A sprawling, dual-purpose venue in South Yorkshire, Doncaster Racecourse plays host to approximately 35 premier race meetings per year and has global reverence as being the home of the St Leger Stakes; the final and longest leg of the prestigious British Triple Crown.
According to official markings on the map, the town’s racing history can be traced as far back as the 16th century, with a racecourse being displayed on the Town Moor as early as 1595 which, of course, attracted numerous visitors.
Then in 1776, somewhat of a racing revolution saw Colonel Anthony St Leger establish a two mile race especially for three year olds, which makes this landmark event the oldest Classic horse race in the world, even predating the Epsom Derby and the Oaks.
It was this that really, eventually put Doncaster on the map in racing circles; the St Leger Stakes attracts 10s of thousands of racegoers every year, in addition to significant global media coverage and is arguably one of the pinnacles of the flat racing calendar.
Meanwhile, in 1777 with recognition towards its growing prestige, the local corporation approved construction of the iconic Grandstand at a cost of £2,367; laying the foundations for Doncaster to become a premier and permanent fixture of the British racing society.
The Ultimate Fair Test
Rather like York and, to a degree, Newbury, Doncaster is praised universally as the perfectly “fair track”, with its sweeping, wide and flat five-furlong home straight containing no sharp turns, which means that each horse has a clear and unobscured run to the finish line.
Its picturesque setting makes it a great course to be, whatever the weather conditions and it always manages to pull in the crowds, while there are ample facilities on site to cater for punters’ needs.
Milestones On The Moor
Naturally, Doncaster Racecourse has had its fair share of historic moments in its time, especially when you factor in the Triple Crown King, Nijinsky who won the St Leger in 1970 to secure this.
In 2012, meanwhile, Camelot came agonisingly close to repeating this feat with a very near miss after losing to Encke. Another moment that has particular nostalgia was in 1952 when, merely months after her succession to the throne, Queen Elizabeth II celebrated a historic Classic ‘almost’ victory when her colt, Aureole finished a very close second in the St Leger.
The course has also proven its versatility over the years and has held the Grimthorpe Handicap Chase in the winter which is a major, regional trial for the Aintree Grand National.
Ease Of Access
Doncaster also boasts the advantage of being relatively easy to get to. It’s about a two-hour drive from Newcastle and Liverpool and you can make it from London in three-and-a-half hours.
In addition, its train station is well connected, with direct trains running from London Kings Cross, Newcastle and even Edinburgh with the journey taking just under two hours, making this a very accessible and convenient day out!