Every September, horse racing enthusiasts in the United Kingdom and other parts of the world are set to gather at the Doncaster racecourse to witness the St Leger Stakes, which is the oldest of Britain’s five classics. The festival is a highlight in the horse racing calendar, spanning four days and featuring multiple races that show off the equestrian talents.
With its popularity, it’s unsurprising that the top horse racing betting sites not on gamstop for all UK punters feature a plethora of markets for all its events. The best of these bookmakers ensure bettors make the most of their winning bets by offering competitive lines, bonuses, and other excellent services. This text explores more about the St Leger festival, noting the highlights of the events, the top participants to watch out for, and why you should wager on it at non-Gamstop bookies.
What do you need to know about the event?
The St Leger Horse Racing Festival is an annual event that captivates enthusiasts and casual spectators. Typically held in mid-September, the festival’s origins trace back to 1776, making it one of the oldest horse racing festivals globally. It takes place at the esteemed Doncaster Racecourse in South Yorkshire, England, which spans four days of exhilarating races and festivities.
For 2023, the horse racing festival is scheduled for September 14th to September 17th. For the first time, it’ll kick off with Ladies’ Day, where individuals do their finest attire to showcase their fashion sense while aiming to win style awards and a cash prize. On day two, spectators will witness the Doncaster Cup Day, the final leg of the Stayer’s Triple Crown.
This event’s main attraction is the St Leger Stakes, a race that lends the festival its name and is the last of the English Triple Crown, alongside the 2,000 Guineas Stakes and the Epsom Derby. Run over a distance of 1 mile, 6 furlongs, and 115 yards (2,920 meters), the event poses a challenging test of stamina and speed for three-year-old thoroughbreds. The festival closes with a bang on Leger Legends Day, with retired celebrities of the saddle returning for a one-time action by participating in a charity race.
Why place your bets at Non-Gamstop Sites
If you’re looking for the best bookmakers to bet on the St Leger festival, opt for non-Gamstop sites. These operators have become ideal betting alternatives because of their advantages. They have extensive daily coverage, giving punters multiple wagering options. They also cater to live bettors by offering markets for events as they unfold in real-time. Punters who can’t be physically present at the Doncaster racecourse don’t miss out on the fun because they have live streaming services that allow you to view each race in real time.
Independent bookies might not teach you how to play the card game horses, but they offer you competitive lines for horse races. Their low margins and high odds ensure you maximise your winning bets on the platform. Top operators throw in different bonuses for an even better experience. There’s something to take advantage of after registration. Play through the welcome bonus, and other deals are available. The best of these promotions has reasonable terms you can quickly meet before you cash out your earnings.
Such bookmakers aren’t without their downsides. They don’t use a United Kingdom Gambling Commission license, and their promotions aren’t always tailored to horse racing enthusiasts. Furthermore, some might support limited payment options and have high wagering requirements. However, the top ones might be licensed in other jurisdictions and compensate for these flaws with other excellent offerings. The best bookies are also safe because they use robust security measures.
Which are the top contestants to look out for at the St Leger Festival?
In 2022, David Egan rode Eldar Eldarov to a resounding victory, crossing the finish line in 3 minutes and 8 seconds. This year, a different lineup awaits, with the following horses taking the lead:
Gregory
With odds of 3.50, Gregory currently stands as the horse with the highest winning chances. Foaled on February 8th, 2020, the Bay Colt has performed impressively since its first outing in April 2023. Running four races, it bagged the first position in three of them and came third in the Sky Bet Great Voltigeur Stakes. Wathnan Racing owns the horse, and J & T Gosden is its trainer.
Savethelastdance
Owned by Mrs John Magnier/Michael Tabor/Derrick Smith/Westerberg and trained by Aidan O’Brien, Savethelastdance is a 3-year-old Chestnut Filly with odds of 6.00. The horse first ran at the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden in October 2022, where it came fifth. Its next race was held in April, which it won. The Chestnut Filly has shown constant improvement and promises to be a formidable competitor.
Espionage
Next, we have Espionage, a Bay Colt foiled on April 7th, 2020, from the dam Even Song and the sire Galileo. Since the beginning of its career, it has run five races, winning the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Lenebane Stakes and the Williamhill. i.e. Irish EBF Maiden. Its current odds of winning this prominent event are 8.00.
Adelaide River
Adelaide River is another bay Colt under the guidance of the trainer, Aidan O’Brien and owned by Mrs. John Magnier/Michael Tabor/Derrick Smith/Westerberg. Foaled on March 11th, 2020, the horse is only 3 years old but has an outstanding track record. Its first race was the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden in August 2022, which it won and has since performed excellently. The bay colt sits fourth on this list with odds of 13.00.
Warm Heart
From the stables of Mrs John Magnier/Michael Tabor/Derrick Smith/Westerberg and trained by Aidan O’Brien, Warm Heart is the offspring of Galileo and the dam, Sea Siren. The 3-year-old, who was foaled on February 24th, 2020, has participated in seven races, winning four. These include the Pertemps Network Yorkshire Oaks, the Haras De Bouquetot Fillies’ Trial Stakes, and the Ribblesdale Stakes. It currently has 21.00 odds of winning the St Leger stakes.
