The world’s oldest Classic horse race turns 250 this year, and Doncaster is marking the milestone with a major new exhibition at Danum Gallery, Library and Museum (DGLAM), opening on 8 August.
The Great St Leger: 250 Years of a Racing Classic has been developed by Heritage Doncaster in partnership with City of Doncaster Archives and Doncaster Racecourse. It combines historic objects, archive material, photography, artwork and personal memories to tell the story of the St Leger Stakes from its founding in 1776 through to the present day, exploring its impact on the town, its people and the wider racing world.
The St Leger Stakes was founded in 1776 by Anthony St Leger. Its innovative format — a single, decisive race for younger horses — helped redefine the sport and cemented Doncaster’s place in racing history. But the town’s equine story stretches well beyond the race itself: from Roman cavalry exercises on the local landscape to medieval horse trading along the Great North Road, aristocratic patrons and the arrival of special race trains in the nineteenth century, horse culture has shaped Doncaster’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.
The exhibition’s centrepiece is a specially commissioned digital installation by 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 Deaf Children. It combines digital media, storytelling and community memories to capture what the St Leger means to people today, ensuring local voices sit alongside the historical record.
History and heritage
The exhibition is part of a wider programme of St Leger 250 celebrations across the city, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Throughout the summer, visitors can take part in hands-on family activities inspired by the history and heritage of the race, and in August the anniversary features as part of Right Up Our Street’s Into the Park programme, bringing 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, having worked with textile artist Karen Hall, local schools, a care home and a specialist college on racing sashes, festival flags and the land art itself, all inspired by resources held in the City of Doncaster Archives.
As part of the project, Heritage Doncaster has also secured the purchase of a 200-page Doncaster Racecourse ledger dating from 1891 to 1898. The volume lists prominent society figures admitted as members of the racecourse, including the Duke of Cambridge, Prince Adolphus of Teck and the Earl of Harewood, alongside annual subscription and membership records offering a glimpse into the social history of racing in the late Victorian period. The ledger will now become part of the permanent City of Doncaster Archives collection.
Councillor David Nevett, cabinet member for adults, wellbeing and culture, said: “The St Leger is woven into the fabric of Doncaster’s history and identity, and this 250th anniversary provides a unique opportunity to celebrate that remarkable legacy. Through this exhibition and the wider programme of activities, we are bringing together heritage, creativity and community participation so that people of all ages can discover and share their own connections to this world-famous race.”
He added: “We are grateful to The National Lottery Heritage Fund and all our partners for helping make these celebrations possible.”
Rachel Harwood, chief executive of Doncaster Racecourse, said: “The St Leger has been at the heart of Doncaster for 250 years and remains one of the most prestigious events in the British sporting calendar. We are proud to be part of this partnership project, which not only celebrates the race’s extraordinary history but also captures the stories, memories and experiences of the people who have made it such an important part of our city’s heritage.”
She added: “This anniversary is a moment for everyone in Doncaster to be involved in.”
The Great St Leger: 250 Years of a Racing Classic runs at Danum Gallery, Library and Museum from 8 August to 7 November 2026. Admission is free.
