Racing to School celebrates 250 years of St Leger history at Doncaster Racecourse

Year 6 pupils from Willow Primary School became part of the St Leger’s continuing story recently, as the annual Leger Wednesday Community Day returned to the racecourse as part of the world’s oldest Flat Classic’s landmark 250th anniversary year.

Delivered in partnership with Arena Racing Company (ARC), the visit continued the spirit of this year’s National Racehorse Week and welcomed young people to the racecourse for the fourth consecutive year.
The St Leger’s 250th anniversary coincides with Racing to School’s own 25th year milestone — a fitting moment to introduce the Festival’s cultural significance to a new generation of Doncaster’s community. Since inception, Racing to School has turned racecourses into fast-moving classrooms, bringing curriculum-learning to life while connecting young people to the heritage, people and places at the heart of their local community.

The visit began with the group discovering more about the origins of the St Leger and Doncaster’s important place in British racing history. Pupils also had the chance to race their classmates across the same finishing line that, just days later, witnessed Saffie Osborne make history aboard Highwayman in the St Leger, becoming the first female jockey to win a British Classic.

The group then headed to the Weighing Room, where they got hands-on with jockey kit and equipment and learned about the preparation involved before a race. Racing to School team member, Toby Becton shared his experience in the saddle and gave a demonstration on the Equiciser before inviting the pupils to try it for themselves, giving them an insight into the skill and fitness required to ride in a race. The group also enjoyed the thrill of racing through VR headsets, providing an immersive view of the sport from a jockey’s perspective.

A particular highlight was meeting equine star Lil Wade, who was immaculately turned out with a special Racing to School quarter mark and paraded by his groom Emily, kindly brought from trainer Scott Dixon’s Southwell-based yard. The group enjoyed feeding him carrots and polos, while Scott explained the daily care and training involved in looking after his horses.

A session with racing steward Mike Goodfellow took pupils on a journey through 250 years of St Leger history, from the race’s first running in 1776 to the world-famous Festival celebrated at Doncaster today.

The day concluded with a quiz, complete with prizes for the winning team, bringing together everything the pupils had learnt about racing, horses and the St Leger.

Racing to School is very grateful to Doncaster Racecourse and owners ARC for their continued support, and to Scott Dixon, his team and Mike Goodfellow for sharing their time and expertise with the pupils to create a day of indelible learning and fun.