The 250th edition of the historic Group 1 St Leger Stakes will be staged at Doncaster on Saturday, September 12, 2026.
This prestigious event is the oldest of the United Kingdom’s five Classic races and always generates major activity in the online betting industry.
With that in mind, read on as we look at the latest ante-post odds and trends for the St Leger, before previewing what promises to be a thrilling race.
St Leger Stakes 2026 – Latest Betting
- Christmas Day – 7/4
- Enceladus – 9/4
- Pierre Bonnard – 7/2
- Highwayman – 12/1
- Hatteen – 14/1
- Amelia Earhart – 25/1
- Piazza San Marco – 40/1
- Alderman – 40/1
- Galiyan – 40/1
- Golden Story – 66/1
- Rebel Rocker – 100/1
- Action – 150/1
The prices you find at the majority of British horse betting websites also illustrate just how much opinion is already concentrated around the leading contenders. Christmas Day and Enceladus occupy the first two places in the market, while the much bigger prices available about the outsiders reflect the bookmakers’ assessment of their chances. For those comparing the market, converting odds into implied probabilities can be a useful way of putting the differences between runners into perspective, although those figures also include the bookmaker’s margin and should not be treated as predictions of the final result.
St Leger Stakes 2026 – Trends
The St Leger is a good race for identifying future Group 1 winners, as highlighted by the recent successes of Jan Brueghel (2024) and Scandinavia (2025) at the top level.
All of the previous 12 winners of the race had at least three runs that season. Here are some of the other key trends worth considering:
- 10 of the previous 12 winners had already won a Group race
- 10 of the previous 12 winners had at least 3 previous wins
- 10 of the previous 12 winners were rated 109 or higher
- 10 of the previous 12 winners had their last run within 65 days
- 8 of the previous 12 winners won their previous start
These trends can also be useful when looking at the betting market. A short-priced horse that ticks several of the historical boxes may appear more convincing than one that does not, while a bigger-priced runner matching several of the same characteristics can attract interest from punters looking beyond the favourite. Ultimately, however, trends provide context rather than certainty, and the odds remain a reflection of the market rather than a guarantee about what will happen at Doncaster.
St Leger Stakes – Preview
Christmas Day is bidding to become the first Epsom Derby winner since Reference Point (1987) to also claim victory in the St Leger during the same season.
The Aidan O’Brien-trained horse has failed to get his nose in front in two subsequent runs, but the step up to 14 furlongs should be in his favour.
He is the highest rated runner in the line-up with an official rating of 118. Only three winners, all rated 120, have had higher marks in the past 20 years.
O’Brien has trained the last three winners of the St Leger. Only John Londsale (1817-20) and John Scott (1838-41) have previously won four-in-a-row.
The Irishman has won the race on nine previous occasions, so knows what it takes to prepare a horse for the final Classic of the season.
O’Brien also trains Pierre Bonnard, who is currently third in the ante-post market. He could be a big threat if his stamina holds out.
His son Joseph O’Brien has booked British jockeys’ championship leader Billy Loughnane to ride second favourite Enceladus on Saturday.
He is unbeaten in three starts this term, a run which includes a decisive win in the Gordon Stakes at Goodwood on his last outing.
Four horses have won that race on their way to St Leger glory during the 21st century, the latest being Jan Brueghel in 2024.
Loughnane secured his first Classic victory in the 2000 Guineas aboard Bow Echo earlier in the season. He fancies Enceladus to give a good account of himself this weekend.
“It’s a fantastic ride to pick up,” he told Sky Sports Racing.
“It’s unfortunate for Dylan [Browne McMonagle] who is on the sidelines at the minute.
“Enceladus has been impressive this summer and hopefully he’s got another one left in him.
“He’s been going through the ranks smoothly, and obviously it’s a stiffer assignment on Saturday, but I imagine Joseph will have him in fantastic nick.”
