Enceladus steps up to meet the Ballydoyle pair 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 thrilling showdown, with Aidan O'Brien and his son Joseph O'Brien expected to dominate a field of eleven hopefuls.
Joseph O'Brien, who captured 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 outing, most recently adding a victory in the King George V Stakes at the Royal meeting to his résumé.
Ahead of the St Leger, Enceladus confirmed his form with a convincing win in the Gordon Stakes, positioning him as a market favourite under the guidance of Billy Loughnane. Aidan O'Brien, a nine‑time winner of the event, will have four runners in the mix, including Derby hero Christmas Day, who remains a serious contender. Ridden by Ronan Whelan, Christmas Day has proven adaptable, thriving on softer ground—a factor that could prove decisive if rain returns to the course.
He also enjoys a five‑pound weight advantage over stablemate Pierre Bonnard, who finished ahead of him at York and is expected to benefit from the extra distance after a runner‑up finish in the Great Voltigeur against Arc hopeful Maltese Cross. Pierre Bonnard, another O'Brien trainee, appears well‑suited to the extended trip after his near‑miss in the Great Voltigeur. Meanwhile, Amelia Earhart adds a touch of intrigue as a talented but unconventional filly.
After a promising second place in a Group 3 at Cork, she will be stepping up sharply in class, making her a wildcard that could surprise the betting public. Among the remaining entries, Andrew Balding’s Galiyan and Hatteen present solid each‑way options, while Saffie Osborne will take the reins on Joseph O'Brien’s second string, Highwayman. The 2000 Guineas favourite Desert Castle headlines the Group 2 Betfred Champagne Stakes, a race that promises high‑quality competition.
Frankel’s progeny, trained by Charlie Appleby, made a spectacular debut with a dominant performance at Newmarket last month. Now under Billy Loughnane, the colt is expected to continue his ascent, with Loughnane aiming to add more victories and challenge Oisín Murphy’s lead in the jockeys’ championship. Sky Sports Racing will provide the latest horse‑racing news, interviews, and features throughout the day. Gentle Hurricane, after a debut win and a second‑place finish in the Acomb Stakes, is poised to improve further, especially with Jason Watson stepping in for Oisín Murphy in the upcoming plate.
William Muir has spoken highly of Breacher, who secured a Salisbury maiden on debut and later placed third in Group 3 company, suggesting he could be a contender in the current frame. Among the Ballydoyle runners, Sergei Diaghilev looks the most promising, while Rosberg and Silver Dominion also remain in contention.
The Group 2 Betfred Park Stakes, scheduled for 2.55 pm, sees More Thunder drop back to seven furlongs. Trained by William Haggas, the five‑year‑old has been a consistent performer this season, and the reduction in class and distance should make him a tough nut to crack for Tom Marquand’s mount.
Last season’s Group 1 winner Never So Brave has yet to find form this year, as has Wise Approach, the previous year’s Middle Park victor. Ralph Beckett’s Qirat, a 2025 Sussex Stakes winner, delivered a respectable effort when chasing home Zavateri at Goodwood and cannot be dismissed, while Flora Of Bermuda and Volterra round out the shortlist. 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, the previous year’s winner, will be looking to repeat 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 tasted success at this year’s Festival, highlighted by Speed Of Sound’s victory in Thursday’s opening race. Bullet Point leads a field of seventeen in the Pertemps Network Handicap, while Moonfall is expected to attract support from the popular George Boughey and Billy Loughnane partnership. The day will also feature top‑class international action.
In Australia, Sir Delius (formerly known simply as Delius) will take on Sheza Alibi in the Grade 1 Crown Makybe Diva Stakes, a race that should showcase the best of Australian middle‑distance talent. Back in the UK, Solar Edge and Kylian will battle in the feature Free Race Replays On at theraces.com Handicap at Lingfield, scheduled for 4 pm. Later, Woodbine will host a high‑profile evening program, 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 all vying for a valuable prize. Overall, the 250th St Leger offers a rich tapestry of storylines, from the O'Brien dynasty’s strong presence to emerging talents seeking to make their mark on a historic stage.
Whether you are a seasoned punter or a casual fan, the day promises a blend of proven champions, promising newcomers, and the ever‑present drama that makes horse racing an enduring spectacle.