- Critics have questioned the relevance of the mile-and-three-quarter test
- It clashes with the Irish Champion Stakes, giving ammunition to sceptics
- Doncaster will be full to the brim for the race in a carnival-like atmosphere
Owen Burrows has launched a robust defence of the Betfred St Leger as he aims to make his Classic breakthrough.
A field of seven, including three from Aidan O’Brien’s all conquering yard, have been declared for the historic contest but critics have started to question the relevance of this mile-and-three-quarter test.
The fact it clashes with a star-studded Irish Champion Stakes, which is due off 10 minutes before The St Leger, has given more ammunition to those who believe this is a Group One in name only.
But Burrows will unleash Deira Mile full of confidence on Saturday after saddling 10/1 chance Nakheel to win the Group Two Park Hill Stakes – often called the ‘Fillies Leger’ as it is run over the same distance on Town Moor – and is adamant it is a race to be cherished.
‘There are only five Classics a year and you try to win one of them to see how hard it is,’ said Burrows. ‘If I was to win this, I would be absolutely over the moon. We will be trying our hardest and it is great to have a horse to be able to run in it.
Owen Burrows has launched a staunch defence of the Betfred St Leger despite criticism
Sceptics have begun to question the relevance of the mile-and-three-quarter test in Doncaster
‘Our horse is in great form, he’s finished fourth in The Derby and has come on from his last run at Windsor in good shape. I hope he can end the year with a bang.’
It would be fitting if Burrows could win in this of all weeks, as he was once assistant to Sir Michael Stoute, who has announced he will retire at the end of this flat season.
‘The man is a genius and he could see things in horses that nobody else could see,’ said Burrows, paying tribute. ‘He is a proper horse man and an unbelievable trainer. I was working with him when he finally won the Leger with Conduit (in 2008). I just hope it doesn’t take me 20 attempts to get my name on the trophy!’
For all that it is fashionable to decry long-standing traditions in racing, the fact of the matter is Doncaster will be full to the brim for the Leger, making the atmosphere a carnival, and a big crowd came through the gates for the opening day.
Aside from Nakheel’s smooth dismissal of Night Sparkle, the afternoon was enlivened by a jet-heeled display from Godolphin’s Desert Flower, who scuttled clear in the Group Two May Hill Stakes.
The racecourse will be full to the brim for the Leger, making the atmosphere a carnival
The opening day was enlivened by a jet-heeled display from Godolphin’s Desert Flower
Her turn of foot was that of a Group One performer and showed why she had been sent off the even money favourite.
‘She is the best two-year-old filly I have sat on this year,’ said winning jockey William Buick, who doubled up with Hallasan in the £300,000 sales race.
‘She is a filly with plenty of scope for next year. She came alive and quickened up quite easily and that is the sign of a quality horse. She has done everything right so far.’
