Enceladus steps up to meet the Ballydoyle partnership of Christmas Day and Pierre Bonnard in the latest edition of the St Leger, marking the 250th running of this historic Group 1 contest. The race promises a spectacular showdown, with Aidan O'Brien and his son Joseph O'Brien expected to dominate a field of eleven runners. Joseph O'Brien, who piloted Galileo Chrome to victory in this race back in 2020, now has a strong chance of adding another classic win to his résumé with Enceladus. The son of the legendary Sea The Stars has shown steady improvement with each start, most recently capturing the King George V Stakes at the Royal meeting.
Enceladus sharpened his form in the Gordon Stakes, a decisive prep race, and is likely to go off as the market favourite under the guidance of Billy Loughnane. Aidan O'Brien, the nine‑time champion trainer, will have four runners in the field, including Derby‑winner Christmas Day, who remains a major contender. Riding for Ronan Whelan, Christmas Day is expected to benefit from any rain‑softened ground, recalling his Epsom triumph in wet conditions. He will also enjoy a five‑pound weight allowance relative to stablemate Pierre Bonnard, who finished ahead of him at York earlier in the season.
Pierre Bonnard, a runner‑up in the Great Voltigeur Stakes, appears well‑suited to the extended distance after being out‑finished by the Arc hopeful Maltese Cross. Another intriguing entry is Amelia Earhart, a quirky but talented filly who hinted at a resurgence when she placed second in a Group 3 at Cork.
The step up to the St Leger will be a significant test of her ability. Among the remaining contenders, Andrew Balding’s pair Galiyan and Hatteen offer solid each‑way options. Saffie Osborne will be aboard Joseph O'Brien’s second string, Highwayman, adding further depth to the lineup. Turning to the Group 2 Betfred Champagne Stakes, the headline act is Desert Castle, the 2000 Guineas favourite.
Trained by Charlie Appleby, the Frankel‑sired colt burst onto the scene with a dominant win at Newmarket last month. He will be ridden by Billy Loughnane, who is eager to collect more victories and keep Oisín Murphy at bay in the jockeys’ championship race. Gentle Hurricane, who impressed on debut and then placed second in the Acomb Stakes, is another horse to watch. Jason Watson will replace Oisín Murphy in this race, as the champion jockey is otherwise committed to a meeting at Leopardstown.
William Muir has spoken enthusiastically about Breacher, a horse that claimed a Salisbury maiden on debut and later finished a solid third in Group 3 company. That form suggests Breacher could be competitive in the upcoming contest. Among the Ballydoyle runners, Sergei Diaghilev looks the most promising, with Rosberg and Silver Dominion also positioned well.
Later in the day, the Group 2 Betfred Park Stakes over seven furlongs will feature More Thunder, a seasoned five‑year‑old trained by William Haggas. Having performed creditably all season, a step back in class and distance should make him a strong contender under Tom Marquand. Never So Brave, who earned his first Group 1 win last season, has yet to find form this year, as has last year’s Middle Park victor Wise Approach. Both will be looking to rediscover their best.
Ralph Beckett’s Qirat, the 2025 Sussex Stakes winner, produced a fine effort in defeat when chasing Zavateri at Goodwood and remains a threat. Flora Of Bermuda and Volterra round out the shortlist of potential outsiders. In the opening 1.10 pm British Stallion Studs EBF Maiden Stakes, Berkshire Regal will clash with Hmas Perth for a purse of £25,770. Ed Dunlop, who trained the previous year’s winner, will be hoping to repeat success with his representative, Beloved Country.
The Betfred Portland Handicap at 2.20 pm promises a competitive field, with Getreadytorumble and Twilight Calls among the market favourites. Twilight Calls benefits from a team that has already tasted Festival success, notably Speed Of Sound’s victory in Thursday’s opener. The Pertemps Network Handicap will see Bullet Point head a field of seventeen, while Moonfall is expected to attract support for the popular George Boughey‑Billy Loughnane partnership.
The day’s action begins internationally with a Grade 1 Crown Makybe Diva Stakes in Australia, where Sir Delius (formerly Delius) will take on Sheza Alibi in a stylish contest. Back in the UK, Solar Edge and Kylian will duel in the Lingfield feature – the Free Race Replays On at theraces.com Handicap at 4 pm. In Canada, Woodbine will host top‑class evening racing, headlined by Notable Speech facing Archivist in the Woodbine Mile at 10.20 pm. Just 35 minutes later, the E.P.
Taylor Stakes will showcase Diamond Rain, Sea The Fire and Jancis, all of whom have strong chances in the Grade 1 event. Overall, the 250th St Leger and the surrounding programme offer a rich tapestry of talent, from classic‑grade contenders to emerging stars, ensuring a thrilling day for racing enthusiasts worldwide.