Ladies Day 2026: Everything you need to know before Betfred St Leger Festival

The 250th anniversary of the Betfred St Leger Festival gets underway at Doncaster Racecourse this week, with four days of racing, entertainment, fashion and celebrations set to take over the city from Thursday, September 10 - Sunday, September 13.

Below is the list of important times you need to know if you are heading down to the races.

Thursday

The Festival gets underway on Thursday, September 10 with Betfred Ladies Day, combining world-class flat racing with fashion and entertainment.

Alongside eight races, including the May Hill Stakes, racegoers can take part in the Ladies Day Style Awards, with more than £2,500 worth of prizes on offer.

Doncaster-born fashion and lifestyle influencer Daisy Tomlinson will join the judging panel alongside TV personality Mark Wright, following the launch of this year’s official St Leger Style Guide.

The Meadowhall x Flannels Beauty Bar will be located at the Champagne Lawn in the County Enclosure, offering beauty treatments and touch-ups throughout the day.

After racing, Mark will take to the Champagne Lawn for a live DJ set, with live music and roaming performers adding to the atmosphere throughout the day.

Friday

Friday, September 11 brings Betfred Gents Day, which features eight races, with the historic Betfred Doncaster Cup taking centre stage.

The Leger Legends Classified Stakes, Britain’s only charity race for retired professional jockeys, will also take place on Friday this year, raising funds for the Injured Jockeys Fund.

EastEnders icon John Altman will also be there on the day, while visitors can speak to the team from Andy’s Man Club as part of the day’s focus on men’s wellbeing.

After the racing, Ellie Sax Presents Ibiza Anthems Live will bring a live sax performance and dance anthems to the Champagne Lawn.

Saturday

The Festival reaches its centrepiece on Saturday, September 12 with Betfred St Leger Day marking the 250th running of the world’s oldest Classic.

Gates open at 10.30am, with the first race at 1.10pm and the last at 5.23pm, with eight races taking place throughout the day.

As well as the historic Betfred St Leger Stakes itself, racegoers can enjoy a live DJ set from Jordan North on the Champagne Lawn after racing.

In the Exhibition Hall, The Everly Pregnant Brothers will perform for approximately 60 minutes, beginning 10 minutes after racing, while artist in residence Rebecca Wright will create a live painting capturing the atmosphere and spectacle of the 250th anniversary.

Sunday

The Festival concludes on Sunday, September 13 with Betfred Sunday Funday.

Alongside the day's seven races, Sunday Funday will offer a dedicated programme of family entertainment, including appearances from Chase and Skye from PAW Patrol at 12pm, 2.15pm and 4.15pm, as well as a treasure hunt, colouring and crafts, family arts activities, a roving museum, fun fair rides available for an additional charge, and appearances from the Doncaster Rovers Foundation.

Getting there

Gates open two hours before the first race on Thursday, Friday and Sunday, and two and a half hours before the first race on Saturday.

Race times can change, so visitors should check the latest information before travelling.

Doncaster Racecourse is two miles from Doncaster railway station, with a shuttle service running between Doncaster Interchange and the Racecourse on major race days.

For those travelling by car, the Racecourse has links to the M1, M18, A1(M) and M62, with the postcode DN2 6BB.

Parking charges apply in Car Park C during the Betfred St Leger Festival.

Once inside, racegoers can use the Racecourse map to find key areas including the Winners Enclosure and Pre-Parade Ring, hospitality areas, food and drink outlets, toilets and parking.

The Racecourse offers a range of accessibility facilities, including designated accessible parking, accessible viewing areas, toilets and lifts, with wheelchairs and mobility scooters welcome.

Weather forecast

Though indoor concourses are available throughout the Racecourse, much of the day takes place outside.

The day is mostly dry on Thursday, with sunny intervals and a high of 19C. However, from 5pm there will be light showers, set to continue into the evening.

On Friday, there will be similar sunny intervals and a high of 19C, with no forecast rain.

Saturday is marginally warmer, with highs of 20C and sunny intervals. The day is set to be mostly dry, with an hour of light rain from 5pm to 6pm.

The festival is set to conclude with a perfect forecast on the Sunday, with highs of 21C and sunny intervals throughout.

For the latest Betfred St Leger Festival information, including timings, travel, parking, dress codes and accessibility, visitors are advised to check the full Doncaster Racecourse website before travelling.

• RELATED: Throwback to nights out partying in Sheffield in early 2000s
• RELATED: What you can expect as Black Owned Markets returns to Cutlery Works
• RELATED: Sheffield artist launches fundraiser to replace stolen equipment
• RELATED: Popular band Keo announce headline 2027 show in Sheffield – how to get tickets (aff)