Thrilling Races Set to Launch St Leger Festival at Doncaster

The prestigious St Leger Festival at Doncaster kicks off today, featuring a full schedule of competitive horse racing. Alongside action from Doncaster, fans can also enjoy races from Newcastle, Uttoxeter, and Longchamp, all broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing.

Highlights of the Park Hill Fillies’ Stakes

The first major race of the day is the 15:00 Doncaster – the Group Two Park Hill Fillies’ Stakes. This year’s contest showcases a thrilling matchup between Crepe Suzette and Danielle, both trained by John and Thady Gosden. Their stable has secured three victories in the last six editions of this race, indicating strong prospects for both horses.

“Danielle aims to improve upon her recent performances, having finished second to Waardah at Goodwood,”

said a representative from the Gosden stable. If she can replicate that form, she will be a formidable contender under jockey James Doyle. Meanwhile, Crepe Suzette is coming off a marked improvement after a solid showing in a Listed race at York, making her a horse to watch as she steps up in trip.

Also in the race is Santorini Star, who recently won at York and remains a contender despite a drop back in distance. Sir Mark Prescott’s filly, Consent, could surprise after experiencing a tough outing at Deauville last time, should luck be on her side.

Exciting Prospects in the Betfred May Hill Stakes

The 14:25 Doncaster features the Group Two Betfred May Hill Stakes, headlined by Moon Target. The filly, trained by Karl Burke, has made quite an impression, winning her first two races before facing tougher competition at Goodwood. Despite her first defeat, she is expected to thrive in the softer ground conditions and longer distance today.

Challenging her will be Venetian Lace, who has shown promise in her summer outings, including a solid performance at Newmarket. Under new rider William Buick, she could provide a strong each-way option. Other notable entries include Aylin, who has recently shown good form, and Sugar Island, also among the contenders.

The day begins with the 13:50 Doncaster, where Song Of The Clyde and Brussels vie for the £300,000 Weatherbys Scientific 2-Y-O Stakes. Aidan O’Brien‘s Brussels, piloted by Christophe Soumillon, is looking to capitalize on his debut win at the Curragh. In a competitive field, Clive Cox’s Song Of The Clyde poses a significant threat after a strong showing at York.

As the day progresses, attention will be on the 15:35 Doncaster, where Hopewell Rock and Molveno will headline a robust Class Two race. Special Dividend has high expectations in the 16:10 Doncaster after a commendable third place in a competitive handicap at York.

For fans of jumps racing, the 18:05 Uttoxeter will feature last-time winners Idy Wood and Icare Allen. Meanwhile, the 18:25 Newcastle offers a competitive Fillies’ Handicap, where Not Now Nathaniel is favored to follow up on her recent success.

The action at Longchamp adds an international touch, with the 14:30 race showcasing talented colts in the Group Three Prix la Rochette. Later in the afternoon, the 15:05 Group Two Prix d’Aumale will feature smart two-year-olds, including the unbeaten filly Green Spirit.

With a day packed with riveting races, the St Leger Festival at Doncaster promises to deliver excitement and drama for racing enthusiasts.