Exhibition: The Great St Leger – 250 Years of a Racing Classic

New Exhibition Celebrates 250 Years of the St Leger at Danum Gallery, Library and Museum

Celebrating 250 years since it was first run, ‘The Great St Leger: 250 Years of a Racing Classic’ looks at the fascinating history of a race that remains an integral part of Doncaster’s identity to this day. From the glamour of 18th century Doncaster, through famous visitors to the races and the impact of the coming of the railways the St Leger has remained a constant feature of Doncaster’s sporting and cultural life and holds a special place in the hearts of many. 

The exhibition combines historic objects, archive material, photography, artwork and personal memories to tell the story of the St Leger from its beginnings in 1776 through to the present day, exploring its impact on the town, its people and the wider racing world.

Honouring 250 Years of Racing History

The St Leger Stakes, founded in 1776 by Anthony St Leger, transformed Doncaster into a powerhouse of British racing. Its innovative format, a single, decisive race for younger horses, helped redefine the sport and cemented Doncaster’s place in racing history.

However, Doncaster’s equine story stretches far beyond the race itself. From Roman cavalry exercises on the local landscape to medieval horse trading along the Great North Road, and from aristocratic patrons to the arrival of special race trains in the nineteenth century, horse culture has shaped the town’s identity for centuries.

Today, the St Leger Festival remains one of the region’s most significant social, cultural and economic events, attracting visitors from across the country.

Funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the St Leger 250 project brings together heritage, creativity and community participation to explore the enduring legacy of a race that has shaped Doncaster for generations.

Bringing the Story to Life

A centrepiece of the exhibition is a specially commissioned digital installation by acclaimed artist and storyteller Wayne Sables, created in collaboration with the WE Great Ladies, and featuring students from Doncaster College and pupils from Doncaster School for the Deaf.

Combining digital media, storytelling and community memories, the installation brings together historical narratives and personal experiences, capturing what the St Leger means to people today and ensuring local voices sit alongside the historical record.

The exhibition is part of a wider programme of St Leger 250 celebrations across the city. Throughout the summer, visitors will be able to take part in a range of hands-on family activities inspired by the history and heritage of the race.

In August, the anniversary will feature as part of Right Up Our Street’s Into the Park programme, taking creative St Leger-themed activities into communities across Doncaster.

During St Leger Festival week, artist Andy Welland will unveil a large-scale co-created land art installation at Doncaster Racecourse, Andy has collaborated with textile artist, Karen Hall alongside schools, a care home and specialist college in the creation of racing sashes, large scale festival flags and the land art – all taking inspiration from resources in the City of Doncaster Archives.

Rare Historic Ledger Saved for Doncaster

As part of the project, Heritage Doncaster has successfully secured the purchase of a remarkable 200-page Doncaster Racecourse ledger dating from 1891 to 1898.

The volume contains lists of prominent high society figures admitted as members of the racecourse, including the Duke of Cambridge, Prince Adolphus of Teck, the Earl of Harewood and many other notable racing personalities of the era. The ledger records annual subscriptions and membership details, providing a fascinating insight into the social history of racing during the late Victorian period.

This unique document will become part of the permanent City of Doncaster Archives collection, safeguarding it for future generations.