Enceladus is set to meet the Ballydoyle partnership of Christmas Day and Pierre Bonnard in the newest edition of the St Leger, marking the race’s 250th running. The Group 1 Betfred St Leger promises a thrilling spectacle, with Aidan and Joseph O'Brien expected to dominate a field of eleven contenders. Joseph O'Brien, who guided Galileo Chrome to victory in this race back in 2020, now has a strong chance of repeating success 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 during the Royal meeting.
Enceladus entered the St Leger after 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 champion trainer, will have four runners in the race, with Derby winner Christmas Day emerging as a major contender for Ronan Whelan. The horse performed admirably on a wet surface at Epsom, so any rain on the day could play to his strengths.
Moreover, Christmas Day will carry five pounds less than stablemate Pierre Bonnard, who actually finished ahead of him at York, adding another tactical angle. Pierre Bonnard, who was runner‑up in the Great Voltigeur Stakes, should benefit from the added distance after a defeat to Arc hopeful Maltese Cross.
Amelia Earhart, a quirky yet talented filly, also appears on the card. She showed signs of resurgence with a second‑place finish in a Group 3 race at Cork, but the St Leger represents a significant step up in class for her. Among the remaining entries, Andrew Balding’s pair Galiyan and Hatteen are worth considering as each‑way bets. Saffie Osborne will take the ride on Joseph O'Brien’s second string, Highwayman.
The headline act in the Group 2 Betfred Champagne Stakes is Desert Castle, the 2000 Guineas favourite, trained by Charlie Appleby. The Frankel colt made a spectacular debut with a dominant win at Newmarket last month and will be aimed at further success under Billy Loughnane, who hopes to add more victories and keep Oisín Murphy at bay in the jockeys’ championship race.
Sky Sports Racing continues to provide the latest horse‑racing news, interviews and features. Gentle Hurricane, who impressed on debut and then placed second in the Acomb Stakes, is expected to improve further and could be a solid contender. Jason Watson will replace Oisín Murphy on this plate, as the champion jockey is otherwise committed at Leopardstown.
William Muir has spoken highly of Breacher, who won a maiden at Salisbury on his first start and later finished a respectable third in Group 3 company. That form suggests he could be competitive in this race.
Among the Ballydoyle runners, Sergei Diaghilev looks the most promising, with Rosberg and Silver Dominion also in the mix. The Group 2 Betfred Park Stakes, a seven‑furlong contest at 2.55 pm, sees More Thunder stepping down in distance. Trained by William Haggas, the five‑year‑old has been a consistent performer all season, and the drop in class and distance should make him a tough nut to crack for 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, ran a fine race in defeat when chasing Zavateri 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, offering £25,770 to the winner, pits Berkshire Regal against Hmas Perth. Ed Dunlop, who won the race last year, will be looking for another triumph with his representative Beloved Country. Fans can stay up‑to‑date with the latest racing stories, interviews and features on their mobile devices.
The Betfred Portland at 2.20 pm promises a competitive field, with Getreadytorumble and Twilight Calls among the market favourites. The team behind Twilight Calls has already tasted Festival success, with Speed Of Sound winning Thursday’s opening race. Bullet Point leads a 17‑horse field in the Pertemps Network Handicap, while Moonfall is likely to attract support for the popular George Boughey and Billy Loughnane partnership. The day kicks off with high‑quality 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 clash in Lingfield’s feature Free Race Replays On attheraces.com Handicap at 4 pm. In the evening, Woodbine hosts top‑class competition, headlined by Notable Speech facing Archivist and others 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 rich tapestry of talent, with seasoned champions, rising stars and strategic jockey placements all converging for a historic contest. Whether you are a seasoned punter or a casual fan, the race promises drama, skill and the chance to witness a new chapter in the storied legacy of the St Leger.