100 local NHS workers invited to celebrate 250 years of racing history at Doncaster Racecourse after surprise visit from Racecourse Representatives
The countdown to the 250th anniversary Betfred St Leger Festival, which takes place from Thursday 10th to Sunday 13th September, has reached a major milestone, and Doncaster Racecourse is marking the occasion by recognising the people who make a difference every day across the local community.
To celebrate 100 days until the historic 250th anniversary running of the Betfred St Leger Stakes, Doncaster Racecourse has donated 100 tickets worth more than £4,000 to staff at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, giving them the opportunity to experience one of Britain's most prestigious sporting events during a landmark year.
The giveaway builds on a popular initiative introduced ahead of last year's festival, when the racecourse gifted 50 tickets to NHS workers to coincide with the 50-day countdown. In honour of the 250th running of the Betfred St Leger Stakes – the world's oldest Classic horse race – the racecourse has doubled the number of tickets this year, making it the biggest key worker giveaway in the festival's recent history.
Representatives from Doncaster Racecourse surprised NHS staff with the news as excitement continues to build ahead of a festival that will celebrate a quarter of a millennium of sporting heritage.
As preparations gather pace, racegoers are being encouraged to secure their tickets early for what promises to be a truly memorable four-day celebration. With tickets available from just £12.50 and free entry for under-18s, the festival offers something for every visitor, while premium hospitality packages provide the opportunity to enjoy the action in style from £185 per person.
The 2026 Betfred St Leger Festival is guaranteed to be packed with world-class racing, live entertainment and special anniversary celebrations to commemorate 250 years of the iconic Betfred St Leger Stakes.
The popular Party Zone returns to the County Enclosure Champagne Lawn across the opening three days of the festival, bringing the ultimate festival vibes with a different headline DJ performing on each day. Mark Wright will provide the soundtrack to Betfred Ladies Day, Ellie Sax Presents Ibiza Anthems Live will bring festival vibes to Betfred Gents Day, while Jordan North will close out the entertainment line-up on Betfred St Leger Day.
The festival commences with Betfred Ladies Day on Thursday 10th September, combining top class racing with fashion, glamour and entertainment. The much-loved Style Awards, held in partnership with Meadowhall, will once again reward the best dressed racegoer with an impressive prize package worth more than £1,000.
Friday's Betfred Gents Day showcases some of the festival's most prestigious racing, including the Betfred Doncaster Cup, the oldest race still run under the rules of horse racing and the final leg of the Stayers' Triple Crown. The day will also feature the Betfred Leger Legends Charity Race for the first time, with former professional jockeys returning to the saddle to battle it out once more to raise money for the Injured Jockeys Fund.
Attention then turns to Saturday 12th September and the centrepiece of the festival, the 250th running of the Betfred St Leger Stakes. As the world's oldest Classic and the final Classic of the British Flat racing season, the St Leger Stakes has shaped racing history for generations. More than 25,000 racegoers are expected to be in attendance to witness the drama and spectacle as another chapter is written in the story of one of sport's most enduring contests.
The festival concludes with Sunday Funday, offering a relaxed family atmosphere and a host of activities designed to entertain racegoers of all ages.
Rachel Harwood, Executive Director of Doncaster Racecourse, commented: "Reaching the 100-day countdown is always an exciting moment, but this year feels even more special as we prepare to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Betfred St Leger Stakes."
"Last year, we were delighted to gift 50 tickets to NHS workers to mark 50 days until the festival. The initiative was so well received that, for this landmark anniversary year, we wanted to go even bigger. Donating 100 tickets to local NHS staff is our way of recognising the incredible contribution they make to our community while inviting them to be part of a truly historic occasion."
"The 250th Betfred St Leger Festival will celebrate everything that makes this event so special – world-class racing, fantastic entertainment and a rich heritage that stretches back a quarter of a millennium. We can't wait to welcome racegoers to Doncaster in September for what promises to be a memorable four days."
Tickets for the 2026 Betfred St Leger Festival are on sale now from just £12.50. Racegoers are encouraged to book early, with several enclosures selling out in 2025 and hospitality availability already limited on selected days. For more information or to book, visit www.doncaster-racecourse.co.uk or call 01302 304200.
