There’s just one week to go until the highly anticipated Betfred St Leger Festival makes its grand return and the event promises to be bigger and better than ever, with four days of jam-packed racing action and a host of exciting entertainment to match.
The festival spans across four action-packed days of racing, commencing with the Ladies Day on Thursday 14th September for the first time in its modern history, and finishing with the brand-new St Leger Community Funday on Sunday 17th September. Additionally, Friday 15th September will see the return of the Betfred Doncaster Cup, whilst Saturday 16th September will stage the famous Betfred St Leger Stakes..
Whether you’re looking to dress to the nines at Ladies Day or wanting to be part of one of the most prestigious racing festivals in the world, there’s something for everyone at this year’s festival.
This year’s Ladies Day is based around “Made in Doncaster”, which is the overarching campaign for the 2023 Betfred St Leger Festival as Doncaster Racecourse looks to celebrate everything that’s great about the city and South Yorkshire. The racecourse has also commissioned Estelle Pearce and Doncaster-based hat Milliner Clare Barker from ‘Love the Hattitude’ to design and create a bespoke hat for Belles captain Jessica Tugby-Andrew to wear on the day, which will be auctioned after the festival to raise funds for the Belles. The rest of the Doncaster Rovers Belles squad will also be in attendance as guests of honour for Ladies Day. Check out the separate article here on our website where you can be in with a chance of winning two tickets to ladies day.
Sunday 17th September will be the first ever St Leger Community Funday, featuring the Leger Legends charity race. As well as the exciting live horse racing, the day will also feature entertainment & family activities. Parents can soak up the atmosphere and enjoy watching all the horse races knowing there's plenty of fun the whole family will enjoy.
Heading back to the exciting festival of racing and, this may be the last chance you’ll ever have to watch legendary jockey Frankie Dettori take to the saddle, as he has already announced he is set to retire at the end of the 2023 season. You won’t want to miss the possibility of a famous flying dismount for the very last time at the Betfred St Leger Festival.
There could even be a chance to witness the first royal winner of the Betfred St Leger Stakes since 1977, as Desert Hero, the horse owned by His Royal Highness King Charles, is rumoured to being running the famous race this year.
Additionally, for the regular visitors to Doncaster Racecourse, you may spot something rather unusual located right near the finish line, as the racecourse created the first ever “Horsebox Hotel” on site, which two lucky winners taking up residency in for this year’s action. Make sure to keep an eye out and see if you can spot the luxury “Horsebox Hotel”!
Doncaster racecourse has also introduced a brand-new hospitality package for 2023, ‘The Leger Start’, which can be purchased across the first three days of the festival. Situated opposite the Champagne Lawn, this bundle offers you a range of delectable food and drink outlets, washroom facilities and a dedicated drop off and pick-up point. This also includes a welcome drink and racecard, plus access to the live DJ post-party in the Grandstand Hall if you book on Saturday. Tickets for ‘The Leger Start’ hospitality are £99 per person.
Tickets are still on sale for the Betfred St Leger, with general admission adult tickets starting from just £21 when booked online in advance. Groups of 6 or more can also save any extra £2 on tickets and kids under 18 go FREE! Visit www.doncaster-racecourse.co.uk for more information or call the team on 01302 304200 to discuss the numerous hospitality and general admission packages available.
