Enceladus steps up to meet the Ballydoyle pair Christmas Day and Pierre Bonnard in the newest edition of the St Leger, marking the 250th running of this historic Group 1 contest. The race promises to be a showcase of top‑class talent, 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 the 2020 St Leger aboard Galileo Chrome, now has a fresh opportunity with Enceladus.
The son of the legendary Sea The Stars has been improving with each start, most recently adding a win in the King George V Stakes at Royal Ascot to his résumé. After a convincing triumph in the Gordon Stakes, Enceladus entered the St Leger as the market favourite, ridden by the talented Billy Loughnane. Aidan O'Brien, a nine‑time St Leger winner, will have four runners in the race, including the Derby‑winner Christmas Day, who is considered a major contender under the guidance of Ronan Whelan. The colt performed brilliantly on heavy ground at Epsom, and any rain on the day would likely suit him even more.
Adding to his chances is stable‑mate Pierre Bonnard, who finished ahead of Christmas Day at York and will be carrying five pounds less. Pierre Bonnard, who was runner‑up in the Great Voltigeur Stakes, is expected to benefit from the extended 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 who showed signs of resurgence with a runner‑up finish in a Group 3 at Cork. The step up to the St Leger is a significant challenge for her, but she could surprise if she finds her stride. Among the remaining runners, Andrew Balding’s pair Galiyan and Hatteen are viewed as solid each‑way options. Saffie Osborne will take the reins on Joseph O'Brien’s second string, Highwayman, offering another possible upset.
The programme also includes the Group 2 Betfred Champagne Stakes, where the 2000 Guineas favourite Desert Castle headlines a high‑quality field. Trained by Charlie Appleby, the Frankel‑bred colt burst onto the scene with a dominant win at Newmarket last month and will be guided once again by Billy Loughnane, who hopes to add more victories to his record 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 expected to improve further. Jason Watson will replace Oisín Murphy on this horse in the upcoming plate, while Murphy focuses on a race at Leopardstown. William Muir has spoken highly of Breacher, who claimed a Salisbury maiden on debut and then produced a respectable third in Group 3 company.
That form suggests he could be competitive in the upcoming race. Ballydoyle’s Sergei Diaghilev appears to be the top pick among the remaining entries, with Rosberg and Silver Dominion also in contention. The Group 2 Betfred Park Stakes, a seven‑furlong contest at 2.55 pm, will feature More Thunder, a five‑year‑old trained by William Haggas. After a season of solid performances at the top level, the drop 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 struggled to find form this year, as has last year’s Middle Park victor Wise Approach. Both are likely to be out‑classed.
Ralph Beckett’s Qirat, the 2025 Sussex Stakes winner, ran a respectable race in defeat while chasing Zavateri at Goodwood and remains a threat. Flora Of Bermuda and Volterra round out the shortlist of possible challengers. 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 won the 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 benefits from a team that has already tasted success at this year’s Festival, highlighted by Speed Of Sound’s victory in Thursday’s opening race. The Pertemps Network Handicap will feature a field of 17, led by Bullet Point.
Moonfall, partnered with the popular George Boughey‑Billy Loughnane combination, is also expected to attract considerable support. The day will begin with top‑class action from Australia, where Sir Delius (formerly Delius) will take on Sheza Alibi in the Grade 1 Crown Makybe Diva Stakes. Back in the UK, Solar Edge and Kylian will contest the feature Handicap at Lingfield at 4 pm, broadcast on attheraces.com. In the evening, Woodbine will host a world‑class meeting headlined by Notable Speech facing 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 compelling mix of proven champions, rising stars, and seasoned campaigners, all vying for a coveted spot in racing history. Whether you are a seasoned punter or a casual fan, the day’s programme provides plenty of storylines, tactical battles, and the ever‑present possibility of an unexpected upset.