The closing day of the Betfred St Leger Festival brings a headline clash between two well‑regarded fillies: Toulee n and Forty Years On, meeting in the Group 3 Japan Racing Association Sceptre Fillies' Stakes. This contest pits the seasoned campaigner Touleen, currently the top‑rated horse for trainer Owen Burrows and his new jockey David Probert, against the rapidly improving George Scott‑trained Forty Years On, who has impressed in her most recent outings. Touleen has demonstrated top‑class ability on her day, but recent form has been a mixed bag.
She has been beaten in her last two starts, including a narrow loss at the same level in the Coronation Stakes earlier this season. In an effort to sharpen her focus, her trainer has added cheekpieces to her equipment, hoping the added stimulus will tip the balance in a race where a first stakes victory has thus far eluded her. Many observers felt she was unlucky in the Coronation Stakes defeat to Precise, and the connections are eager to see her break through at Doncaster. Forty Years On, meanwhile, has been on an upward trajectory.
The filly secured victories in her previous two starts, and her performance over the same course and distance last time out suggests she will be a formidable opponent in the warm summer heat. Her recent wins have built confidence, and she will be keen to continue that momentum in a Group 3 test. The field also includes several each‑way contenders.
Darnation and The Prettiest Star both offer solid chances, while 102‑rated Magic Basma is looking to snap a long‑running winless streak that dates back to her debut thirteen starts ago. A strong contingent will also contest the Betfred City of Doncaster Handicap, where Wechaad, a son of Oasis Dream, is expected to be popular with the Roger Varian stable. Wechaad won over this course and distance last season and, after a respectable third at Newmarket, is poised to improve on a track that suits his pedigree.
Today's Sky Sports Racing coverage highlights Windsor’s flat season finale as the marquee event for Monday. In the St Leger itself, history was made as Saffie Osborne became the first woman to win a British Classic, riding Highwayman to victory at Doncaster.
Osborne’s emotional triumph was captured in multiple headlines, celebrating her breakthrough and the significance of the moment for the sport. Additional storylines include Desert Castle, who is priced at 6/1 for the 2000 Guineas after a Champagne Stakes win at Doncaster, and a blog post from jockey Hollie Doyle expressing her enthusiasm for Forty Years On in the Sceptre Stakes on the festival's final day. In the Betfred Mallard Handicap, Valedictory and Say What You See lead a field of nine. Valedictory, trained by John and Thady Gosden, has been a consistent performer this summer, winning two of six starts.
After a slightly disappointing run at York, his connections have added a visor for the Doncaster outing, hoping to sharpen his focus. Say What You See, a son of Belardo, remains on an upward trend after a strong performance at York and will aim to challenge for the win.
Other notable runners include Ernst Blofeld, who has hinted at greater ability, and lightly‑raced All In You, both offering potential upsets. Over at the Town Moor, the Betfred "The Classic Bookmaker" Handicap at 1.55 pm features Asuka, backed by the George Boughey and Billy Loughnane partnership, while Completely Random, who finished fourth in the Stewards' Cup, carries a 2‑lb penalty to 104 lb. In Bath, the 3.50 pm Loud Hire Production Services Bath Summer Sprint Series Final Handicap sees Dark Sun and Geemann go head‑to‑head, following the 3.15 pm Loud Hire Staging Hire Bath Summer Stayers' Series Final Handicap, which was highlighted by Boilermaker. Across the Channel, French racing action includes Francis‑Henri Graffard’s Rayevka, who looks the star in the Prix du Petit Couvert at 1.33 pm.
The day continues with the Prix du Pin at 2.50 pm and the Prix du Prince d'Orange at 3.25 pm, where Daryzan will meet Phineas in a competitive finish. Overall, the final day of the St Leger Festival offers a rich tapestry of storylines: a seasoned filly seeking her first stakes win, a rising talent aiming to cement her progress, and a host of supporting races that showcase emerging stars and seasoned campaigners alike. Fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports Racing, where the blend of historic moments, such as Saffie Osborne’s groundbreaking victory, and the day‑to‑day drama of the Sceptre Stakes will keep the racing community engaged from start to finish.