St. Leger Stakes

The St. Leger Stakes is a 1 mile 6 furlongs and 132 yards (2937 m) thoroughbred horse race for 3-year-olds colts and fillies run in September of each year at Doncaster, Yorkshire, England. First held in 1776, it is known as "the oldest classic turf race",having eclipsed the even older Doncaster Cup as the most important race run at the course.

History

A sweepstake of 25 guineas was held over two miles (3 km) on Cantley Common, two miles (3 km) east of the current racecourse, on 24th September 1776. The rules stipulated that colts should carry eight stone (50.8 kg) of weight, and fillies seven stone twelve pounds (49.9 kg).

Related Topics:
Sweepstake - Guinea - Mile - Cantley Common - 24th September - Colt - Stone - Fillies

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The event was organised by Charles Watson-Wentworth, 2nd Marquess of Rockingham (a prominent politician and former Prime Minister) and was the idea of Lieutenant Colonel Anthony St Leger (a former MP). On the day, the winning horse (from a field of five) was owned by Rockingham, with a horse owned by St Leger following in second.

Related Topics:
Charles Watson-Wentworth, 2nd Marquess of Rockingham - Politician - Prime Minister - Anthony St Leger - MP

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The event didn't receive its name until a meeting held between the 1777 and 1778 meets. When it was suggested that the race should be called the Rockingham Stakes, the Marquess is said to have replied, "No it was my friend St Leger who suggested the thing to me - call it after him".

Related Topics:
1777 - 1778

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Local legend suggests that Anthony St Leger may have staged a fore-runner of the 1776 race at his private racecourse in Firbeck, eight miles (13 km) south of Doncaster.

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In 1779, the race moved from Cantley to a new course on the Town Moor, where it remains to this day.

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