St Leger Festival at 250: 'Its story has a fascinating cast of characters from the famous to the infamous'
It is one of the most prestigious weeks of the British horse racing calendar, attracting thousands of visitors over four days every September.
This year, the internationally-celebrated St Leger Festival marks its 250th anniversary – and South Yorkshire documentary maker Wayne Sables is working on a project to honour the occasion.
Wayne has received National Lottery Heritage funding through Heritage Doncaster to create a new piece celebrating the world's oldest Classic horse race and its enduring appeal.
The first running of St Leger was back in 1776 at Cantley Common, before the event was moved to Doncaster in 1778, where it has taken place ever since.
Famous guests to the event at Doncaster Racecourse have included Charles Dickens, who attended the St Leger in 1857 alongside his friend and fellow author Wilkie Collins.
Dickens had one great stroke of luck while he was in the town, describing it as a ‘wonderful paralysing coincidence.’
On St Leger day he bought a race card and wrote down three names for the winners of the three chief races. Never had he heard of any of the horses.
Royal visitors meanwhile have included frequent guest King Edward VII, as well as King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II - who famously attended in 1953 during her coronation year - while Hollywood royalty and racing enthusiast Bing Crosby has also been spotted in the crowds.
Queen of Crime Agatha Christie even chose the event as the setting for the climax of one of her most Hercule Poirot stories, The ABC Murders.
“The story of the St Leger goes back over more than two centuries and has a fascinating cast of characters from the famous to the infamous,” says Wayne.
He will be working on the project alongside We Great Ladies - writers, performers and visual artists Becky Newbould and Gemma Whelan.
Also taking part will be South Yorkshire designer and environmental champion Estelle Pearce.
“It’s early days for the project right now but what we will be creating is a digital exhibition that will be presented at the St Leger itself and then also at Doncaster’s Danum Gallery,” explains Wayne, an associate artist at Cast in Doncaster and the co- licensee for TEDx Doncaster.
“We have a really great team assembled - Becky and Gemma are fantastic performers and writers and Estelle is an experienced digital content creator and digital fashion expert.
“I am delighted to have all three on board and believe that together we can create something that captures all the excitement and colour of this truly international event.
“What we also need now is people to share their St Leger stories and memories with us...It’s the people of Doncaster and the people who have made the St Leger such a major international event who will really bring this project to life.”
Anyone who wants to get involved in the project can contact Wayne through www.waynesablesproject.co.uk