Race One: The Hippo Carpet Protector Handicap - Class Five - One mile, Two furlongs - Runners: 10

Winner: ALA KAIFI (Mondialiste x Dream Child) (#5) - K. Shoemark - I. Mohammed

The final day of the St Leger meeting kicked off with a run of the mill handicap for three year olds and older, but the lineup was competitive and there was plenty of chances in with a shout of taking home the prize.

The lightly raced Ayyab caught the eye taking on more experienced rivals and had the assistance of Tom Marquand in the driving seat. Elsewhere, Richard P Smith had been running well on a consistent basis recently but was given the task of carrying top weight for his troubles. The Ismail Mohammed-trained Ala Kaifi went close in a novice event over this course and distance in early July and was looking for a first win on his return to South Yorkshire. Palamon would also be a lightly raced three year old in an interesting opening contest. 
The field got off to a level break and they immediately climbed the Rose Hill. Cresting the peak within a few strides, the main group began dropping back to normal level with Khangai, Richard P Smith and Corsican Caper being amongst the early front runners. Trapped a little wider than ideal, Ala Kaifi was looking for a gap to nudge into, but it never came. With little change in the order, the jockeys were content with the hand they were dealt with and as the race warmed up, there was still plenty of chances approaching the final furlong. Saffie Osborne took over the running with her mount Richard P Smith and it looked promising until race favourite Ala Kaifi joined the year older gelding. As the leading pair came within eyeshot of each other, Richard P Smith began to drift to his right. In turn, that pushed Ala Kaifi off his racing lane and towards the center of the track. There was minimal damage done however as Ala Kaifi had begun his winning run under Kieran Shoemark. Crossing the line a length to the good, it would be a first win for the three year old son of Mondialiste. Showing a good attitude when second at Doncaster back in July, he displayed a repeat of that run here, this time being successful. Fellow three year olds Ayyab and Palamon took home third and fourth prizes home respectively. 

Race Two: The Betfred City of Doncaster Handicap - Class Two - Seven furlongs - Runners: 8

Winner: POET MASTER (Lope de Vega x Madeline) (#5) - S. James - K. Burke

A good looking class two handicap for three year olds came up next with some smart names in the lineup. In previous years, this handicap has been won by types who went on to bigger and better things. The likes of future Lincoln winner Haqeeqy, listed race winner Modern News are amongst the winners in the past five years while ten years ago, Breton Rock won this race before going on to become an established Group Two performer. 

This year's renewal featured some potentially high class performers masquerading as handicappers. The William Haggas-trained filly Nine Tenths arrived on an upward curve and was impressive in winning her seasonal reappearance. Poet Master was also heading in the right direction with two wins from two starts but last time only managed eighth over a mile last time. The Karl Burke colt was dropping back in distance for this race. There was a pair of former festival winners in the lineup, both looking to add the St Leger Festival to their accolades. Dark Thirty made all to win at York's Dante meeting in May while Jamie Osborne's Executive Decision ploughed through the mud to win at Glorious Goodwood in August. The well bred Reminder had showing gradual improvement in her light career and held the hopes of a Royal winner. 

The confirmed front runner Dark Thirty was always going to cut out the pace early on, but his connections will have been hoping for an uncontested lead and for their horse to enjoy himself up front undisturbed. However, with seven rivals in the field, it was never going to be that easy. Sam James onboard Poet Master had similar plans and joined Dark Thirty in the early stages, the pair taking each other on and creating a decent pace. Ancestral Land and Reminder attempted to hold on to the leaders' tails but found themselves burning out in the final few furlongs. The favourite Nine Tenths was making her return to action for the first time since May and the ring rustiness was evident during the race. Tom Marquand began to push the filly along, but the response took a while to process. One the lightbulb above her head shone, Nine Tenths began to plug on at the one pace but could manage fourth at the line. That would leave the Karl Burke-trained Poet Master to come clear in dominant fashion and land a competitive race into a one sided affair. Zousky finished off well and took over second place ahead of the weakening Dark Thirty.
It would be a third win from four starts for the son of Lope de Vega. Prior to his last run, Poet Master was heading the right way with two wide margin wins in novice company at the start of the season. A trip to Haydock followed for a handicap over a mile in which he could manage only eighth. Turning up at Doncaster more accustomed to handicap company, the three year old reminded us all of what he is capable of with a visually impressive display. 

Race Three: The Vickers.Bet Leger Legends Classified Stakes - Class Five - One mile - Runners: 15

Winner: I STILL HAVE FAITH (Expert Eye x The Thrill Is Gone) (#15) - T. Scudamore - B. Brookhouse

A fantastic event which is popular with racing fans young and old took place on its new home of the final day of the meeting. The "Leger Legends" race does exactly what it says on the tin by rolling back the years with a host of former high profile jockeys donning their riding gear for a one off race. 

First run in 2010, the classified race has grown in popularity and the quality of competitors has grown. This year, a field of sixteen former champions of the saddle did battle to roll back the clock on Town Moor. Champion Jockeys from both codes were present with Richard Johnson, Davy Russell, Tom Scudamore and Robbie Power all making a relatively quick return to racing having recently hung up their boots. The field would largely conisist of former national hunt riders, but very talented former jockeys and current day trainers Adrian Nicholls, Gay Kelleway and Jamie Osborne all swapped the racing calendar for their riding boots. There would be a surprising late addition to the line up as the recently retired Paul Hanagan was called up to the race, less than a month after bowing out at York. 2021's winner Gary Bardwell kept up his 100% attendance in this race and was joined by the likes of Megan Nicholls, the larger than life Mattie Batchelor, Mark Enright, Will Kennedy, Jason Edmunds and Russ Kennemore. The spectacle would be a fun and exciting one for all to witness and personal pride was at stake for all the riders. 

As the jockeys arrived at the stalls ahead of the race, there was plenty of banter and jokes shared by the majority as some others began to feel the nerves of the task ahead. The race began to a largely level break, apart from Will Kennedy's mount Devasboy who was slow to go from his gate. The keen going Mykonos St John pulled Mattie Batchelor into the early lead as the group of veterans held on for all their worth down the straight mile course. The pale blue colours of favourite I Still Have Faith were spotted travelling best of all under Tom Scudamore and the pair kicked into a clear lead in the final furlong. As some horse and riders cried enough, the three year old kept finding for Scudamore and landed the race in easy fashion. Paul Hanagan and Biplane chased the winners home into second while Grand National and Gold Cup winner Robbie Power claimed third with Lion's Dream. Jamie Osborne exceeded his own expectations with a great fourth on his own horse Cliffs of Capri.
In a fun spectacle, the best horse in the race landed the win. Trained by Ben Brookhouse and owned by his famous dad Roger Brookhouse, I Still Have Faith had finished in the first three on his previous six starts. The blue silks worn by Tom Scudamore have a long history and provided Scudamore with a win in the Arkle Chase courtesy of Western Warhorse in 2014. Scudamore retired as recently as February this season due to an earlier fall and threat of concussion lingering. A mainstay in modern national hunt racing, he was best known for his partnership with David Pipe's horses including Madison du Berlais and Lough Derg. Hailing from a racing family that includes legendary trainer Peter Scudamore, it was a perfect way for Tom to officially bow out from race riding. 

Race Four:  The Japan Racing Association Sceptre Fillies' Stakes - Group Three - Seven furlongs - Runners: 10

Winner: MATILDA PICOTTE (Sioux Nation x Haillie's Comet) (#10) - O. Murphy - K. Cotter.

Once a leading feature of the meeting, this Group Three for fillies and mares has been shuffled towards the back of the frame in recent years and often gets a lack of attention compared to other races during the week. The seven furlong contest is a valuable prize to win for any prospective broodmares and it is run over the specialist distance of seven furlongs. 

There would be a welcome return to action for last year's 1,000 Guineas winner Cachet. The star of George Boughey's stable was narrowly denied in the French equivalent but hasn't raced since Royal Ascot in June 2022. Connections will be undoubtedly delighted to have their filly back on track and looking ahead to bigger targets towards the end of the year. The entries were dominated by the Classic generation and there was plenty of very talented three year olds in the line up. Matilda Picotte finished third in this year's English 1,000 Guineas and was joined by Goodwood winner Magical Sunset. The likes of Vetivier, Nigiri and Dandy Alys were showing progressive profiles and deserved their shot at this higher grade. Spain's leading filly Samedi Rien was another fascinating entrant having finished third at Pontefract last time. 

In another dominant display, the race was won soon after the gates opened. After an even break, Oisin Murphy chose to be positive on Matilda Picotte but was kept honest by the returning Cachet. Many opted to settle into midfield including Nigiri, Vetivier, Cloumacon and Dream Of Love, but once again there was little change in the order. Approaching the final furlong, Murphy decided on the right moment to press the accelerator on Matilda Picotte. Showing an impressive turn of foot, the three year old daughter of Sioux Nation found herself in clear air, crossing the line in splendid isolation by four lengths. Chasing her shadow were Nigiri and Vetivier who both adapted to life in stronger company well and gained themselves some black type for their breeding profile. Last year's Guineas heroine Cachet weakened into fourth but connections were delighted with the run considering her absence. Bigger targets remain on her agenda.

For the winner, it would be a first win of the season, but a richly deserved one. A smart juvenile last year, Matilda Picotte finished third in last year's Lowther Stakes at York before winning last October's Bosra Sham Stakes. The Kieran Cotter-trained filly posted a career best when third in this year's 1,000 Guineas behind Mawj and Tahiyra which made her a live contender for this Group Three. It would be a very impressive display and a return to the highest level looks likely with the upcoming Prix de la Foret at Longchamp mentioned for her next time. 

Race Five: The Betfred Scarborough Stakes - Listed Race - Five furlongs - Runners: 4

Winner: ROGUE LIGHTNING (Kodiac x Field Of Stars) (#4) - D. Tudhope - T. Clover

It would be the turn of the sprinters now with an above average listed contest over the minimum distance of five furlongs. Open to two year olds and older horses, the race attracts a variety of ages and talent each year and is often a fascinating contest. Despite being at the lowest step of the pattern system, some former and subsequent winners at the highest level have taken this prize during their illustrious career. In 2010, Prohibit won here before causing a major shock in the following year's King Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot. Similarly, Sole Power had won the 2010 Nunthorpe as a 100-1 outsider but returned to form with a win here in 2012. Mecca's Angel would emerge on the sprinting scene by winning this race in 2014 which set up her double Nunthorpe success for the following two years and most recently, 2021 winner Khaadem landed Group One honours at this year's Royal Ascot.

This year's saw a very disappointing turnout for a valuable prize. Just like at York last weekend for their two mile handicap, the feeble competition for a prize worth £34,000 to the winner is frustrating for spectators and punters alike. Nevertheless, the quartet of sprinters were a very talented bunch and the presence of guaranteed front runners made sure the pace would be quick. The Scott Dixon-trained Fine Wine has only one way of running which is hard and fast from the gates. He flirted on the edge of pattern-level races by the end of 2022 but had yet to match that form just yet. Raasel finished third in the King George Stakes at Goodwood behind Highland Princess on his penultimate start and made a successful return to handicap company last week at Haydock. Middleham Park Racing's Silky Wilkie has enjoyed a profitable season since winning the Scottish Sprint Cup Handicap and has finished second at this level this summer. Rogue Lightning has unlocked further progress since dropping to the minimum trip and arrived here on the back of two impressive handicap wins. 

The four runner race lacked the excitement for punters but it still produced a good finish and a hat trick completed for a very progressive sprinter in the form of Rogue Lightning. From the stalls, Fine Wine began his customary style of making the running while Silky Wilkie watching on in second with Raasel and Rogue Lightning rounding out the order. Approaching the final stages, the smooth travelling Raasel came to challenge under Will Buick and briefly led until the Tom Clover-trained three year old began to draw alongside. Showing a smart change of gear, Dan Tudhope's mount Rogue Lightning began to pull clear approaching the line, looking better value for the three quarters of a length official winning margin.

A decent juvenile last year, connections found their horse to be too keen in his races at the start of the year so a mid season gelding operation has improved his fortunes. Winning over the same course and distance here in June, Rogue Lightning began to progress nicely. He would follow up on his most recent start, winning at the Shergar Cup meeting at Ascot for the Rest of the World team. A trip to Paris could be instore for the syndicate owners, The Rogues' Galleries. 

Race Six: The I Love Julie Parkes Nursery Handicap - Class Four - 2-Y-O's only - One mile - Runners: 6 

Winner: SWIFT SALIAN (Holy Roman Emperor x Dynalosca) (#6) - C. Beasley - D & N. Barron.

Another small field for punters to take a watching brief over, but the race had a tight and competitive feel to it with just nine pounds seperating the six runners on rating. 
Doddie's Impact made a return to Doncaster for the first time since winning the traditional flat season opener, the Brocklesby Stakes. Curiously, the Robyn Brisland-trained gelding has bucked the trend of winners from the five furlong contest by ending up racing over a mile here. Swift Salian held the most experience in the field with five starts but was getting closer to winning with each start. Claiming the runners' up spot on his last two starts, the Nicola and David Barron-trained colt was making a quick return to action. In this class four event, Godolphin ran one of their well bred juveniles. State Of Desire hasn't lived up to expectations as of yet and the son of Frankel entered handicap company for the first time off a lowly rating. Sea The Moon had also shown talent and represented recent Group One winning combination Callum Rodriguez and Ed Bethell. Elsewhere, Jedd O'Keeffe's Monsieur Melee had improved from run to run and the Charlie McBride-trained Charming Whisper was the only other winner in the line up. 

For the third time in the afternoon, it paid to race at the sharp end of the group early on as Swift Salian would not see another rival in front of him throughout the one mile contest. Getting a quick start, Swift Salian had the attentions of Doddie's Impact alongside him with State of Desire tracking the two up front. Racing behind a sensible pace, Sea The Dream would be the only one to race keenly early on. Approaching the furlong pole, Connor Beasley would release the handbrake and his horse kept finding plenty for presssure. Coming clear to score by just over three furlongs, it would be an impressive way to win his first race. The son of Holy Roman Emperor is a relative of a few fair types who raced in France. Making the most of his experience, it was a relatively simple victory which also confirmed his abilty and progression from run to run. 

Race Seven: The KC Sofas Michael Charnock Memorial Handicap - Class Five - Five and a half furlongs - Runners: 11

Winner: ONEMORENOMORE (Mukhadram x Euro Empire) (#10) - A. Farragher - C. McBride

The final race of the St Leger festival brought the curtain down on another memorable four days for Yorkshire racing and it would end with a modest class five handicap for three year olds and older. Despite the low grade, there would be plenty of familiar faces amongst those in the final line up and punters were looking to end the day on a high. 

Last year's winner J R Cavagin made a return to Doncaster, this time racing from a lower rating than the one he won off twelve months ago. Catch Cunningham was a classy youngster a few years ago but struggled in higher grades ever since for Kevin Ryan. Amongst a competitive contest, the notoriously quirky Stone Of Destiny was still looking for a first win in over three years and Selby's Pride had taken on stronger competition recently. 

There would be drama at the start as last year's winner J R Cavagin reared as the gates opened but propelled himself forward. For a brief few seconds, Grand National winning jockey Graham Lee might have felt as if he was jumping The Chair fence at Aintree! The pair returned to Earth and continued throughout the race with no further incident. The remainder of the field broke evenly and the keen going Lotus Rose was eager to pull the group along. From a quick pace, Stone of Destiny and Onemorenomore would be held up as the likes of Thornaby Pearl, Selby's Pride and Mrs Trump all had handy positions early on. Entering the final furlong, the smooth travelling Stone of Destiny made his customary mid race slicing through the field and was joined by Onemorenomore. For a brief moment, it looked as if Stone of Destiny would finally win a race once again but Adam Farragher onboard Onemorenomore had saved enough to finish off best of all and record the horse's first win of his career. It would also cap off a great day for the Charlie McBride stable as he landed the final race to go with the two seconds from his other two runners at the meeting, Zousky and Charming Whisper. It would also bookend the meeting for winners by a Newmarket stable. Early leader Lotus Rose held on to third while Thornaby Pearl took home fourth. After his airborne antics, J R Cavagin could only finish in the midfield