Inside Track: St Leger restored to former glory

Sep 12 2008 by James Armstrong, The Journal

THE final Classic of the season takes place tomorrow – the St Leger on Town Moor at Doncaster Racecourse.

The reputation of the 1m 6f race had been diminished. Thoroughbred breeders more interested in speed than horses that could stay the distance of the St Leger made it less fashionable to win. However, the event is now being restored to its former glory, and that has been helped by the new-look racecourse into which millions of pounds have been invested.

There will be a good turn-out tomorrow, and top trainer Sir Michael Stoute could finally break his duck. He has gone close to victory over the years, and his Derby fourth Doctor Fremantle may break the hoodoo.

The colt has been the best-backed this week, and bookmakers responded by trimming his odds to 10-1 by midweek. Sir Michael also has Conduit – ridden by Frankie Dettori – and Warringah in the race.

Irish trainer Aidan O'Brien has enjoyed a phenomenal season, and no punter would be surprised to see him win another English classic. He saddles five of the 14 horses declared yesterday.

Here at Newcastle Racecourse, as the autumn nights draw in, this marks the end of the flat season. Only two flat fixtures remain on Wednesday October 1 and Tuesday October 14. So, if you are a fan of the flat, this is your last chance to see the sprinters in action. Our ground staff team have been working hard preparing the hurdles and chase fences for the jumps season that lies ahead. We are all looking forward to an invigorating start to the jumps season on Thursday October 30.

The highlight of the National Hunt season at Newcastle Racecourse, The WBX.com Fighting Fifth Hurdle, is on Saturday November 29 and what an exciting fixture this will be. Potential champion hurdlers from across the UK and Ireland will be racing to win the £1m triple Crown and the atmosphere is sure to be electric.

This huge bonus is on offer to any horse who wins the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle, The Christmas Hurdle at Kempton and The Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham. Not only will fans be able to watch the Class 1 WBX.com Fighting Fifth Hurdle, but the fixture will also feature the Class 2 Rehearsal Chase, and the Class 2 The French Furze Novices Hurdle.

James Armstrong is clerk of the course at Newcastle.