Sweet William clinches victory to retain the Betfred Howard Wright Doncaster Cup Stakes

The second day of the Betfred St Leger Festival saw the oldest race still run under the official rules of horse racing, first held in 1766, and it was Robert Havlin that won the Betfred Doncaster Cup with Sweet William two years on the trot.

This is a day entrenched in the history of Doncaster and always promises top-class racing with this year being no different. Epic battles between determined jockeys ensued from the first race to the last, which made for excellent viewing for spectators.

While there was an array of standout performances, Sweet William, stole the headlines with a show stopping performance that clinched the victory to retain the Betfred Doncaster Cup in what was a spectacle to remember.

The action didn’t stop after the racing, as Café Mambo and Lovely Laura brought the iconic sunset vibes with a live set, after racing concluded in the Party Enclosure.

Rachel Harwood, Executive Director of Doncaster Racecourse, said: “Betfred Doncaster Cup Day always provides some fantastic racing and this year’s Betfred Doncaster Cup Stakes had guests on the edge of their seats from start to finish.

“It’s a pleasure to bring world-class racing to Doncaster every year, as well as incredible entertainment to compliment the races. This year Café Mambo and Lovely Laura were here to deliver a showstopping performance that had guests dancing into the evening!”

The Betfred St Leger Festival will return to celebrate a major milestone in 2026 as the festival celebrates the 250th anniversary of the first running of the St Leger Stakes. Tickets for next year’s racedays will become available following their 2025 conclusion.

Anyone that books tickets before October 31 will receive 17.76% off, paying tribute to the year it all began way back in 1776.

Secure your attendance at the festival’s remaining days by getting tickets while you still can: https://www.doncaster-racecourse.co.uk/