It’s the 2026 Betfred St Leger on Saturday 12th September as the premier three-year-old staying stars do battle at Doncaster racecourse. Run over a distance of 1m 6f 115y, the St Leger is the oldest of the five Classics and has been won by some of the biggest names in the sport.
Steve Chambers previews the big race and takes a look at the latest betting and odds, as well as all the key trends to be aware of ahead of the event. He then picks out his 1-2-3 for what should be a thrilling renewal.
2026 St Leger Runners
It’s nearly 40 years since the winner of the Derby at Epsom has gone on to claim St Leger glory, but Christmas Day will be looking to join that elite club on Saturday. Aidan O’Brien’s Group 1-winning star relished the rain-softened conditions at Epsom to land the iconic race, but has since been beaten in the Irish Derby and Great Voltigeur Stakes.
The Ballydoyle contingent is likely to be strong and Pierre Bonnard was last seen finishing second in the Great Voltigeur and could be the second shot fired by the O’Brien gun. Star filly Amelia Earhart could be another heading across the Irish Sea to Doncaster, whilst team O’Brien will have a pacemaker looking to set it up for the more fancied runners.
Another O’Brien will look to reign as well as Joseph, son of Aidan, will saddle Enceladus, who is the form horse heading into the race. Progressive through handicaps, he was last seen winning the Group 3 Gordon Stakes at Glorious Goodwood and looks to still be on an upward curve. Highwayman is another that could line up for Joseph O’Brien and is another improving with every run.
A St Leger trial winner, Hatteen could line up for man of the season Andrew Balding, but that raider was beaten in handicap company at Goodwood last time out. Fifth in the Derby at Epsom, Alderman could take his chance for Richard Hannon, whilst Galiyan could be another runner for the aforementioned Balding.
2026 St Leger Racecard
15:35 Doncaster
Betfred St Leger Stakes (Group 1) (No Geldings)
- Going Good
- Distance 1m 6f 115y
- Class Class 1
- Race Type Flat Turf
- Surface Turf
- Runners 11
- Win Time 3m 3s
- 1st £396,970
- 2nd £150,500
- 3rd £75,320
- 4th £37,520
- 5th £18,830
- 6th £9,450
11/1
(Won)
5/2
22/1
40/1
40/1
3/1
22/1
100/1
7/4
33/1
66/1
11/1
(Won)
- Win: £12.00
- Place: £2.60
5/2
- Place: £1.45
22/1
- Place: £5.70
Alderman 40/1
40/1
3/1
22/1
100/1
7/4
Action 66/1
11/1
(Won)
- Win: £12.00
- Place: £2.60
5/2
- Place: £1.45
+o+e Betting Returns
| Payout | |
|---|---|
| Exacta | £29.90 |
| Straight Forecast | £36.85 |
| Tricast | £613.51 |
| Trifecta | £603.30 |
Selections
The Times:
EnceladusSt Leger Trends 2026
Check out some of the key stats and trends for the St Leger:
2026 St Leger Tips
With the O’Brien family sure to dominate this event, it’s trying to work out who will come out on top. Christmas Day was flattered in the Derby, as others struggled in the ground. If the rain stays away then he could struggle to beat his stablemate Pierre Bonnard, who can land this prize from the hugely progressive Enceladus, who can land second. Hatteen has been on the rise and could well finish best of the rest.
FAQ
When and where is the St Leger?
The St Leger will take place at Doncaster racecourse on Saturday 12th September 2026 at 3.35pm.
How can I watch the St Leger on Saturday?
The St Leger is live on ITV at 3.35pm on Saturday.
When were the St Leger tips published?
The tips for the St Leger were published at 1.45pm on Monday 7th September.
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