Racegoers, jockeys and fine racehorses will descend on Doncaster for The Cazoo St. Leger Festival from 7th – 10th September. The festival is the highlight of the race calendar for many and 1000’s of people are expected to attend this year’s event.
Why is the festival so popular?
Doncaster has held race meetings since the 16th century. The prestigious Cazoo St. Leger Festival Stakes is the jewel in its crown as the world’s oldest classic horse race. As the final leg of the English Triple Crown, the Cazoo St. Leger Festival Stakes sees out the flat racing season trifecta of hallowed prizes that starts with the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket, continues with the Derby at Epsom and reaches its peak on the track on Town Moor.
What can you expect
Whether you’re a first timer or you’ve been every year for as long as you can remember you’re in for a real treat at the Cazoo St Ledger Festival. Tickets are available for all four days but availability is running low so book soon to avoid disappointment. Ticket prices vary and will suit most budgets – both general admission and hospitality tickets are available.
Highlights of each day include
- Day 1 – Leger Legends Day – The festival kicks off in spectacular style with many retired jockeys returning to action in the feature event by competing in a charity race.
- Day 2 – Ladies Day – The day attracts the finest in fashion, and with a huge £1000 cash prize to be won it’s a day not to be missed.
- Day 3 – Doncaster Cup Day – The penultimate day attracts some of the most prestigious racing of the week with the Doncaster Cup, the oldest race currently run under the rules of horse racing and final leg of the Stayer’s Triple Crown, taking centre-stage.
- This is also THE day to celebrate all things great about Doncaster and is affectionately known as ‘Donny’s Day’
- Day 4 – Cazoo St Leger Day – The Cazoo St Leger Festival’s flagship day brings the event to an end. It is undoubtedly the biggest day of the week and is home to the World’s oldest Classic and final of the season, the Cazoo St Leger Stakes. A well-known saying amongst the racing community states:
“The fastest horse wins the Guineas; the luckiest the Derby – and the best horse wins the St Leger”.
Dress for the occasion
A day at the races is a great excuse to dress up. I’ve just had my haircut for the occasion and have the perfect dress sitting in my wardrobe just waiting to be worn. I’m looking forward to a day with my best friend as it’s been a long time since we’ve had a day out on our own.
If you’re unsure how to dress why not take some inspiration from members of the royal family who always look the picture of elegance and sophistication. You don’t need their budgets or wardrobes to look fabulous, but with a £1,000 cash prize on offer for the winner of the Ladies Day Style, you will certainly want to look your best.
What is the dress code?
Doncaster Racecourse has differing dress codes depending on the enclosure you are planning to visit, so do bear this in mind when choosing your outfit. The Premier Enclosure and Mallard/Lincoln Restaurant ask men to wear a jacket and tie and smart attire for ladies while the County, Hospitality, Owners and Trainers ask for a collared shirt for gentlemen and smart attire for ladies. If in doubt stick to the main rules of no sportswear, denim or trainers and you can’t go far wrong.
Let’s hope the weather and luck are on all of our sides next week. Keep an eye on our Twitter and Instagram accounts on the 9th when we will be spending the day at the festival for “Donny’s Day”.
