Cup fever as Doncaster marks 250th race

Doncaster is up for the cup this year - with 250 trophies set to be found all across the borough to mark a major racing landmark.
(l-r) Abby Chandler, marketing manager at Doncaster Racecourse, Civic Mayor David Nevett, Coun Bill Mordue, cabinet portfolio holder for business, skills, tourism and culture and Civic Mayoress Kathleen Nevett at the launch of the St Leger Festival Week. Picture: Andrew Roe(l-r) Abby Chandler, marketing manager at Doncaster Racecourse, Civic Mayor David Nevett, Coun Bill Mordue, cabinet portfolio holder for business, skills, tourism and culture and Civic Mayoress Kathleen Nevett at the launch of the St Leger Festival Week. Picture: Andrew Roe
(l-r) Abby Chandler, marketing manager at Doncaster Racecourse, Civic Mayor David Nevett, Coun Bill Mordue, cabinet portfolio holder for business, skills, tourism and culture and Civic Mayoress Kathleen Nevett at the launch of the St Leger Festival Week. Picture: Andrew Roe

The cups are being placed at locations around the borough as part of a Golden Trophy campaign - to mark the 250th Doncaster Cup horse race taking place during the St Leger Festival next month.

Doncaster Council launched the campaign at The Frenchgate Centre this week and people are being encouraged to take photos of the cups and post on social media saying where the photo was taken. All participants will be entered into a draw to win a four-day race pass and family tickets for Cast Theatre performances.

Partners of the St Leger Festival Week at the launch. Picture: Andrew RoePartners of the St Leger Festival Week at the launch. Picture: Andrew Roe
Partners of the St Leger Festival Week at the launch. Picture: Andrew Roe
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The authority has now launched its Festival Week guide, containing events and activities taking place during Leger Week.

Doncaster Council’s cabinet member for business, skills, tourism and culture, Coun Bill Mordue, said: “Our 10-day festival begins on Friday September 2 with the DNweekeND taking over the town centre, which is three days of arts events and street entertainment and a really colourful way to start the celebrations.

“We also have Opera in Regents Park, a classical concert at the Mansion House and even a ‘hobby horse race’ on Leger day itself in the town centre.”

Coun Mordue added: “The town’s racing heritage is part of what made Doncaster great and we’re so pleased to be able to work with partners across Doncaster to make sure everyone enjoys the Festival Week and that we celebrate across the town with events for everyone.

Partners of the St Leger Festival Week at the launch. Picture: Andrew RoePartners of the St Leger Festival Week at the launch. Picture: Andrew Roe
Partners of the St Leger Festival Week at the launch. Picture: Andrew Roe
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“Whether it’s Bug Hunting at Brodsworth Hall, a tour of the magnificent Doncaster Minster or one of many live music events across the borough, there really is something for everyone.

“Like the Tour de Yorkshire in April, this is a great opportunity for the people and communities of Doncaster to join in something that celebrates how great Doncaster really is.”

The programme is available from the tourist information centre and online.