September 4, 1998. Copyright, 1998, Graphic News. All rights reserved

The historic St Leger
by Midge Todhunter

ÔA good horse wins the Derby, but the best horse wins the LegerÔ Ð its an old Yorkshire saying which many still believe to be true.
Other top courses are specialist tracks, each making unique demands on the equine athlete. But the St Leger however held on DoncasterÕs completely flat Town Moor, is all about what a racehorse does best Ð galloping.
The worldÕd oldest classic race, it was first run on September 24, 1776, when local racing ethusiast Colonel Anthony St Leger organised a sweepstake of 25 guineas for each horse entered.
The list of winners since includes osme of the finest racehorses the world has seen, such as The Flying Dutchman, and the great Ormonde in 1886 Ð probably the best horse of the 19th century, who won in a comfortable canter after already taking the 2000 Guineas and Derby, thus initiating the triple crown. His 20th century counterpart has undoubtedly been Nijinsky, winner in 1970 and owned by the late Charles Engelhard of America.
During its early years the St Leger meeting was mainly patronised by people and horses from the northern counties, but as the eventÕs fame spread, racegoers and contestants came from every part of the land. Horses then had to walk to the course, and a journey from Newmarket could take up to six weeks Ð now they fly in Ôfor the dayÕ from Europe.
Doncaster is one of the oldest established centres for horseracing, where regular meeting were first held in the 16th century. Like Epsom on Derby day, gypsies still gather on the Town Moor for the age-old traditional Festival.
The racecourse today is one of the best in the country, with every modern facility both for racing and racegoers alike. And the Doncaster course has remained the same shape since the straight mile was added in 1910 Ð a left-handed pear shape, almost entirely level throughout.
As the saying goes, thereÕs nothing to offer excuses and best horse usually wins.