to finish in the first eight. Five years ago - Philip Robinson emulated his father Peter, who had won in 1967 on Ben Novus when he partnered Babdona to victory. Robinson tracked the leaders before making his move two furlongs out. The 20-1 shot, trained by Mark Tompkins, stayed on well, under Philip Robinson, to hold the strong finish of Quito by three quarters of a length. Dark Charm and Wing Commander filled the frame providing a clean sweep for those drawn on the stands' side.

Last Year - With Doncaster back centre stage, after the previous year's renewal at Newcastle, the drama unfolded as Smokey Oakey, owned by Dame Judi Dench and Bryan Agar, came from last to first on the stands' side to lead inside the final furlong winning by a length and a half from 2006-winner Blythe Knight who led home the group on the far side. Lincoln Handicap | Horse Racing FA Cup Beginning in 1858~59, this mile-long handicap was originally run at Lincoln racecourse as the Lincolnshire Handicap. It has been held in March each year ever since, replacing a discontinued two-mile summer fixture that had existed there since 1849 and the mile-and-a-half Lincoln Spring Handicap that began in 1853. When the Carholme racecourse at Lincoln closed in 1965, the event shortened its name to the Lincoln Handicap and moved to Doncaster in South Yorkshire, its present home, where the race could be run on a straight mile. Of course, Doncaster Racecourse is best known as the venue where the St.

Leger has been run since 1776, making it the oldest of the five British Classic horse races. But the Lincoln Handicap also occupies an important place on the English Flat Racing calendar, being the first major handicap of the season. As such, the race always draws a sizeable field. In fact, in 1948 there were 58 runnersï¿½a record among races run under Jockey Club rules. An Historic Racing Event Many memorable finishes have been witnessed at the Lincoln Handicap over the years, which is now limited to four-year-olds and upwards. One of the most exciting moments came in 1902 when a three-year-old filly named Sceptre debuted in a close loss, caught out at the very last stride by St. Maclou. Sceptre went on to become the only horse ever to win four of the five English Classics outright. In its long history, the Lincoln Handicap has had only two double winners: Ob in 1906~1907, followed half a century later by Babur in 1957~1958.

Among jockeys, Charlie Maidment claimed the most victoriesï¿½fourï¿½aboard Indigestion (1868), Royal Rake (1870), Guy Dayrell (1872), and Vestminster (1873). Similarly, trainer Jack Robinson brought home four winners: Clorane (1896), winkfieldï¿½s Pride (1897), Prince Barcaldine (1898), and Cinderello (1910). In more recent history, Paul Cole trained three Lincoln Handicap victors: Kuala Lipis (1997), John Fereley (2000), and Nimello (2001). Rider Jimmy Fortune guided the latter two horses to the finish line and then made it a hat-trick by taking Expresso Star to a first place conclusion in 2009. Oddly missing from the list of Lincoln luminaries is jockey Lester Piggott, who raced here but never managed to outrun the field. Racing at Doncaster The racecourse at Doncaster is among seven in Britain operated by Arena Leisure, and it hosts both flat racing and jumps.

It has been home to the November Handicap since 1963, making it the location of both the first and last big handicaps of the racing year. Since 1971, the Lincoln Handicap has been conducted on the first Saturday of Britainï¿½s turf flat racing season, just one or two weeks ahead of the Grand National. As a result, bookmakers often pair the two races to form a market known as the ï¿½Spring Double,ï¿½ with astronomical opportunities for handicappers. Several long-priced entries have made the Lincoln Handicap a happy payday over the years, notably Bronze Hill (1973) at 50-1 and then Cuvee Charlie (1988), Evichstar (1990), Roving Minstrel (1995), Stone Ridge (1996), and Zucchero (2002)ï¿½all at odds of 33/1. The shortest odds of late were on the 2010 winner, Penitent, at 3/1. For many years, the Lincoln Handicap was sponsored by william hill.

The bookmaker took an interval away from the race 1997 and then returned in 2006 for a new round of association, giving the event its official name: the william hill Lincoln. As of 2010, the purse for the handicap has been raised to ï¿½125,000, with more than ï¿½77,000 going to the winner. Comment on this event Doncaster Horse Racing Course - Racecourse Info, VRUN UK Tipster Doncaster horse racing course info About Doncaster Horse Racing Course Doncaster Racecourse, the only racecourse in South Yorkshire, is home to the world's oldest Classic race, the St. Leger, the highlight of Doncaster's season is the four-day festival in September which contains the Group 1 St Ledger run over one mile six furlongs. The course on Town Moor dates back to 1776 and traditionally begins Britain's Flat season 'on turf' in March with the Lincoln handicap and brings it to a close in November with Tote Handicap.

Notable Races Champagne Stakes The Champagne Stakes is a Group 2 flat horse race in the United Kingdom for two-year-old thoroughbred colts and geldings. It is run over a distance of 7 furlongs (1,408 metres) at Doncaster Racecourse during the St. Leger meeting in September. The race was first run in 1823. Aside from some well known names in the winners list, many notable horses have been beaten in the Champagne Stakes. Recently these include Rock of Gibraltar (second in 2001), Haafhd (third in 2003) and Cockney Rebel (third in 2006). Further back, Sceptre (1901), Blenheim II (1929) and Rheingold (1971) all finished placed. Doncaster Cup The Doncaster Cup, known at times in the past as the Doncaster Gold Cup, is a Group 2 flat horse race in the United Kingdom for three-year-old and above thoroughbreds. It is run over a distance of 2 miles 2 furlongs (3,621 metres) at Doncaster Racecourse during the St.

Leger meeting in September. First run in 1766, it is the oldest continuing regulated horse race in the world, though not since its early years has it overshadowed the St. Leger Stakes, now considered Doncaster's leading race. Together with the 2 mile (3,219 m) Goodwood Cup and 2½ mile (4,023 m) Ascot Gold Cup, the Doncaster Cup is part of Britain's Stayers' Triple Crown for horses capable of running longer distances. Only six horses have ever swept the series; Le Moss is the only horse to do it twice. Flying Childers Stakes The Flying Childers Stakes is a Group 2 flat horse race in the United Kingdom for two-year-old Thoroughbreds. It is run over a distance of 5 furlongs (1,006 metres) at Doncaster Racecourse during the St. Leger meeting in September. It is named after the 18th century racehorse Flying Childers, a son of the Darley Arabian bred at Cantley Hall in Doncaster, who is often cited as the first truly great racehorse in the history of Thoroughbreds.

It was first run in 1967. From 1968 to 1973 it was run as the Norfolk Stakes, but when the New Stakes at Royal Ascot took that title it was renamed the Flying Childers Stakes. Lincoln Handicap The Lincoln Handicap (or Lincolnshire Handicap) is a flat horse race in the United Kingdom for four-year-old and above thoroughbreds. It is run over a distance of 1 mile (1,609 metres) at Doncaster Racecourse in late March or early April. The race was first run in 1858 at Lincoln Racecourse, Lincoln, and was relocated to Doncaster in 1965 following the closure of its original venue. It is the first major handicap race of the British flat racing season. May Hill Stakes The May Hill Stakes is a Group 2 flat horse race in the United Kingdom for two-year-old thoroughbred fillies. It is run over a distance of 1 mile at Doncaster Racecourse during the St Leger meeting in September. It was first run in 1976.

Park Hill Stakes The Park Hill Stakes is a Group 2 flat horse race in the United Kingdom for three-year-old and above thoroughbred fillies and mares. It is run over a distance of 1 mile 6 furlongs and 132 yards (2,937 metres) at Doncaster Racecourse during the St. Leger meeting in September. The race was first run in 1839 and is named after Park Hill, the estate of Anthony St. Leger, founder of the St. Leger Stakes. Park Stakes The Park Stakes is a Group 2 flat horse race in the United Kingdom for three-year-old and above thoroughbreds. It is run over a distance of 7 furlongs (1,408 metres) at Doncaster Racecourse during the St. Leger meeting in September. From 1993 to 2002 the race was run at a distance of 1 mile (1,609 metres). It was upgraded to Group 2 status in 2004, having previously been a Group 3.

Portland Handicap The Portland Handicap is a flat horse race in the United Kingdom for three-year-old and above thoroughbreds. It is run over a distance of 5 furlongs 140 yards (1,134 metres) at Doncaster Racecourse during the St. Leger meeting in September. It is a handicap race and was first run in 1855. Racing Post Trophy - Group One The Racing Post Trophy is a Group 1 flat horse race in the United Kingdom for two-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies. It is run over a distance of 1 mile at Doncaster Racecourse in late October. It was first run in 1961 as the Timeform Gold Cup, sponsored by Timeform, and was subsequently known as the Observer Gold Cup (1965-75, sponsored by The Observer) and the Futurity Stakes (1976-88, sponsored by William Hill plc), before taking its present name in 1989 when the Racing Post took sponsorship. Four winners of the race have gone on to win the Epsom Derby the following year. These are Reference Point, High Chaparral, Motivator and Authorized.

St. Leger Stakes - Group One The St. Leger Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in the United Kingdom for three-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies. It is run over a distance of 1 mile 6 furlongs and 132 yards (2,937 metres) at Doncaster Racecourse in September. First held in 1776, it is known as "the oldest classic turf race", having eclipsed the even older Doncaster Cup as the most important race run at the course. It is one of the five British Classic Races and also the final leg of both the colts' and fillies' Triple Crowns. Unlike the earlier classics, the St Leger in recent years has not always been contested by the most highly regarded three-year-olds in training. The established stars have instead tended to be aimed towards the more glamorous and rewarding all-aged Group 1 races over shorter distances, such as the Irish Champion Stakes and the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. However, the St Leger can often be won by a good late-maturing three-year-old with the potential to improve in the following seasons.

Course Details Flat: Left-handed, pear-shaped, galloping. Almost 2m round with 4 1/2f run-in. Round and straight miles. Mainly flat, providing fair test. National Hunt: Left-handed, galloping, generally flat. Heavy ground rare. Circuit 2m. Effect Of Draw: High numbers usually best on straight course. 5 day weather forecast for Doncaster Race Course Contact Doncaster race course Address and telephone number of Doncaster Horse Racing Course. Doncaster Racecourse How to get to Doncaster racecourse Google Map on how to get to Doncaster Horse Racing Course Free mobile phone horse racing tips for Doncaster For Aintree free tips when a meeting is on simply text the word "VFREE" to 80508 for a free sample of our selections. We will give you our best selections for that day. To Join simply text the 'RUN' to 80508. Each message costs £1.50. 2x Tips a day on average with 3 to 4 pieces of advice. To leave send the word STOP to 80508. M247 BM425 WC1N 3XX.

Customer Care: 0843 2081 055. SMS Text costs £1.50 plus standard network charges per message received. Send ‘STOP’ to 80508 to end service. We reserve the right to send you free promotional messages. English Race Course Gazeteer: Doncaster and York Distance: 1 mile Status:Handicap for 4 year olds and upwards As its name implies, this handicap was originally run at Lincoln racecourse. The 1902 renewal saw the three-year-old debut of a filly named Sceptre, who, after trying to make all was caught in the last stride by the year older St. Maclou. Sceptre soon made up for this defeat by becoming the only horse to have won four of the five English Classics outright. Sceptre returned to contest the Lincoln the following year, conceding over a stone to the entire field, and could do no better than fifth. With the closure of Lincoln racecourse the race was moved to Doncaster in 1965, to be run on the straight mile.

Today it is the first major handicap of the English Flat Racing season, and is a race in which the draw plays a key role. It always draws a large field, although nothing like the 58 runners in 1948, which was record for a race run under Jockey Club rules. Distance: 1mile 6 furlongs 132 yards Status: Group 1 for 3 year olds The oldest English Classic, the St. Leger was first run on Cantley Common, Doncaster, in 1776, as "A Sweepstakes," before transferring to its present location on the Town Moor two years later. It was renamed at that time after a prominent local sportsman, Lieutenant General Anthony St Leger, and was run over two miles until 1813, when its distance was shortened to 1 mile 6 furlongs and 193 yards. Those 193 yards were reduced to 132 in 1826 and further down to 127 in 1970, before reverting back to 132 in 1991.

Moved around the country during the war years, the St Leger was run at Newmarket from 1915 to 1918, at Thirsk in 1940, Manchester in 1941, back at Newmarket in 1942 to 1944, and York in 1945. In 1989 subsidence in the Doncaster straight forced the race to be abandoned, and run at Ayr the following Saturday. With the 2000 Guineas and Epsom Derby it forms the third leg of the English Triple Crown, a title last won in 1970 by Nijinsky II. Doncaster is a wide, galloping track with a daunting 4 furlongs home straight, and this makes the race a real test of stamina. Distance: 1 mile Status: Group 1 for 2 year olds Originally the brainchild of Timeform founder Phil Bull, this race was introduced in 1961 to provide a worthwhile opportunity for high-class two year olds bred to stay.

Then known as the Timeform Gold Cup, subsequent change of sponsorship meant it was run as the Observer Gold Cup between 1965-1975 and the William Hill Futurity from 1976-1988; adopting its present title in 1989. It is run over the one mile round course at Doncaster, a flat galloping track which makes it a tough test for a juvenile, especially as the race is often contested on soft ground. Distance: 1 miles 6 furlongs Status: Handicap for 3 year olds and upwards The historic city of York was an important town in Roman times, a fact that is reflected in the name of this race, for the Roman name for York was Eboracum. The race is now the most valuable handicap of its type in Europe, and is a chance for progressive three-year-olds to take on the more seasoned staying handicappers. In 1973 Peleid finished second in this event before going on the win the St Leger, and in 1958 Ebor Handicap winner Gladness went on to win the Ascot Gold Cup.

The race was run at Pontefract in 1943 and 1944. Doncaster - Racecourse Guide Flat Course Jumps Course Doncaster Racecourse has been hosting races since 1700 and hosts two of the oldest races in the World. The Doncaster Cup, which dates back to 1766 and the oldest of the four classics, the St Leger which was run on Town Moor for the first time in 1786. The track hosts 36 race meetings per year, opening the flat season with the Lincoln Meeting at the end of March and then closing the flat season with the November Handicap. Doncaster also hosts some top jumps action through the Winter months with the Skybet Chase and Grimthorpe Chase being the highlights. The highlight of the flat seasony is the 4-day St Leger meeting in September with top class flat action over all four days. The flat course at Doncaster consists of the round course which is nearly 2 miles around plus a 1m straight course, used for the majority of the year, starting with The Lincoln Mile in late March and including The Racing Post Trophy in October .

The straight course is a flat galloping course used for races up to 1 mile in distance. All sprint races at Doncaster are held over the straight course including 5f, 6f and 7f races. The round course hosts races over 1m (off the spur), 1m 2f , 1m 4f including the November Handicap, 1m 6f including the St Leger and 2m. The 1m 2f start is located on the uphill of Rose Hill at the end of the back straight, so the horses come out of the stalls uphill and then hit the summit and come downhill on the sweeping left hand bend, requires a well-balanced horse. The finish straight at Doncaster consists of a flat 4 1/2 Furlong run in and many of the races tend to unfold down the centre of the home straight. A left-handed, essentially flat jumps track, which runs around the inside of the flat course. It is a totally seperate track to the flat. As a well draining course, it rarely gets too testing, with conditions often favouring speedier types despite its galloping nature.

The chase course has 11 fences in total and a 240-yard run-in, chases are well run and this perhaps explains why the casualty figures are so high. The hurdles course consists of 8 hurdles per circuit and is essentially flat, other than the slight incline up and over Rose Hill at the end of the back straight. Today's Market Movers Southwell 2:35 - WILD APPROACH - 44% Ludlow 3:35 - CAPARD KING - 43% Wincanton 4:25 - BLACK MISCHIEF - 44% Chelmsford 5:50 - LIGHTSOME - 38% Racecourse Information | Doncaster Racing & Events, Yorkshire: 01302 304200 ACCESSIBILITY A friendly Yorkshire welcome awaits you at Doncaster Racecourse - home to the Ladbrokes St. Leger Festival. The busy, thrilling atmosphere of a day at the races is matched by our impressive racing pedigree. When it comes to racing fixtures, Doncaster is the busiest dual-purpose racecourse in the UK.

During 2015, we will hold a mixture of 36 National Hunt and Flat race meetings throughout the year, including the Worldâs oldest Classic, the Ladbrokes St. Leger Festival. For sheer spectacle, atmosphere and excitement a day at Doncaster Racecourse is a tradition that is hard to beat. Racedays at Town Moor have been drawing appreciative crowds for centuries and Doncaster has long been regarded as one of the finest racecourses in Europe and the best place for horse racing in Yorkshire. After a Â£34 million redevelopment, racegoers can enjoy an amazing raceday experience at this world-class venue. At the heart of this new development is an impressive five-storey grandstand. The main stand includes stunning new private hospitality suites, a wide range of places to eat and drink, plus luxury dining experiences. Superbly located in the heart of Doncaster, the stunning recourse is a convenient venue for nearby Sheffield and Leeds, whilst links to the A1, M1, M18 and M62 make it easily accessible to other areas of the UK. A day at the races is as casual or as formal as you want to make it.

For most it's an excuse to dress up for the occasion, especially on Ladies Day when many ladies wear their best outfits and hats - not obligatory, but great fun! Families are always welcome with accompanied children under 18 entering for free with free entertainment on racedays. With racing every month - from midweek fixtures to weekend and evening racedays we combine the excitement of racing with entertainment, expect live music and plenty of activities for children, there is a raceday for everyone. So, whether you're a racing enthusiast, a corporate group or visiting us with family or friends, we guarantee a warm welcome and a great day out! Our spectacular raceday, hospitality, conference and exhibition facilities will truly match the exceptional quality of our racing. Doncaster Racecourse is proud of the position it holds within the history and heritage of the industry, which provides Town Moor, in particular the Ladbrokes St. Leger Festival, with a national and international profile. Here are some interesting facts about some of the most famous fixtures hosted at Doncaster: Did you know that the St. Leger Race was named after Lieutenant Colonel Anthony St. Leger? Did you know that the Lincoln Handicap was first run in 1858 at Lincoln Racecourse.

The race was not moved to Doncaster until 1965 in order that it may run over the straight mile. Did you know that Doncaster officially opens the British Flat Racing Season with the Lincoln Meeting held each March and ends the season with the November Handicap.

Question: The St. Leger and the Lincoln Handicap are both run at which racecourse?
Answer: DONCASTER