2026 St Leger: Contenders, Odds, Date and Race Preview
The 2026 St Leger Stakes takes place at Doncaster Racecourse on Saturday 12th September 2026, marking 250 years since the first running of Britain’s oldest Classic in 1776.
Run over 1 mile, 6 furlongs and 115 yards, the Group 1 contest is open to three-year-old colts and fillies and carries guaranteed prize money of £700,000.
2026 St Leger Race Details
| Date | Saturday 12 September 2026 | ||
| Course | Doncaster | ||
| Distance | 1m 6f 115yds | ||
| Grade | Group 1 | ||
| Age | Three-year-olds | ||
| Prize Money | £700,000 | ||
| Sponsor | Betfred |
Latest 2026 St Leger Odds
The ante-post market currently has Maltese Cross and Christmas Day at the head of the betting.
| Horse | Trainer | Odds | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maltese Cross | William Haggas | 3/1 | ||
| Christmas Day | Aidan O’Brien | 10/3 | ||
| Pierre Bonnard | Aidan O’Brien | 6/1 | ||
| Enceladus | Joseph O’Brien | 10/1 | ||
| Benvenuto Cellini | Aidan O’Brien | 11/1 | ||
| Point Of Law | John & Thady Gosden | 12/1 | ||
| Ancient Egypt | Charlie Johnston | 12/1 | ||
| Montreal | Aidan O’Brien | 14/1 | ||
| Galiyan | Andrew Balding | 14/1 |
Odds correct at 11 th August 2026
Leading 2026 St Leger Contenders
Maltese Cross
William Haggas-trained Maltese Cross has emerged as one of the strongest St Leger candidates after finishing second in the Derby and subsequently winning the Group 1 Grand Prix de Paris.
His stamina and progressive profile make him an obvious contender for Doncaster, although connections also have other major autumn targets available.
Christmas Day
Christmas Day brings Classic-winning form into the race after victory in the 2026 Derby.
The Aidan O’Brien-trained colt later finished runner-up in the Irish Derby and looks the type who could benefit from the longer St Leger distance.
Pierre Bonnard
Another major Ballydoyle contender is Pierre Bonnard, who finished third in the Irish Derby and remains prominent in the betting. The step up in distance could bring further improvement.
Enceladus
Joseph O’Brien’s Enceladus is one of the more progressive runners in contention. His victories during 2026 include success at Royal Ascot and in the Gordon Stakes at Goodwood.
Benvenuto Cellini
Benvenuto Cellini won the Irish Derby after an unlucky Derby run and gives Aidan O’Brien another serious option in what looks a particularly strong team.
Other Horses to Watch
Point Of Law strengthened his claims by winning the Bahrain Trophy at Newmarket, while Ancient Egypt finished runner-up to Maltese Cross in the Grand Prix de Paris.
Galiyan is another possible improver, while further contenders could emerge as the final St Leger trials are completed.
What Happens Next?
The Great Voltigeur Stakes Group Two race at York on 19th August may be one of the best indications before Doncaster.
Subsequent stages will allow entries and scratchings until final declarations on St Leger day are made – at which point the runners, rider and draw will have gained more clarity, so too the likely ground.
Our Verdict
At present it is looking like a St Leger 2026 dominated by Maltese Cross and Christmas Day in front of a strong chase set consisting of Pierre Bonnard, Enceladus and Benvenuto Cellini.
There’s always time for more before September, but two classic indications, with upwardly mobile stayers and a historically significant 250th running should produce a St Leger worth talking about in 2026.