Race One: The Betfred Champagne Stakes - Group Two - 2-Y-O only - Seven furlongs - Runners: 5

Winner: IBERIAN (Lope de Vega x Bella Estrella) (#1) - T. Marquand - C. Hills.
The afternoon of racing kicked off with action of the highest quality with one of the main juvenile races at this distance of the season. The Group Two Champagne Stakes has seen a plethora of stars win at Doncaster before going on to bigger and better things. Over the years, the likes of Grundy, Rodrigo de Triano, Dubai Destination have all etched their names into racing folklore while last year's running saw Chaldean land his third win in a row which would lead him to the Dewhurst Stakes and this year's 2000 Guineas successes. A race with a long history, the first running took place in 1823 and nowadays comes at a time where the leading few of this year's juvenile crop begin to seperate themselves from the rest and enter their own league. 
The 2023 lineup was on the light side in terms of numbers and lacked the star power in some aspects, but it provided a fascinating match up of some of Britain's most promising youngsters. The Richard Hannon-trained Rosallion won nicely on debut before making a big impression to remain undefeated in the Pat Eddery Stakes at Ascot. The stable has won the last two renewals of the race in which they had a representative, courtesy of Threat and Chindit. Elsewhere, Charlie Hills's Iberian won debut before finishing well to take second in Goodwood's Vintage Stakes. In a small and potentially tactical field, the quintet were rounded out by David Menuisier's Sunway, a half brother to Champion Stakes winner Sealiway, Alice Haynes' Power Mode who stepped up in trip following his below par run in the Gimcrack last time. Aidan O'Brien was solely represented by the experienced Mountain Bear, who despite not being one of the leading lights in the two year old crop, had still been on the premises in group races recently.

The early pace was muddling as the field converged into single file down the long Doncaster straight. Oisin Murphy was content to lead the way onboard Sunway who looks like a middle distance horse of the future. As the pace began to heat up, jockeys in behind the leader began their nervous twitches. Sean Levey onboard hot favourite Rosallion began to nudge his mount closer while at the back, Power Mode began to struggle with the longer trip. Sunway would be joined on either side by the challenging Rosallion and Iberian on the far side. Oisin Murphy inadvertently struck Rosallion's nose with his whip which was bound to distract the favourite. With a clear run on the outside, Iberian really charged home under Tom Marquand and began to stretch clear in the final half furlong. Pulling two lengths in front of Sunway, the race was in the bag for the new star of Charlie Hills's stable. It was an impressive display from the son of Lope de Vega who won tidily on debut before still showing signs of inexperience at Goodwood. Despite this, he still finished second that day and that piece of form was one of the best on display. A reported aim at next year's 2000 Guineas seems logical and if Iberian is still learning on the job, he will develop into a very good miler. Back to the placings, Sunway was rewarded for his positive ride with second while Rosallion settled for third. 

Race Two: The Betfred Portland (Heritage Handicap) - Class Two - Five and a half furlongs - Runners: 22

Winner: ANNAF (Muhaarar x Shimah) (#1) - R. Ryan - M. Appleby

Next up on the card was the fast and furious Portland Handicap over the intermediate trip of five and a half furlongs. With a full field of twenty two, eagle eyes will be needed by punters to spot their horse in the scrum of action. The Portland Handicap holds its status as a heritage handicap alongside the likes of the Wokingham Stakes and Stewards Cup and is a coveted prize every year. Trainers often plan a certain horse's season around this one race, priming their charge just for this one day. Some star names have also taken this prize along the way to top level success such as the brilliant Lochsong in 1993 and future July Cup winner Oxted in 2019. Last year's running saw plenty of controversy as Chipstead crossed the line in front, but after a steward's enquiry, the placings were reversed due to interference and Call Me Ginger was awarded the race instead.
The list of entries for this popular event saw some recognisable faces as well as the recent winners lining up once more. Chipstead won at York in May and has run to a high level while Call Me Ginger has found form at the right moment with two wins in as many starts recently. 2021's winner Hurricane Ivor returned to Doncaster and is now trained in Ireland by Jessie Harrington. Aberama Gold has won plenty of valuable races this season along with Badri who formed a strong team for Julie Camacho with Makanah and Significantly. Group race winner Happy Romance was a surprising entrant given her talent and the likes of Tees Spirit and Annaf have all raced at a higher level recently. The quality of the race was exciting and with a guaranteed unrelenting pace, the Portland Handicap was set to be a great spectacle. 

With plenty of horses eager to get on with things, the stalls team didn't mess around and soon had all twenty two horses in their gate and loaded like coiled springs. From the outset, a main group formed down the centre of the course while a smaller group had their own race. On the near side, the likes of Dakota Gold, Haymaker and Tees Spirit tried to keep tabs on the larger group who were charging along at a rapid pace. Entering the final furlong, it was all to play for. With the field spread across the width of the track, it was hard to keep your eyes on one horse. Intrinsic Bond had taken over the lead but looked vulnerable as Significantly, Happy Romance, Vintage Clarets and King's Lynn all finished strongly. From even further back, Rossa Ryan weaved his way through the gaps on Annaf and they burst into the lead in the final 50 yards. Significantly joined him in battle and the pair flashed past the winning line together. In a case of one head up and one head down, it was judged that Annaf's nose had just inched in front at the line. It would be a brilliant performance by the horse to carry top weight of 9st 10lbs, but he had run in some high class races this year with credit. Finishing third in this year's Group One King's Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot, Annaf was last seen at Haydock in last week's Sprint Cup, he didn't get a clear run there but today would be his day. The son of Muharaar is also a fine advertisment to the skill of trainer Mick Appleby, who does so well with improving sprinters like Annaf. For Rossa Ryan, it would be another feature sprint prize won following this summer's July Cup. 

Race Three: The Betfred Park Stakes - Group Two - Seven furlongs - Runners: 5

Winner: SANDRINE (Bobby's Kitten x Seychelloise) (#6) - O. Murphy - A. Balding.

The high quality action kept on warming up as the main event grew larger on the horizon. The supporting Group Two Park Stakes would headline any other meeting on its own and it attracted a strong line up of seven furlong specialists. In modern times, the race has seen some old favourites and future leading sires off the track land the race. Last year, Kinross easily defied favouritism as Frankie Dettori delighted the crowds with a flying dismount. The likes of Glorious Journey, Aclaim, Limato, Sir Dancealot and Limato are all just a few of the high class names on the roll of honour along with multiple winners Arabian Gleam and Iffraaj. 
This year's running saw another small field, but some of the leading seven furlong specialists were ready to do battle once again. There was a notable absence of Kinross this year, but those who finished behind him at York were looking to gain their own success at this level. Audience produced a career best when second in the City Of York along with Sandrine on his tail and the pair reopposed once again. Sandrine and Jumby were two others to join in the action along with the classy Spycatcher, who was narrowly beaten at Group One level last time out for the in form Karl Burke stable. Bunbury Cup Handicap winner Biggles completed the lineup and has held high class potential when racing on his beloved softer ground conditions. 

The field was reduced to five runners on the morning of the race as Pogo was withdrawn due to the soft ground. The guaranteed front runner Audience went straight to the lead under Rab Havlin and was joined by Spycatcher. Sandrine watched on from behind as Jumby and Biggles were both held up off the decent pace. Entering the final furlong, the race had been set up perfectly for Sandrine and she kicked on into the lead under Oisin Murphy. Audience and Spycatcher began to paddle in deep water as the four year old bounded clear. Winning by a comfortable three-parts of a length, it would be a first win of the season for Sandrine, who has become a real seven furlong specialist. The Andrew Balding-trained filly had bounced back to form in a first time visor at York's Ebor Festival last time out and the visor was retained here. It clearly had its desired effect and produced a first win since the Group Two Lennox Stakes at Goodwood in July 2022. 

Race Four: The Betfred St Leger Stakes - Group One - One mile, Six furlongs - Runners: 9

Winner: CONTINUOUS (Heart's Cry x Fluff) (#4) - R. Moore - A. O'Brien 
The final Classic of the season had finally come upon the racing world and it provided the opportunity for a horse, rider and trainer to create history and write their names in record books forever. The St Leger remains the oldest of the five Classics as the first running took place in 1776, almost 250 years ago. The St Leger also poses the challenge of being the final leg in the fabled Triple Crown and since Oh So Sharp in 1985, no other horse has achieved the magical treble of the Guineas, Derby and St Leger. Many have tried, but they have all failed since that memorable day in racing history. The fourteen furlong stamina test has gradually lost its allure to the modern thoroughbred breeding industry as breeders focus more on speed influences over stamina. This makes the St Leger somewhat of an afterthought to some compared to the Guineas and Derby, but still a race that any yard would love to win. 
This year's running received plenty of hope and expectation, but the final lineup made racing fans wishing for more. In a testament to the gradual decline of the race, just nine runners went to post in the oldest Classic of the season with only four trainers represented. Despite this, each stable were looking to lift the famous trophy and the current crop of three year old stayers were a talented bunch. In a race he has won countless times since the year 2000, Aidan O'Brien held the aces this year with four runners of the nine strong field. His leading hope this year would be Continuous, the Great Voltigeur Stakes winner. On that day at York, he sat back off a strong early pace and produced a powerful final kick to win easily. Joining Continuous at Doncaster would be Tower Of London, a full brother to 2017's winner Capri, the lightly raced Alexandroupolis and the well regarded Denmark. With plenty of meetings elsewhere, O'Brien's usual riders were riding at other venues which gave an opportunity for Jim Crowley, Sean Levey and Dan Tudhope to pick up a valuable spare ride.
Looking to upset the O'Brien applecart would be the the John and Thady Gosden stable. They saddled the pair of Gregory and Arrest. Queen's Vase winner Gregory contributed to the quick pace at York's Great Voltigeur Stakes in which he finished behind Continuous. Stablemate Arrest would appear to hold the best chance for the yard and he was the choice of Frankie Dettori. The soft ground lover has appeared to be a relentless galloper and the conditions would suit him best of all on paper. There would be a Royal runner with some very special guests at Doncaster. Desert Hero became the King's first Royal Ascot winner and since followed up in a major trial at Goodwood. King Charles and Queen Camilla would travel to Doncaster in hope of seeing a first Royal-owned winner of the St Leger since Dunfermline in 1978. The field would be completed by the Godolphin-owned Chesspiece. Trained by Simon and Ed Crisford, the colt progressed out of handicaps and has shown himself well in trial races for this race. 

Tactics were a pre-race concern for many with plenty of questions being asked about the early pace. Those doubts were dispelled as Dan Tudhope strode into an early lead on Denmark and began to force a stern pace. Fellow front runner Gregory joined him and the pair took the field along at a Group One level pace. In behind, Desert Hero, Arrest, Chesspiece and Alexandroupolis all chased the pace with Ryan Moor sitting quietly on Continuous. There would be little change in the order until the field turned into the home straight. Kieran Shoemark made his move on Gregory and briefly looked like going clear, but his rivals had his move marked. The Doncaster crowd roared into life at the sight of Frankie Dettori easing into contention on Arrest in his final Classic ride but on his inside, Continuous had carved his way through the field and joined in the debate. Showing a quality turn of pace, Continuous was soon clear in the St Leger as Dettori's dream began to dissolve. There would be a familiar sight as Ryan Moore riding an Aidan O'Brien horse would finish a wide margin winner of a British Classic with a brilliant display by his equine partner. The race would go to Continuous, the Great Voltigeur Stakes winner, who provided Aidan O'Brien with his seventh St Leger win following Milan, Brian Boru, Scorpion, Leading Light, Capri and Kew Gardens.  Chasing the winner home, Arrest bravely held on to second while the King and Queen will have been delighted to see their Desert Hero finish third. 
Pedigree Focus:
The winner Continuous would be the second Japanese-bred winner of a British Classic this year following Auguste Rodin's Epsom Derby vicory. His sire Heart's Cry is one of Japan's all time greats on the turf, winning the Arima Kinen on home soil and Dubai Sheema Classic. Prior to his recent death as a 22-year-old, Heart's Cry has been an icon in Japanese breeding, courtesy of high quality progeny such as Lys Gracieux, Suave Richard and Do Deuce.
The dam, Fluff, was also trained by Aidan O'Brien but had a short career. Winning on debut, she failed to win as a three year old. She made appeal as a full sister to the brilliant juvenile miler Maybe. Stamina for the 1 mile 6 furlong distance would never be a question mark on breeding for Continuous as his half brother National Ballet finished second over two miles which gave optimism for Continuous's St Leger chances. It would be a another Classic winning influence from the late great Galileo, who sired Fluff along with so many world class racehorses over the decades.
The style in which Continuous won this great race suggests a drop back to a mile and a half would be even more suitable. A great prospect wherever he ends up next. 

Race Five: The PJ Towey Construction Handicap - Class Two - One mile, Two furlongs - Runners: 5

Winner: LA YAKEL (Time Test x Tebee's Oasis) (#3) - T. Marquand - W. Haggas

After the excitement of seeing the latest champion of the St Leger, the action continued on the track with this competitive class two handicap. The last two runnings of this race have been won by the Shadwell Racing outfit courtesy of Mujataba and subsequent Group One winner Anmaat. The historic operation were without a representative this year and a small field of six runners took the start. 

With the quintet of horses seperated by just ten pounds in the handicap, the race looked tight on ratings. La Yakel was a very smart three year old last year on soft ground but has been sparingly raced this year. Now back on his favoured ground, he held every chance of bouncing back. Simply Sondheim had a ball of it last year with six handicap wins in a row for the George Boughey stable and added another win at the start of this season. He would be making a return to action following four months off the track. Masekela was fourth in the Derby only last year, but has lost his form badly this year. Lightening Company has been an admirable dual purpose type for his owners Middleham Park Racing while the top weight Symbol of Light has his quirks, but is a talented sort. A three time winner for Godolphin, he has joined the Julie Camacho stable in Malton and was a narrow fourth on his stable debut.

The pace for this five runner contest looked surprisingly honest as Masekela was ridden positively into the early lead. Lightening Company was the slowest to leave the stalls, perhaps adjusting back into the routine of flat racing having last raced over hurdles. The main protagonists La Yakel and Simply Sondheim kept the leader in their sights and as the five strong field navigated the final bend, they would come to the fore. Entering the straight, Rossa Ryan attempted to steal a march on his rivals by going it along down the centre of the course as the main group stuck to the inside rail. He would soon weaken out of things however and it would be left for Simply Sondheim and La Yakel to battle it out in the final furlong. Lightening Company briefly threatened to cause an upset, but settled for a well held third. Tom Marquand would urge his mount La Yakel the hardest and he overcame Ryan Moore in the final strides to win.

It would be a first win of the season for La Yakel who looked like a horse to follow last season. The son of Time Test was progressive over middle distances and won the Lavazza Handicap at Ascot over a mile and a half this time last year. The William Haggas-trained four year old had raced just twice this year and was back on his favoured soft ground. Under a powerful drive, he returned to the winner's enclosure.  

Race Six: The British EBF 40th Anniversary Maiden Stakes - Class Two - 2-Y-O only - One mile - Runners: 10

Winner: GOD'S WINDOW (Dubawi x Perfect Clarity) (#9) - K. Shoemark - J & T. Gosden

As the stars of today were crowned earlier in the afternoon, the stars of tomorrow lined up in a potentially high class and exciting maiden contest. The race, run over a mile, is a relatively new addition to the meeting and this year's line up promised plenty and the notebooks were open and ready to jot down the names of the next big things.

As often is the case in racing, the race arguably didn't look as strogng as it once did at the opening entry stage. Neither of the Aidan O'Brien-trained colt Ortelius or Godolphin's £1,600,000 purchase Duke's Command were declared, but it left a field of ten promise colts, many of whom had shown promise on their debuts. Deira Mile caught the eye on debut when third for Charlie Johnston and was looking to go a few placings better with natural progression. Redhot Whisper also filled the bronze medal position on debut and was another big festival runner for first season trainer Ben Brookhouse. Let's Get Em chased home a more experienced type on debut and was another leading contender. The likes of Stratocracy, Bellum Justum and Savvy Warrior had raced twice and gradually finished closer with each run. 
The racecard would feature three newcomers, all of whom were smartly bred. Otto Flash hailed from the leading juvenile stable of Karl Burke and his pedigree stretched back to the likes of high class Deauville. At Vimeiro made his debut for the Jane Chapple-Hyam yard and hailed from a stamina laden German family. Finally, John and Thady Gosden's newcomer God's Window would be of automatic interest given his connections.

The early pace in this juvenile contest would be nothing more than a sensible one as the more experienced Bellum Justum cut out the opening fractions under Oisin Murphy. On his tail would be Deira Mile along with Let's Get Em, Savvy Warrior and Redhot Whisper. As the pace began to wind up, the group became more compact. Only the outsider By Default would be the one to struggle as there would be plenty of chances at the furlong pole. On either flank, Redhot Whisper and the improving God's Window would surge to the front and briefly battle inside the final furlong. It would be the newcomer God's Window who would land the race, showing a good attitude and change of gear. Back in second, Redhot Whisper confirmed the promise of his debut, looking a winner in the making as well as Deira Mile who finished third once again. Early leader Bellum Justum held on to fourth, just ahead of the eye-catching At Vimeiro, who made good late progress into fifth. 

It would be a second debut winner of the week for the John and Thady Gosden yard which, up until recently, had yet to record a two-year-old winner all season. This could be a sign of things to come as the son of Dubawi and first foal of a Lingfield Oaks Trial winner quickened up nicely after coming around the pack to challenge. With plenty of stamina in his pedigree, it wouldn't be a surprise to see even further improvement as a three year old next year.

Race Seven: The Hippo Pro 3 Sealant Handicap - Class Two - One mile - Runners: 15

Winner: LIBERTY LANE (Teofilo x Cape Liberty) (#10) - C. Lee - K. Burke.

The entertaining racecard came to a close with this valuable handicap over the full Lincoln Handicap distance of a mile. The competitiveness of the race came as no surprise and many runners have taken part in similar races throughout the season. A good portion of those running at Doncaster had raced in the Clipper Logistics Stakes at York recently and the likes of Spirit Dancer, Dutch Decoy, Sonny Liston and La Trinidad all finished close up to the winner Ropey Guest that day. Elsewhere, strong handicap form from this season was also present with the likes of The Gatekeeper and Titian going close in the Golden Mile and Spring Mile respectively. Liberty Lane would be an interesting addition to the lineup as one of the most lightly raced types in the field. 

Surprisingly for a cavalry charge of a competitive handicap, the early pace was fairly modest. The Gatekeeper reluctantly pressed on in front but only at an even gallop. In behind, the likes of Titian, Spirit Catcher and Liberty Lane all chased the leader early on with the slow starting Brunch and Look Back Smiling clinging on to the tail of the field. As the furlong pole loomed, early leader The Gatekeeper quickly weakened out of things and it gave the lead to Liberty Lane. On his outside though, Sonny Liston had swooped out of the main group and came with a good looking run under St Leger winning rider Ryan Moore. It looked set to be a popular win for the punters as Sonny Liston edged ahead, but Liberty Lane wouldn't back down. Despite losing the lead, Clifford Lee threw everything at his mount and the three year old responded, valiantly battling back to join Sonny Liston on the line. A brief and tense wait followed for the result, but Liberty Lane had just gained the verdict by a nose. La Trinidad would be another to break away from the group and finished third along with Spirit Catcher in fourth. 
It would be a first win since his debut for the once highly regarded Liberty Lane. Winning first time out by five lengths at Nottingham, the Karl Burke inmate looked special that day and was campaigned with the big races in mind. Beaten on his seasonal reapearance by a future Royal Ascot winner, the son of Teofilo would contest in the Dante Stakes where he finished seventh and in a red hot handicap at the Royal meeting in which he finished towards the rear. Dropping to a quieter class two at Newmarket last time, Liberty Lane showed signs of life with a fourth place. That run suggested he was returning to his best and so it proved on Town Moor. In the closest finish of the day, it gave the punters something to enjoy before heading home for the night.