Enceladus steps up to meet the Ballydoyle pair Christmas Day and Pierre Bonnard in what promises to be a thrilling edition of the St Leger, now celebrating its 250th running. The Group 1 Betfred St Leger is set 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 contenders. Joseph O'Brien, who guided Galileo Chrome to victory in this race back in 2020, now has a very strong chance of adding another classic win to his résumé with Enceladus. The son of the legendary Sea The Stars has been improving steadily with each outing, most recently capturing the King George V Stakes during the Royal meeting.
Enceladus sharpened his form in the Gordon Stakes, a decisive prep race, and could go off as the market favourite under the guidance of Billy Loughnane. Aidan O'Brien, a nine‑time champion trainer, will have four runners in the line‑up, including the Derby‑winner Christmas Day, who is a serious contender under jockey Ronan Whelan. Rain‑softened ground would suit Christmas Day, recalling his triumph at Epsom in wet conditions, and he will receive a five‑pound weight allowance against stablemate Pierre Bonnard, who finished ahead of him at York. Pierre Bonnard, who was runner‑up in the Great Voltigeur, looks well‑suited to the extended St Leger distance after being beaten by the Arc hopeful Maltese Cross.
Another intriguing entry is Amelia Earhart, a quirky yet talented filly who showed signs of resurgence when she placed second in a Group 3 at Cork. The step up to the St Leger will be a massive test for her, but her improving form makes her a dark horse. Among the remaining runners, Andrew Balding’s pair Galiyan and Hatteen are solid each‑way options, while Saffie Osborne will be aboard Joseph O'Brien’s second string, Highwayman. The race also features the 2000 Guineas favourite Desert Castle, who heads a strong field in the Group 2 Betfred Champagne Stakes.
Charlie Appleby’s Frankel colt, a breakout star after a dominant win at Newmarket last month, will be ridden by Billy Loughnane, who is eager to add more victories to his record and keep Oisín Murphy at bay in the jockeys’ championship race. Sky Sports Racing provides the latest horse‑racing news, interviews and features throughout the day.
Gentle Hurricane, who debuted with a win and then placed second in the Acomb Stakes, is expected to be a serious contender; Jason Watson replaces Oisín Murphy on this mount as the champion jockey focuses on Leopardstown. William Muir has spoken enthusiastically about Breacher, who captured a Salisbury maiden on debut and subsequently ran a credible third in Group 3 company.
That form positions him as a potential threat in the upcoming race. Ballydoyle’s Sergei Diaghilev appears to be the top pick among the remaining horses, with Rosberg and Silver Dominion also 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 consistently competitive this season, and the dip in class and distance should make him a favourite under Tom Marquand. Never So Brave, a Group 1 winner from last season, has yet to show form this year, and the same can be said of Wise Approach, the previous year’s Middle Park victor. Ralph Beckett’s Qirat, the 2025 Sussex Stakes winner, ran a respectable race in defeat while chasing Zavateri at Goodwood and remains a contender, alongside Flora Of Bermuda and Volterra, who round out the shortlist.
The opening 1.10 pm British Stallion Studs EBF Maiden Stakes, worth £25,770 to the winner, pits Berkshire Regal against Hmas Perth. Trainer Ed Dunlop, who won the race last year, will be looking for another success with his representative, Beloved Country. Fans can stay updated with the latest racing stories, interviews and features on their mobile devices, ensuring they never miss a beat.
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 opener. Bullet Point leads a field of seventeen in the Pertemps Network Handicap, while Moonfall is expected to attract support from the popular George Boughey‑Billy Loughnane partnership. The day kicks off with high‑quality action from Australia, where Sir Delius (formerly Delius) takes on Sheza Alibi in the Grade 1 Crown Makybe Diva Stakes.
Back in the UK, Solar Edge and Kylian will battle in Lingfield’s feature – the Free Race Replays On attheraces.com Handicap at 4 pm. In the evening, Woodbine hosts world‑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 blend of proven classics, rising stars, and seasoned campaigners, making it a must‑watch event for any racing enthusiast. Whether you are backing the O’Brien family’s dominant entries, rooting for the under‑dog filly Amelia Earhart, or tracking the progress of international contenders, the day promises drama, strategy, and the timeless allure of top‑level flat racing.