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 the Group 1 Betfred classic. 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 guided Galileo Chrome to victory in the 2020 St Leger, now has a strong contender in Enceladus. The Sea The Stars colt has shown steady improvement with each start, most notably when he captured the King George V Stakes at the Royal meeting. A win in the Gordon Stakes provided a perfect prep for the long‑distance test, and he may head to the start as the market favourite under the guidance of Billy Loughnane. Aidan O'Brien, a nine‑time winner of the race, will have four horses in the mix.
Among them is the Derby‑winner Christmas Day, who looks a serious threat under jockey Ronan Whelan. The colt performed brilliantly on a wet track at Epsom, so any rain on race day could play to his strengths. He also enjoys a five‑pound weight allowance thanks to stablemate Pierre Bonnard, who finished ahead of him at York.
Pierre Bonnard, a runner‑up in the Great Voltigeur Stakes, should relish the added stamina required for the St Leger after being beaten by Arc hopeful Maltese Cross. Another intriguing entry is Amelia Earhart, a quirky but talented filly who showed signs of resurgence when she placed second in a Group 3 at Cork. The step up to Group 1 company will be a stern test, but her recent form suggests she could surprise.
Among the remaining contenders, Andrew Balding’s pair Galiyan and Hatteen are worth considering as each‑way options. Saffie Osborne will take the ride on Joseph O'Brien’s second string, Highwayman, adding further depth to the O’Brien stable’s representation. Turning to the Group 2 Betfred Champagne Stakes, the headline act is Desert Castle, the 2000 Guineas favourite.
Trained by Charlie Appleby, the Frankel‑colt burst onto the scene with a dominant win at Newmarket last month and will be aimed at a repeat performance under Billy Loughnane. Loughnane hopes to add more victories to his tally and keep Oisín Murphy at bay in the jockeys’ championship. Other notable mentions include Gentle Hurricane, who impressed on debut and then claimed second in the Acomb Stakes; he now looks a credible option, especially with Jason Watson stepping in for Oisín Murphy. William Muir has spoken highly of Breacher, who notched a maiden win at Salisbury and a solid third in Group 3 company, giving him a respectable chance.
Ballydoyle’s Sergei Diaghilev appears to be the top pick among the remaining horses, while Rosberg and Silver Dominion also feature in the mix. 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 consistent at the top level all season, and the dip in class and distance should make him hard to beat under Tom Marquand. Never So Brave, a Group 1 winner from last season, has yet to find form this year, as has last year’s Middle Park victor Wise Approach.
Ralph Beckett’s Qirat, the 2025 Sussex Stakes winner, produced a fine effort in defeat at Goodwood and remains a threat, while Flora Of Bermuda and Volterra round out the shortlist. The opening 1.10 pm British Stallion Studs EBF Maiden Stakes sees Berkshire Regal clash with Hmas Perth for a purse of £25,770.
Ed Dunlop, the previous year’s winner, will be looking for another success with Beloved Country representing his colours. Later, the Betfred Portland at 2.20 pm promises competitive action, with Getreadytorumble and Twilight Calls among the market favourites.
Twilight Calls benefits from a team that already enjoyed success at this year’s Festival, highlighted by Speed Of Sound’s victory in Thursday’s opener. The Pertemps Network Handicap assembles a strong field of 17, led by Bullet Point, while Moonfall could attract support from the popular George Boughey‑Billy Loughnane partnership. The day also features top‑class international racing. In Australia, Sir Delius (formerly Delius) takes on Sheza Alibi in the Grade 1 Crown Makybe Diva Stakes, a race that should showcase the best of Australian staying talent.
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, offering a solid mid‑day contest. The evening culminates at Woodbine, where Notable Speech faces Archivist and others in the Woodbine Mile at 10.20 pm. Just 35 minutes later, the E.P.
Taylor Stakes will feature Diamond Rain, Sea The Fire and Jancis, each with a genuine chance to add to the day’s tally of high‑profile victories. Overall, the 250th St Leger and the surrounding programme deliver a rich tapestry of elite racing, blending seasoned champions with emerging talent. Fans can expect tactical battles, potential upsets, and a celebration of the sport’s heritage as the calendar marks this historic milestone.