Princess Anne is set to play a starring role on the anniversary of the world's oldest classic horse race. The Princess Royal will be a special guest at this year's Betfred St Leger as it celebrates 250 years since its first race.
Royal love of horses
Anne has a deep affection for horses, having started riding at the age of 11. In 1976, she became the first member of the Royal Family to compete in the Olympic Games for eventing. The love runs in the family, with her daughter Zara Tindall also representing the country in London 2012.
Key role at Doncaster
As part of the day's celebrations on Saturday, September 12, The Princess Royal will present the winning owner with the coveted Betfred St Leger Trophy following the running of the feature race.
The 250th anniversary Betfred St Leger forms the centrepiece of a four-day festival at Doncaster Racecourse, bringing together world-class racing, fashion, entertainment and hospitality for one of the biggest sporting occasions in South Yorkshire.
Historic milestone
The St Leger remains the oldest of Britain's five classic horse races, having been established in 1776. The festival will also see an even older race: the Betfred Doncaster Cup first started in 1766, the same time a 10-year-old Wolfgang Mozart was touring Western Europe and a full nine years before the American Revolutionary War.
Rachel Harwood, executive director of Doncaster Racecourse, said: "Having HRH The Princess Royal join us for the 250th anniversary running of the Betfred St Leger is a tremendous honour and makes what is already an incredibly special occasion even more significant."
"The St Leger has such a remarkable place in British sporting history, and reaching its 250th anniversary running is a milestone that we are incredibly proud to celebrate at Doncaster. To have The Princess Royal present the trophy to the winning owner on this landmark day will create a very special moment for everyone at the racecourse and for racing fans watching around the country."
"We are looking forward to welcoming Her Royal Highness and celebrating this extraordinary chapter in the story of the St Leger with our racegoers, owners, trainers, jockeys and the wider Doncaster community."
