The St Leger Stakes is the oldest of Britain’s five traditional Classics, first run at Doncaster in 1776.
The race was founded by Anthony St Leger, an army officer and politician, and was initially run over a shorter distance than today. It is now contested over 1 mile, 6 furlongs, and 115 yards at Doncaster Racecourse in South Yorkshire.
The St Leger is open to three-year-old Thoroughbreds of either sex, unlike the Oaks and 1000 Guineas, which are restricted to fillies. Its position late in the season makes it the final British Classic and the last chance for a three-year-old to complete the English Triple Crown.
The St Leger is often grouped with the Derby, Oaks, 2000 Guineas, and 1000 Guineas as Britain’s five Classics. The Derby itself began in 1780, so it is younger than the St Leger.