Enceladus is set to square off against the Ballydoyle partnership of Christmas Day and Pierre Bonnard in the latest edition of the St Leger, marking the 250th running of this prestigious Group 1 race. The event 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 victory in this race back in 2020 aboard Galileo Chrome, now has a strong chance of repeating his success with Enceladus. The son of the legendary Sea The Stars has shown steady improvement with each start, most recently adding a win in the King George V at the Royal meeting to his résumé.
He entered the St Leger after a convincing performance in the Gordon Stakes, and under the guidance of trainer Billy Loughnane he may go off as the market favourite. Aidan O'Brien, a nine‑time champion trainer, has entered four horses, with the Derby‑winner Christmas Day being a major contender. Ridden by Ronan Whelan, Christmas Day has proven his versatility, thriving on soft ground at Epsom, which could be an advantage if the weather turns rainy.
He also enjoys a five‑pound weight allowance thanks to the presence of stablemate Pierre Bonnard, who actually finished ahead of him at York earlier in the season. Pierre Bonnard, who was runner‑up in the Great Voltigeur, is expected to benefit from the added distance of the St Leger after being beaten by the Arc hopeful Maltese Cross.
Another intriguing entry is the filly Amelia Earhart, a talented but unconventional runner. She showed signs of resurgence when she placed second in a Group 3 at Cork, but the St Leger represents a significant step up in class for her.
Among the remaining runners, Andrew Balding’s pair Galiyan and Hatteen are worth considering as each‑way options. Saffie Osborne will take the reins on Joseph O'Brien’s second string, Highwayman. The headline act in the Group 2 Betfred Champagne Stakes is Desert Castle, the 2000 Guineas favourite, who will be looking to continue his impressive form.
Frankel‑bred colt trained by Charlie Appleby burst onto the scene with a dominant win at Newmarket last month. He will be ridden by Billy Loughnane, who hopes to add another victory to his tally and keep Oisín Murphy at bay in the jockeys’ championship race. Gentle Hurricane made a promising debut before stepping up to finish second in the Acomb Stakes, and now has the chance to prove himself against higher‑class opposition. Jason Watson will replace Oisín Murphy on this mount, as Murphy is committed elsewhere at Leopardstown.
William Muir has spoken enthusiastically about Breacher, who secured a maiden win at Salisbury on debut and subsequently placed third in Group 3 company. That form suggests he could be competitive in this race.
Ballydoyle’s Sergei Diaghilev looks the most likely pick among the remaining entries, while Rosberg and Silver Dominion also remain in contention. In the Group 2 Betfred Park Stakes at 2.55 pm, More Thunder drops back to seven furlongs. Trained by William Haggas, the five‑year‑old has been consistently near the top of the standings this season, and the step down in class and distance should make him a tough opponent for 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.
Both are likely to struggle. Ralph Beckett’s Qirat, the 2025 Sussex Stakes winner, ran a respectable race in defeat when chasing Zavateri at Goodwood and cannot be ruled out. Flora Of Bermuda and Volterra round out the shortlist of potential threats.
The opening 1.10 pm British Stallion Studs EBF Maiden Stakes, worth £25,770 to the winner, will see Berkshire Regal clash with Hmas Perth. Ed Dunlop, who won this race last year, will be looking for another success with his representative Beloved Country. The Betfred Portland at 2.20 pm promises a competitive field, with Getreadytorumble and Twilight Calls among the market favourites.
Twilight Calls’ connections have already enjoyed Festival success, highlighted by Speed Of Sound’s victory in Thursday’s opener. Bullet Point tops a 17‑horse field in the Pertemps Network Handicap, while Moonfall is likely to attract support for the popular George Boughey‑Billy Loughnane partnership. The day will begin with top‑class Australian action as Sir Delius (formerly Delius) takes on Sheza Alibi in the Grade 1 Crown Makybe Diva Stakes. Back in the UK, Solar Edge and Kylian will contest Lingfield’s feature – the Free Race Replays On attheraces.com Handicap at 4 pm.
In the evening, Woodbine will host elite competition, headlined by Notable Speech versus Archivist in the Woodbine Mile at 10.20 pm. Just 35 minutes later, the E.P. Taylor Stakes will see Diamond Rain, Sea The Fire and Jancis among the leading contenders.
Overall, the 250th St Leger offers a rich tapestry of talent, from proven Group winners to emerging stars, making it a must‑watch race for any racing enthusiast.