What Is The Betfred St Leger Festival 2025 at Doncaster Racecourse?

As summer winds down and the days get a bit shorter, there's always a hunt for one last brilliant event to cap off the season. Well, get your calendars out, because the countdown is officially on for one of the biggest events in the horse racing world.

The prestigious Betfred St Leger Festival is making its grand return to Doncaster Racecourse from Thursday, 11th September to Sunday, 14th September 2025. It's four days of incredible horse racing and amazing entertainment, with a bit of something for everyone, whether you're a seasoned racing fan or just looking for a fantastic day out with friends or family. This isn't just about the horses; it's a full-on festival experience.

A brand new vibe for 2025

And get this: for the first time ever, the 2025 St Leger Festival is introducing a brand-new premium area. Located on the County enclosure Champagne Lawn, this spot sounds like it's going to be the place to be. Over the first three days of the festival, there will be showstopping live performances, including a different celebrity DJ each day.

While the names are still under wraps, it promises to add a whole new layer of energy to the event. This new area is designed to elevate the whole experience, mixing the classic thrill of horse racing with a modern, party atmosphere. It's the perfect blend of tradition and top-tier entertainment.

Kicking off with style on Ladies Day

The festival gets underway on Thursday, 11th September, with the ever-popular Ladies Day. This is the first of four amazing days, and it's all about glitz, glamour, and celebrating personal style. It's the perfect excuse to get dressed up and feel a bit fancy. A huge part of the day is the iconic Style Awards, which are returning in partnership with Meadowhall. Attendees are encouraged to put together their best outfits for a chance to win a seriously impressive prize worth over £1,000. But it's not just about winning; it's about the fun of it all. The atmosphere on Ladies Day is always buzzing, a sea of amazing hats and outfits, making it a brilliant day for people-watching and soaking up the vibrant scene alongside the thrilling horse racing.

History in the making on Doncaster Cup Day

Friday, 12th September, is Doncaster Cup Day, a day that holds a special place in racing history. This is where some of the most prestigious racing of the entire festival happens. The main event is the Doncaster Cup, which happens to be the oldest race in the world still run under the official rules of horse racing. Think about that for a second - this race has been going for centuries! It's also the final leg of the Stayer's Triple Crown.

What's that? Basically, it's a massive achievement for a horse that specialises in long-distance racing, known as a 'stayer'. To win all three races in the 'crown' is a huge deal. So, on this day, you're not just watching a race; you're witnessing a piece of living history unfold. It's a day packed with tradition, skill, and top-class horse racing and excitement.

The main event: Betfred St Leger Day

The flagship day of the whole festival is Saturday, 13th September. The Betfred St Leger Day is the one that attracts enormous crowds, with around 30,000 people expected to be at the racecourse. The energy is electric. The main race, the Betfred St Leger Stakes, is the world's oldest 'Classic' horse race and the final Classic of the season. A 'Classic' is one of the five most important flat races in the British season, so winning it is a career-defining moment for any horse, jockey, and trainer. The drama is always nail-biting as the best horses of their generation battle it out. And the fun doesn't stop when the racing is over. The party keeps going with fantastic live music and DJs providing the entertainment, making sure the incredible atmosphere of the day continues long into the evening. Each day of this four-day festival is special, but this is truly the big one.

Finishing with family fun on Sunday

The epic four days of the festival wrap up on Sunday, 14th September, with the wonderfully named 'Sunday Funday'. As you can probably guess, this day is all about the family. It's a much more relaxed vibe, with a whole host of activities designed to keep everyone, especially the little ones, entertained. On top of a full day of racing, the closing day features the Leger Legends charity race.

This is a brilliant event where ex-professional jockeys get back in the saddle to compete against each other one more time, all in the name of a good cause. It's a day filled with laughter, fun, and a chance to make some great family memories. It's the perfect, relaxed end to an action-packed week of top-class racing and entertainment.

Tickets and pricing information

Getting your hands on tickets is pretty straightforward. The early bird offer has finished, but there are still advanced tickets available. And the great news is that some tickets still start from just £10 if you book before the end of August.

For the finale, the Sunday Funday, advanced tickets for adults start from £20. And here's a massive plus for anyone with kids: on the Sunday, children aged 17 and under get in completely free of charge, making it a really affordable day out for the whole family. The Betfred St festival is truly an event for everyone, from the first day to the last. Whether you go for one day or all four, it's shaping up to be an unmissable event in the 2025 calendar. The combination of horse racing and live entertainment makes each day a unique experience. So, if you're looking for something special this September, The Betfred St Leger Festival is definitely one to consider.