Irish St Leger

The Irish St Leger is a Group 1 Classic race over a mile and three-quarters at the Curragh in September.

The race was opened up to older horses in 1983 due to declining fields but has retained its Classic status. Vinnie Roe famously won the race for four successive seasons between 2001 and 2004. Other notable winners include Vintage Crop (1993, 1994), Kayf Tara (1998, 1999), Yeats (2007) and Brown Panther (2014).

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Race Overview

The Irish St Leger is one of Ireland’s most prestigious horse races and a key highlight of the autumn racing calendar. First run in 1915, the Irish St Leger was originally restricted to three-year-olds, making it the Irish equivalent of the St Leger Stakes at Doncaster, the final leg of the English Triple Crown. Over time, the race evolved, opening up to older horses in 1983, transforming it into a more competitive and globally significant event.

Check out our guides to all the other Irish Group One horse races.

Irish St Leger Previous Winners

Irish St Leger Previous Result

Check out this result from the Curragh Racecourse:

The Irish St Leger and the Irish Triple Crown

The Irish St Leger became the third and final leg of the Irish Triple Crown after the Irish 2,000 Guineas and the Irish Derby. The first horse to complete this treble was Museum in 1935, a feat only matched by Windsor Slipper in 1942.

In the 1980s, the breeding industry’s increased emphasis on speed over stamina led to a decline in the quality of the race. The decision to open the race to older horses in 1983 revitalised the event. It quickly became a major target for the top stayers, including those who excelled in the Ascot Gold Cup.

Iconic Irish St Leger Winners

The Irish St Leger has been won by many legendary horses, making it a race rich in history and prestige:

• Vintage Crop (1993, 1994): Trained by Dermot Weld, Vintage Crop became the first horse trained in the Northern Hemisphere to win the Melbourne Cup in 1993. He also secured back-to-back Irish St Leger titles in 1993 and 1994, solidifying Weld’s reputation on both Irish and international stages.
• Vinnie Roe (2001-2004): One of the most famous Irish St Leger winners, Vinnie Roe, trained by Dermot Weld, won the race an unprecedented four times. This remarkable achievement has yet to be matched, showcasing the gelding’s dominance in the early 2000s.
• Yeats (2007): The four-time Ascot Gold Cup winner Yeats, trained by Aidan O’Brien, claimed victory in 2007, demonstrating his class as one of the greatest stayers in recent memory.
• Order of St George (2015, 2017): Another star from the Aidan O’Brien stable, Order of St George won the Irish St Leger twice. Known for his stamina, he also delivered a noteworthy performance in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, finishing fourth in 2017.
• Search For A Song (2019, 2020): Dermot Weld continued his success in the Irish St Leger with Search For A Song, who won consecutive titles in 2019 and 2020. However, her attempt at a third consecutive win fell short in 2021 when she was beaten by Johnny Murtagh’s Sonnyboyliston.

Key Irish St Leger Trials

The Irish St Leger Trial Stakes, held at the Curragh, serves as a critical preparatory race. In the past twelve years, four Irish St Leger winners have used this race as their springboard, including Order of St George (2015, 2017) and Flag of Honour (2018), both trained by Aidan O’Brien.

While Irish St Leger winners often have ambitious post-race targets, success has been elusive. Voleuse De Coeurs (2013) and Wicklow Brave (2016) competed in the Melbourne Cup, Brown Panther (2014) in the Breeders’ Cup Turf, and Order of St George (2017) in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, all finishing out of the winner’s circle.

Irish St Leger Betting Trends and Tips

For those interested in Irish St Leger betting, understanding the trends can provide valuable insights:

• Over the last twelve seasons, four favourites have won the Irish St Leger, including Sans Frontieres (2010) and Order of St George (2015, 2017).
• Long-shot victories are not uncommon, with Royal Diamond winning at 16-1 in 2012 and Wicklow Brave at 11-1 in 2016.
• Older horses generally hold the advantage, with only three three-year-olds winning in the past twelve seasons.

The race’s unpredictability makes it an exciting betting proposition, often rewarding those who look beyond the favourites.

Top Trainers and Jockeys in the Irish St Leger

The title of the leading trainer in the Irish St Leger is currently shared by two legends, Vincent O’Brien and Dermot Weld, with nine wins each. O’Brien’s last victory came with Dark Lomond in 1988, while Weld’s mastery is most notably seen through Vinnie Roe’s four consecutive wins.

On the jockey front, Morny Wing leads with seven Irish St Leger victories between 1920 and 1947. More recently, the late Pat Smullen guided Vinnie Roe to his historic four wins.

Best Irish St Leger Betting Sites

The Irish St Leger has been the stage for some of the finest stayers in racing history, from Vinnie Roe’s dominance to the modern stars of Aidan O’Brien’s stable. As a highlight of the autumn racing calendar, the race provides an exciting opportunity for punters. For the best odds and free bet offers on the Irish St Leger, check out our recommended Irish St Leger betting sites.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Irish St Leger

What is the Irish St Leger?
The Irish St Leger is a Group 1 flat horse race held at the Curragh Racecourse in Ireland. Open to thoroughbreds aged three years and older, it covers a distance of 1 mile and 6 furlongs (2,800 metres).

When is the Irish St Leger held?
The race takes place annually in September as part of the autumn racing season.

Who has won the most Irish St Leger titles?
Vinnie Roe holds the record for the most wins in the Irish St Leger, with four consecutive victories from 2001 to 2004.

What are the key betting trends for the Irish St Leger?
In recent years, the race has favoured older horses and has seen a mix of winning favourites and long-shot victors. Staying ability is crucial, and horses with strong form over long distances tend to perform well.

Summary of Irish St Leger

We hope you have enjoyed our guide to the Irish St Leger.

We hope this guide has provided you with valuable insights into the rich history and betting opportunities surrounding the Irish St Leger. Whether you are a seasoned racing enthusiast or new to the sport, the Irish St Leger offers thrilling action and potential rewards.

Find out more on the in-depth list of horse racing fixtures 2025 in Ireland.

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