Enceladus steps up to meet the Ballydoyle pair of Christmas Day and Pierre Bonnard in the latest edition of the St Leger, marking the 250th running of the prestigious Group 1 race. The event promises a thrilling contest, with Aidan O'Brien and his son 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 with his own mount, Enceladus. The son of the legendary Sea The Stars has shown steady improvement with each start, highlighted by a win in the King George V Stakes at the Royal meeting.
Enceladus sharpened his form in the Gordon Stakes, a convincing performance that positions 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. Among them, Derby winner Christmas Day is a major contender, now partnered with jockey Ronan Whelan. The horse performed exceptionally well on soft ground at Epsom, suggesting that any rain on race day could play to his strengths.
Moreover, Christmas Day will carry five pounds less than his stablemate Pierre Bonnard, who actually finished ahead of him at York, adding an intriguing tactical dimension. Pierre Bonnard, who was runner‑up in the Great Voltigeur Stakes, should relish the added distance of the St Leger after being beaten by the Arc hopeful Maltese Cross.
Amelia Earhart, a quirky yet talented filly, also merits attention. She displayed signs of resurgence when she placed second in a Group 3 race at Cork, but the St Leger represents a significant step up in class and stamina. Other notable entries include the Andrew Balding‑trained pair Galiyan and Hatteen, both of which offer attractive each‑way possibilities.
Saffie Osborne will take the reins on 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 the 2000 Guineas favourite Desert Castle.
Trained by Charlie Appleby, the Frankel‑blooded colt burst onto the scene with a dominant win at Newmarket last month. He will be ridden by Billy Loughnane, who is eager to add more victories and keep Oisín Murphy at bay in the jockeys’ championship race. The race card also features Gentle Hurricane, who impressed on debut and then improved to finish second in the Acomb Stakes.
Jason Watson replaces Oisin Murphy on this horse for the plate, while the champion jockey remains busy at Leopardstown. William Muir has spoken highly of Breacher, a promising youngster who claimed a Salisbury maiden on his first start and later finished a solid third in Group 3 company. That form suggests he could be a contender in the upcoming race.
Among the remaining Ballydoyle entries, Sergei Diaghilev looks the most likely to make an impact, with Rosberg and Silver Dominion also in the mix. In the Group 2 Betfred Park Stakes at 2:55 pm, More Thunder steps back to seven furlongs. Trained by William Haggas, the five‑year‑old has been a consistent performer at the top level all season.
The drop in class and distance should make him a tough nut to crack under Tom Marquand. Never So Brave, who secured 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, delivered a fine effort in defeat when chasing home Zavateri at Goodwood and remains a threat. Flora Of Bermuda and Volterra round out the shortlist of potential challengers. The opening 1:10 pm British Stallion Studs EBF Maiden Stakes, offering a £25,770 prize, will see Berkshire Regal clash with Hmas Perth.
Ed Dunlop, who trained the previous year’s winner, will be hoping for another success with his representative Beloved Country. Fans can stay up‑to‑date with the latest racing news, interviews and features via the Sky Sports Racing app, ensuring they never miss a story. The Betfred Portland at 2:20 pm promises a competitive field, with Getreadytorumble and Twilight Calls among the market leaders. 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 tops a 17‑horse field in the Pertemps Network Handicap, while Moonfall is expected to attract support from the popular George Boughey‑Billy Loughnane partnership. The day will also showcase top‑quality action from Australia, where Sir Delius (formerly known simply as 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, a race streamed live on attheraces.com. In the evening, Woodbine will host a world‑class card, 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 St Leger meeting offers a rich tapestry of storylines—from seasoned champions defending their reputations to emerging stars looking to make a mark. Whether you are a seasoned punter or a casual fan, the blend of seasoned expertise, youthful talent, and unpredictable conditions ensures an unforgettable day of racing.