St Leger Entries Revealed as O’Brien Family Dominates Doncaster Classic

The entries for the 2026 Betfred St Leger have been revealed, with Aidan O’Brien and Joseph O’Brien responsible for 14 of the 27 horses currently entered for the final Classic of the British season.

Aidan O’Brien is chasing a fourth consecutive victory in the 1m6½f contest at Doncaster on September 12, having already landed the St Leger on nine occasions.

His powerful entry is headed by Derby winner Christmas Day, who is among the leading contenders in the ante-post betting. The Aidan O’Brien-trained colt could first put his stamina and Doncaster credentials to the test in next week’s Great Voltigeur Stakes at York.

Benvenuto Cellini, who finished third in the King George at Ascot last time out, is another leading Ballydoyle entry, while Pierre Bonnard could also take his chance after finishing third in the Irish Derby.

However, Christmas Day’s closest challenger at Epsom was William Haggas’ Maltese Cross, who has since strengthened his claims with a battling victory in the Group One Grand Prix de Paris. Betfred make the Sea The Stars colt their narrow ante-post favourite.

Ballydoyle have plenty of options

O’Brien has six further horses entered, including Montreal, who was last seen finishing third behind Constitution River in the Prix du Jockey Club.

Amelia Earhart is another notable entry. She was favourite for the Oaks but has failed to build on a promising victory at Chester in May.

The remaining Ballydoyle contenders are Action, Causeway, Piazza San Marco and Port Of Spain.

Joseph O’Brien could also have a strong hand at Doncaster, with Enceladus, Cannes, Nil Bua Gan Dua, Highwayman and Limestone all entered.

Enceladus looks particularly interesting after an unbeaten campaign so far. He followed up his King George Stakes success at Royal Ascot by winning the Gordon Stakes.

Royal runner among St Leger entries

There could also be royal representation in the Classic, with John and Thady Gosden entering Point Of Law.

The horse impressed when winning the Group Three Bahrain Trophy Stakes at Newmarket and will be one to watch if taking his chance at Doncaster.

Amo Racing’s Ancient Egypt is another contender, having finished second to Maltese Cross in the Grand Prix de Paris.

Andrew Balding has two entries in Galiyan and Hatteen. Galiyan finished just half a length behind Point Of Law in the Bahrain Trophy, while Hatteen could renew rivalry with Infraad after their controversial finish at Glorious Goodwood.

Godolphin, meanwhile, have one entry in Del Maro. The Charlie Appleby-trained three-year-old was narrowly beaten by a nose when tackling the St Leger distance for the first time in the Queen’s Vase at Royal Ascot.

Mullins and Byrne eye St Leger opportunity

Paul Byrne’s familiar sky blue colours could make an appearance on the Flat’s biggest stage, with Zia Zabel entered for the St Leger.

The horse is now trained by Emmet Mullins after previously finishing a narrow second to Causeway in a Curragh Group Three for Natalia Lupini.

Zia Zabel could follow a similar route to several leading contenders by running in the Great Voltigeur at York before connections decide whether to head to Doncaster.

Faye Bramley is also represented by Rebel Rocker, who is set to have a prep run at Newbury this weekend.

Bramley said the yard is “hopeful” ahead of the weekend outing.

“It would have been nice to see him out sooner, but with the ground he hasn’t run, so we’ll see what we’ve got at the weekend,” Bramley said.

The St Leger could also see a rematch between Infraad and Hatteen following their controversial handicap finish at Glorious Goodwood, which resulted in Tom Marquand and Oisin Murphy being called before the stewards.