Enceladus will line up against the Ballydoyle pair Christmas Day and Pierre Bonnard in the much‑anticipated 250th running of the Group 1 Betfred St Leger. The milestone edition promises a thrilling contest, with Aidan O'Brien and his son Joseph O'Brien expected to dominate a field of eleven runners.
Joseph O'Brien, who claimed the St Leger in 2020 on Galileo Chrome, now has a fresh opportunity with Enceladus. The Sea The Stars offspring has shown steady improvement with each start, most notably by winning the King George V Stakes at the Royal meeting. After a convincing victory in the Gordon Stakes, Enceladus heads to Doncaster as a market favourite under the guidance of Billy Loughnane. Aidan O'Brien, a nine‑time champion trainer, will have four runners in the race.
The most prominent of his entries is the Derby‑winning colt Christmas Day, now under jockey Ronan Whelan. Christmas Day performed admirably on a wet Epsom track, suggesting that any rain on St Leger day could play to his strengths.
He also benefits from a five‑pound weight allowance thanks to stablemate Pierre Bonnard, who finished ahead of him at York. Pierre Bonnard, who was runner‑up in the Great Voltigeur Stakes, should relish the added distance of the St Leger after being beaten by Arc hopeful Maltese Cross.
Another intriguing contender is Amelia Earhart, a quirky yet talented filly who showed signs of resurgence when she placed second in a Group 3 at Cork. The step up to a classic distance will be a stern test for her, but she could surprise if she finds her stride. Among the other entries, Andrew Balding’s pair Galiyan and Hatteen are worth considering as each‑way bets. Saffie Osborne will be aboard Joseph O'Brien’s second string, Highwayman.
The race also features the 2000 Guineas favourite Desert Castle, who heads a quality field in the Group 2 Betfred Champagne Stakes. Frankel‑bred colt trained by Charlie Appleby made a splash with a dominant win at Newmarket last month and will now be ridden by Billy Loughnane, who is eager to add more victories and keep Oisín Murphy at bay in the jockeys’ championship race. In other news, Gentle Hurricane, after a promising debut and a second‑place finish in the Acomb Stakes, is poised to improve further.
Jason Watson steps in for Oisín Murphy in the plate, while the champion jockey remains busy at Leopardstown. William Muir has spoken highly of Breacher, who captured a Salisbury maiden on debut and then held his own with a solid third in Group 3 company. That form justifies a place in the current frame.
Ballydoyle’s Sergei Diaghilev appears the top pick among the remaining runners, with Rosberg and Silver Dominion also in contention. The Group 2 Betfred Park Stakes at 2.55 pm will see More Thunder drop back to seven furlongs. Trained by William Haggas, the five‑year‑old has been a consistent performer this season, and the dip in class and distance should make him a strong contender under Tom Marquand.
Never So Brave, a Group 1 winner from last season, has yet to find form this year, as has Wise Approach, the previous year’s Middle Park victor. Ralph Beckett’s Qirat, the 2025 Sussex Stakes winner, ran a respectable race in defeat when chasing Zavateri at Goodwood and remains a threat. Flora Of Bermuda and Volterra round out the shortlist. The opening 1.10 pm British Stallion Studs EBF Maiden Stakes, offering a £25,770 purse, pits Berkshire Regal against Hmas Perth.
Ed Dunlop, who trained the 2022 winner, will be looking for another success with his runner Beloved Country. Betfred’s Portland meeting at 2.20 pm promises competitive action, with Getreadytorumble and Twilight Calls among the market’s top picks. The team behind Twilight Calls has already tasted Festival success, highlighted by Speed Of Sound’s win in Thursday’s opener. Bullet Point leads a 17‑horse field in the Pertemps Network Handicap, while Moonfall is expected to attract backing for the popular George Boughey‑Billy Loughnane partnership.
The day kicks off with high‑quality Australian racing as Sir Delius (formerly Delius) challenges Sheza Alibi in the Grade 1 Crown Makybe Diva Stakes. Back in the UK, Solar Edge and Kylian will contest the Free Race Replays On at the Attheraces.com Handicap at Lingfield at 4 pm. In the evening, Woodbine hosts a world‑class program, headlined by Notable Speech taking on Archivist in the Woodbine Mile at 10.20 pm. Just 35 minutes later, the E.P.
Taylor Stakes features Diamond Rain, Sea The Fire and Jancis, all of whom have strong chances. Overall, the 250th St Leger offers a blend of proven classics, emerging talent, and seasoned campaigners, ensuring a memorable day for racing fans worldwide.