LIGHTNING STRIKES FOR STEVENS

The Olly Stevens-trained Lightning Thunder got the better of Justice Day and 2/1 favourite Expert in a thrilling finish to the Irish Stallion Farms E.B.F. Conditions Stakes at Doncaster this afternoon.   The Harry Bentley-ridden filly settled nicely behind the leading pack and was the first to make her move a furlong-and-a-half from home but looked to be beaten when both Justice Day and Expert passed her in the final furlong. However, the two-year-old fought back tenaciously to get her nose in front on the line and win by a short-head from Justice Day, with the Richard Hughes-ridden Expert a further head back in third. "I thought that, when I looked across on the line, that I might just have got there but I knew that it was going to be tight," said Bentley. "She has obviously had a hard enough race there but she stuck her head out and she has done the job well. Perhaps I did get there a bit soon but I never wanted it to turn into too much of a sprint - she is a very long-striding filly and she wouldn't have the biggest turn of foot, she just gallops. We have always thought that she was very nice and the people who ride her at home have done a very good job. Hopefully, she is as nice as we think. I think that the ground is definitely on the easy side of good and it will be soft by the end of the afternoon." Kevin Darley, representing the joint-owners Pearl Bloodstock, was also pleased with the performance of Lightning Thunder. "She's done it nicely. It's not easy for a once-raced filly to take in a race like this against more experienced horses but she's run on really well and just managed to get her head in front on the line. She's showed she can battle which is a nice quality to have. She's travelled nicely but it was a bit of a messy race and Harry (Bentley) was the first to show his hand so things didn't pan out her way. She's a progressive filly though and we'll have to go back and see what's left for her. Where she heads next will be up to the boss but she's certainly done nothing wrong." Darley's sentiments were echoed by Hetta Stevens, wife of trainer Olly who is currently over in America at the Keeneland sales. "We're very happy with her and she's clearly going the right way," said Stevens. "We're having a great season and to have a winner at Royal Ascot and here at the Leger meeting is a credit to all the staff back at home. She may have another run this season but we'll look at all the big races for her next season. There's a lot to look forward to. We've got about 15 horses for Qatar and Pearl Bloodstock at home and hopefully we can get a few more if we keep having winners like this.          SECOND RACE, 2.30pm: THE IRISH STALLION FARMS E.B.F. CONDITIONS RACE Quotes ELSWORTH FRUSTRATED Justice Day, who was fifth in the Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Gimcrack at York on August 24 came home a short-head second to Lightning Thunder in the second contest on the opening day of the Ladbrokes St Leger Festival, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Conditions Race. Well regarded by his trainer, David Elsworth, the two-year-old Acclamation colt has shown some form in Pattern races without troubling the judge as well as losing his maiden tag first time out and recording a second victory in a Newmarket novice race in May Elsworth commented after the race: "It is frustrating but it is a horse race and a scramble and we got beat but I could do with a winner! "I would have liked a bit more pace - I said to Ryan (Moore, jockey) he's a lovely little horse but he dosses. He would be better to get a lead and a good gallop wouldn't hurt. You only have to win the race once so do it lateish, but they have jumped off and gone no gallop. I don't think it has made much difference but if we had had a bit more of a gallop we would have gone once. In the end, when he got competing, he was strong and another stride and he would have won. "If you look at his form - he ran in the Windsor Castle (Listed, Royal Ascot) and was beaten three lengths and in the Gimcrack he just flattened out and was beaten three lengths again but it is a Group Two. He has rock solid form and I was sure we would beat Hannon's horse (third placed, Expert) but the filly that beat us is highly regarded and maybe she is a Guineas winner and we were giving her seven pounds. "I have got him in the Middle Park, which realistically looks a big ask but having said that he's done well here and never runs a bad race so we will see - he is rated 105." SECOND RACE RESULT 2.30pm Irish Stallion Farms EBF Conditions Stakes £20,000 total prize fund. For 2yo, which have not won a Class 1 race and which are EBF eligible, 6f. Weights: colts and geldings 8st 11lb; fillies 8st 6lb. Penalties: each Class 4 race won 2lb; for each Class 3 race won 4lb; for each Class 2 race won 6lb. Penalty value 1st £12,450.00 2nd £3,728.00 3rd £1,864.00 4th £932.00 5th £466.00. 1) LIGHTNING THUNDER (Mohd Al Kubasi & Pearl Bloodstock Ltd) Olly Stevens 2-8-08 Harry Bentley [4] 5/2 2) JUSTICE DAY (IRE) (Robert Ng) David Elsworth 2-9-01 Ryan Moore [1] 9/4 3) EXPERT (IRE) (Julie Wood) Richard Hannon 2-8-13 Richard Hughes [2] 2/1f 4) SCRUFFY TRAMP (IRE) (D Hassan & B Green) Michael Wigham 2-8-11 Sean Levey [3] 20/1 5) FREE CODE (IRE) (Sheikh Rashid Dalmook Al Maktoum) James Tate b2-8-13 Paul Mulrennan [5] 8/1 5 ran Time: 1m 15.34s            Distances: sh, hd, 3¾, hd, Breeder: S Douch         Breeding: Dutch Art - Sweet Coincidence (Mujahid (USA)) Tote     Win £3.90         Place £2.10 £1.50         Exacta £9.30 Winning trainer:- Name: Stevens, Olly Based: Robins Farm, Chiddingfold, Surrey Background: Grew up in Newmarket. Spells working for James Fanshawe, Jessica Harrington, Bob Hess and Ed Peate, before spending five years in America with Kellyn Gorder where he was involved with the development of Kentucky Derby winner Super Saver and Breeders' Cup Classic hero Drosselmeyer. Took out his own license in January 2013 and trains primarily for Qatar Racing Ltd. First Winner: Hard Walnut - Lingfield,  February 3, 2013 Royal Ascot Wins (1): Windsor Castle Stakes (2013 Extortionist) Wins This Year: 15 Winning jockey:-Name: Bentley, Harry Background: Started riding at the age of four. Took out an apprentice licence at the age of 16. Has enjoyed successful spells in Dubai with Ali Al Raihe. Started association with Olly Stevens at Robins Farm in 2013 and is the second jockey to Qatar Racing Ltd. First Winner: Prince Valentine - Lingfield,  January 20, 2010. Wins (2010-2012): 13; 47; 31 Wins This Year: 27

SURPRISINGLY EASY FOR BRAIDLEY

Despite trainer James Bethell's misgivings on several counts, Braidley ran out an impressive winner of the opening Arena Group Nursery. The son of Dylan Thomas went to the front under Ted Durcan before the final furlong before surging three and a quarter lengths clear of Master Carpenter. On his previous run the colt had been readily beaten in a Newcastle nursery over a mile by Mark Johnston-trained Stars Over The Sea, subsequently last of five in a Listed contest at Haydock on Saturday. "I thought we might have run into a real good one at Newcastle," said Bethell, "and so I was very disappointed with the way the Johnston horse ran at the weekend. "And he's got such a good action and moves so well I thought he'd be better on faster ground. He was a bit free and keen last time so I dropped him back to seven but he settled fine this time and Ted said a mile would be no problem again." Braidley, a half-brother to smart 10-furlong winner Saphira's Fire, cost just 11,000gns as a yearling. "I have to thank Marcus Tregoning for that," added Bethell. "I was bidding against him and he dropped out. He said he'd just bought a Dylan Thomas and he didn't want two. I'm pleased to have this one and its now onward and upward and perhaps wait for offers to come in." The race went to plan as far as Durcan was concerned. "They went hard early and I crept into it slowly, slowly," he said. "He has a lovely attitude and is a lovely strong horse. He'll get a mile standing on his head. "It's on the easy side of good as we speak but with another hour or so it will open up and be soft, but it is fresh ground." FIRST RACE, 2.00pm: THE ARENA GROUP NURSERY Quotes JOCKEYS ON GOING IN THE FIRST Ted Durcan, rider of the 9/1 winner Braidley, said: "It is on the easy side of good." Andrea Atzeni, on board the three-and-a-quarter length second Master Carpenter, said: "Good to soft." William Buick, jockey of the 9/2 joint favourite and third Jazz, said: "Good to soft." Harry Bentley, jockey of fourth Supersta, said: "It is on the easy side of good." Richard Hughes, rider of Fair Ranger, said: "Soft." Tom Queally, partner of Street Force, said: "It is on the slow side of good." Louis Steward, on board Finn Class, said: "It is a bit loose on top." Paul Hanagan, jockey of Emaad, said: "Soft." Barry McHugh, rider of Mr Carbonfootprint, said: "It is on the easy side of good." Patrick Mathers, on board Latenightrequest, said: "A bit dead." David Probert, partner of Donny Rover, said: "It is on the easy side of good." GOING CHANGE The going has been changed to Good to Soft from Good following the first race on the opening day of the Ladbrokes St Leger Festival. Roderick Duncan, Clerk of the Course, said: "We've changed the going to Good to Soft from Good after a sustained period of rain this morning. "We will keep an eye on the ground as the day goes on." FIRST RACE RESULT 2.00pm Arena Group Nursery £15,000 total prize fund. For 2yo, 7f. Weights: highest weight not less than 9st 7lb; minimum weight 8st. Penalties: after August 31st, each race won 6lb. Penalty value 1st £9,703.50 2nd £2,887.50 3rd £1,443.00 4th £721.50. 1) BRAIDLEY (IRE) (Clarendon Thoroughbred Racing) James Bethell 2-8-11 Ted Durcan [14] 9/1 2) MASTER CARPENTER (IRE) (Links Partnership/Cheveley Park Stud) Rod Millman 2-9-07 Andrea Atzeni [6] 7/1 3) JAZZ (IRE) (Nick Browne, P McNamara, J Napier, J Powell) Charlie Hills h2-9-01 William Buick [3] 9/2jf 4) SUPERSTA (Serrell, Salthouse & Ridge House Stables) Ron Harris 2-8-05 Joe Fanning [13] 5) FINN CLASS (IRE) (Saif Ali) Michael Bell 2-8-04 Louis Steward (7) [1] 6) LATENIGHTREQUEST (Middleham Park Racing XVI & Partner) Richard Fahey 2-8-03 Patrick Mathers [7] 7) DONNY ROVER (IRE) (Willie McKay) David Griffiths p2-8-04 (3lb ow) David Probert [9] 8) MR CARBONFOOTPRINT (Mel Roberts and Nicola Meese) Richard Fahey 2-8-04 Barry McHugh [5] 9) STREET FORCE (USA) (Saeed Manana) Clive Brittain b2-9-04 Tom Queally [2] 10) FAIR RANGER (D Barker) Richard Hannon 2-9-05 Richard Hughes [12] 9/2jf 11) EMAAD (USA) (Hamdan Al Maktoum) Mark Johnston 2-8-05 Paul Hanagan [8]  11 ran                            Non-runners: Djinni (Self Cert - Bad Scope), Captain Bob (Other), It's All A Game (Going) Time: 1m 27.76s           Distances: 3¼, 1½, nk, 1¼, ¾, ¾, 8, 1, 2¼, 3¼ Breeder: A Pettinari       Breeding: Dylan Thomas (IRE) - All Our Hope (USA) (Gulch (USA)) Tote     Win £10.30       Place £2.60 £2.30 £2.20            Exacta £74.60 Winning trainer:- Name: Bethell, The Hon James David William Date of birth: 22/2/52 Date of first licence: 1975. Assistant trainer to Bruce Hobbs & Arthur Budgett (1970-75) Trains at Thorngill, Coverham, North Yorkshire Major wins: King George V Handicap (1977 Celtic Pleasure), July Stakes (1996 Rich Ground), Victoria Cup (2004 Mine), Royal Hunt Cup (2004 Mine), Ladbrokes Bunbury Cup (2002, 2005 & 2006 Mine), Middleton Stakes (2006 Strawberry Dale) Royal Ascot wins (2): Celtic Pleasure (1977 King George V Handicap), Royal Hunt Cup (2004 Mine) Horses in training (1975-2013): 52; 48; 33; 42; 45; 45; 47; 33; 30; 26; 28; 19; 19; 14; 20; 25; 24; 20; 19; 28; 29; 28; 22; 25; 28; 18; 25; 27; 29; 28; 32; 33; 33; 31; 33; 31; 31; 22; 27; 5 Wins in a Year (1988-2012): 4; 11; 10; 11; 5; 7; 10; 8; 12; 5; 9; 4; 8; 11; 9; 11; 19; 22; 20; 11; 18; 12; 9; 14; 10 Wins This Year: 9 Winning jockey:-Name: Durcan, Thomas Edward (Ted) Born: February 25, 1973 Married: to Sue, who works for the Godolphinwebsite Background: Apprenticed toJack Berry, went to ride work for Paddy Rudkin in Dubai in 1997, having lost claim in England and believing that it would be impossible without the allowance. Other details: Champion jockey in Dubai 1999/2000 (58 wins), 2000/2001 (56 wins), 2001/2002 (56 wins), 2003/2004 (39 wins), 2004/2005 (44 wins), 2006/2007 (33 wins), 2007/2008 (27 wins) British Classic Wins: (2) Ladbrokes St Leger (2008 Mastery), Vodafone Oaks (2007 Light Shift) Other Big Race Wins include: Cheshire Oaks (2004 Hidden Hope, 2007 Light Shift), Dubai Duty Free (Rhythm Band, Nad Al Sheba, March 25, 2000), Godolphin Mile (Conflict, Nad Al Sheba, March 25, 2000), John Smith's Stakes (2006 Pinpoint), Oak Tree Stakes (2005 Majestic Desert), Predominate Stakes (2006 Championship Point), Premio Roma (2003 Imperial Dancer), Prix Morny (2005 Silca's Sister), Rockfel Stakes (2003 Cairns), Haydock Sprint Cup (2000 Pipalong, 2003 Somnus), St Simon Stakes (2003 Imperial Dancer), Polypipe Flying Childers (2008 Madame Trop Vite), Skybet.com Sweet Solera Stakes (2009 Long Lashes), Kingdom Of Bahrain Sun Chariot Stakes (2009 Sahpresa), Jaguar XJ Cornwallis Stakes (2011 Ponty Acclaim), John Guest Bengough Stakes (2011 Royal Rock) Lingfield Derby Trial (2012 Main Sequence) Number Of Royal Ascot Wins (4): Chesham Stakes (2005 Championship Point), Queen Mary Stakes (2005 Flashy Wings), Coventry Stakes (2006 Hellvelyn), Queen Alexandra Stakes (2011 Swingkeel) First Royal Ascot Winner: Chesham Stakes (2005 Championship Point) Wins in Britain (2000-2012): 23, 54, 58, 29, 40, 60, 71, 95, 75, 94, 88, 58; 56 Wins in 2013: 30 LATEST LADBROKES ST LEGER BETTING Excess Knowledge and Galileo Rock are the 10/3 joint-favourites with the sponsors for the Ladbrokes St Leger at Doncaster on Saturday afternoon. Galileo Rock was last seen when filling the runner-up spot behind Trading Leather in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at the Curragh and had previously finished third to Ruler Of The World in the Investec Derby at Epsom. Excess Knowledge came into reckoning for the final Classic of the season when beaten into second by Cap O'Rushes in a blanket finish to the Neptune Investment Management Gordon Stakes at Glorious Goodwood. Aidan O'Brien has won the Ladbrokes St Leger three times in the past (Milan 2001, Brian Boru 2003 and Scorpion 2005) and he has three horses left in the race in the shape of Leading Light (5/1), Foundry (5/1) and Eye Of The Storm. As well as Cap O'Rushes (20/1), Godolphin has Investec Derby runner-up Libertarian (8/1) in the extended one mile six-furlong event alongside Secret Number (16/1). The Investec Derby runner-up is now in the hands of Charlie Appleby, who will be having his first runners in the race. The Investec Oaks winner Talent (12/1) is an intended runner for Ralph Beckett, who will be a guest on Channel 4's popular Morning Line show on Saturday, while Feel Like Dancing (20/1) could also run in the race for John Gosden alongside stablemate Excess Knowledge. "If the rain continues to hammer down at Doncaster, then Oaks winner Talent looks certain to be popular in the Ladbrokes St Leger," said the firm's spokesman David Williams. "We're already putting up the defences against an anticipated flood of money for Ralph Beckett's filly."         Ladbrokes St Leger - sponsors bet: 10/3 Excess Knowledge, Galileo Rock; 5/1 Leading Light, Foundry; 8 Libertarian; 12/1 Talent; 16/1 Secret Number; 20/1 Feel Like Dancing, Cap O'Rushes; 25/1 Great Hall; 33/1 Havana Beat; 50 London Bridge; 66/1 Ralston Road. 1/4 1-2-3. Non runner- no bet.

LADBROKES ST LEGER FESTIVAL 2013, DONCASTER CROWN HOTEL BAWTRY OPENING DAY, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11

LADBROKES MARKET MOVES It has been a busy morning in betting offices up and down the country ahead of the opening day of the Ladbrokes St Leger meeting and there has been plenty of support for Sword In Hand, ridden by Dale Gibson, in the Clipper Logistics Leger Legends Classified Stakes (3.35pm). The Alan Jarvis-trained four-year-old is now a 10/1 shot (from 12/1) with Ladbrokes who make Callmeakhab and Winslow Arizona the 6/1 joint-favourites for the mile race. Ladbrokes' spokesman, David Williams, reports plenty of money for Secretinthepark in the Beauty At Doncaster Handicap (4.45pm) and Ed McMahon's colt has been cut to 8/1 (from 9/1) for the seven-furlong event. "Secretinthepark is by far our biggest loser in the book so far on what has been a busy morning in our offices," said Williams. "Masamah has also been supported in the Crown Hotel Bawtry Scarbrough Stakes (3.00pm) and it'll be a shocking start to the meeting should those two horses oblige." Masamah is now a 4/1 chance having been as big as 6/1 this morning while Medicean Man has also been supported in the same race and is now 11/2 (from 7/1). Ladbrokes Market Moves: 2.00: 7 (from 9) Emaad; 15/2 (from 9) Supersta; 10 (from 12) Master Carpenter 2.30: 2 (from 5/2) Lightning Thunder 3.00: 4 (from 6) Masamah; 11/2 (from 7) Medicean Man 3.35: 10 (from 12) Sword In Hand 4.10: 3 (from 10/3) Gatewood 4.45: 5 (from 7) Regal Dan; 8 (from 9) Secretinthepark 5.15: 10 (from 12) Sir Pedro; 12 (from 16) Even Stevens UPDATED NON-RUNNERS AND JOCKEY CHANGES Joe Fanning, who had four booked rides today at Doncaster, has been rerouted to Carlisle to take up the rides of Franny Norton, who broke his leg in a fall at Leicester yesterday. JOCKEY CHANGES FIRST RACE, 2.00pm: THE ARENA GROUP NURSERY No. 9            SUPERSTA is now ridden by Harry Bentley THIRD RACE, 3.00pm: THE CROWN HOTEL BAWTRY SCARBROUGH STAKES No. 7            TANGERINE TREES is now ridden by Jim Crowley SIXTH RACE, 4.45pm: THE BEAUTY AT DONCASTER HANDICAP No. 4            ONE MORE WORD is now ridden by Graham Gibbons         SEVENTH RACE, 5.15pm: THE BERENDSEN WORKWEAR HANDICAP No. 4            CHEVETON is now ridden by Steve Drowne     NON-RUNNERS  FIRST RACE, 2.00pm: THE ARENA GROUP NURSERY No. 5            DJINNI (IRE) (Self Cert (Bad Scope)) No. 7            CAPTAIN BOB (IRE) (Other) No. 14 IT'S ALL A GAME (Going) FOURTH RACE, 3.35pm: THE CLIPPER LOGISTICS LEGER LEGENDS CLASSIFIED STAKES No. 2            BROCTUNE PAPA GIO (Self Cert (Not Eaten Up)) Reserve no. 17 Waltz Darling is utilised & Willie Newton rides FIFTH RACE, 4.10pm: THE PARK HILL HOSPITAL CONDITIONS RACE No. 5            BOONGA ROOGETA (Self Cert (Heat in Leg)) SEVENTH RACE, 5.15pm: THE BERENDSEN WORKWEAR HANDICAP No. 9            ROYAL Bajan (Going) No. 21 BURNHOPE (Self Cert (Cast In Box)) THURSDAY'S NON-RUNNER                       THIRD RACE, 2.40pm:  WEATHERBYS HAMILTON INSURANCE £300,000 2-Y-O RACE No.11           DER BLAUE REITER (IRE) (Horse Claimed) FRIDAY'S DECLARED RUNNERS AT DONCASTER 1.40pm Polypipe Flying Childers Stakes (Group 2), 5f, (9) 1 (6) Ambiance (IRE) (Visor) Mick Channon 9st 0lb Martin Harley 2 (4) Extortionist (IRE) Olly Stevens 9st 0lb Mickael Barzalona 3 (3) Green Door (IRE) (Blinkers) Olly Stevens 9st 0lb Jim Crowley 4 (5) Sleeper King (IRE) Kevin Ryan 9st 0lb James Doyle 5 (7) Thunder Strike Richard Hannon 9st 0lb Richard Hughes 6 (9) Excel's Beauty (Blinkers) James Tate 8st 11lb Graham Lee 7 (8) Fast (IRE) Richard Hannon 8st 11lb Ryan Moore 8 (1) Reroute (IRE) Ed Walker 8st 11lb Robert Winston 9 (2) Wind Fire (USA) David Brown 8st 11lb Jamie Spencer 2.10pm Ladbrokes Mallard Handicap, 1m 6f 132yds, (8) 1 (1) Camborne (Sheepskin C/P) John Gosden 10st 0lb Robert Havlin 2 (4) Songcraft (IRE) (Sheepskin C/P) Saeed bin Suroor 9st 13lb Silvestre De Sousa 3 (5) Tenenbaum Charlie Appleby 9st 13lb Mickael Barzalona 4 (6) Tropical Beat David O'Meara 9st 5lb Daniel Tudhope 5 (2) Semeen Luca Cumani 8st 10lb Andrea Atzeni 6 (7) Pether's Moon (IRE) Richard Hannon 8st 9lb Richard Hughes 7 (8) Time For Action (IRE) David Wachman, Ireland 8st 2lb W. M. Lordan 8 (3) Shwaiman (IRE) James Fanshawe 8st 2lb Hayley Turner 2.40pm Speedy Services Doncaster Cup (Group 2), 2m 2f, (8) 1  (1) Biographer  David Lanigan  9st 3lb  Ted Durcan  2  (6) Chiberta King (Sheepskin C/P)  Andrew Balding  9st 3lb  Jimmy Fortune  3  (2) Colour Vision (FR)  Saeed bin Suroor  9st 3lb  Silvestre De Sousa  4  (5) Desert Recluse (IRE)  Pat Eddery  9st 3lb  Robert Winston  5  (3) High Jinx (IRE) (Tongue Strap)  James Fanshawe  9st 3lb  James Doyle  6  (8) Mutual Regard (IRE) (Sheepskin C/P)  Sir Mark Prescott Bt  9st 3lb  Luke Morris  7  (7) Repeater (Hood)  David O'Meara  9st 3lb  Daniel Tudhope  8  (4) Times Up  Ed Dunlop  9st 3lb  Ryan Moore 3.15pm Barrett Steel May Hill Stakes (Group 2), 1m, (7) 1 (4) Halljoy (IRE) Clive Brittain 8st 12lb Ryan Moore 2 (7) Ihtimal (IRE) Saeed bin Suroor 8st 12lb Silvestre De Sousa 3 (2) Lady Lara (IRE) Alan Jarvis 8st 12lb Jim Crowley 4 (3) Lustrous Richard Hannon 8st 12lb Richard Hughes 5 (1) Majeyda (USA) Charlie Appleby 8st 12lb Mickael Barzalona 6 (6) Qawaasem (IRE) Charles Hills 8st 12lb Paul Hanagan 7 (5) Vivere (IRE) David O'Meara 8st 12lb Daniel Tudhope 3.50pm One Call Insurance Flying Scotsman Stakes (Listed), 7f, (7) 1 (7) Miracle of Medinah Mark Usher 9st 4lb Liam Keniry 2 (4) Barley Mow (IRE) Richard Hannon 9st 0lb Richard Hughes 3 (2) Be Ready (IRE) Saeed bin Suroor 9st 0lb Silvestre De Sousa 4 (6) Brazos (IRE) Clive Brittain 9st 0lb James Doyle 5 (1) Cool Bahamian (IRE) Eve Johnson Houghton 9st 0lb Jimmy Fortune 6 (5) Invincible Strike (IRE) James Tate 9st 0lb Ryan Moore 7 (3) Voice of A Leader (IRE) Peter Chapple-Hyam 9st 0lb Jamie Spencer 4.25pm Towndoor Limited Commercial Property Rental Handicap, 6f 110yds, (14) 1 (12) Shropshire (IRE) (Hood) Charles Hills 9st 10lb Robert Winston 2 (7) Spiritual Star (IRE) Anthony Carson 9st 6lb William Carson 3 (4) Dubawi Sound (Tongue Strap) David Brown 9st 5lb Jamie Spencer 4 (1) Secret Witness (Blinkers) Ronald Harris 9st 5lb Martin Harley 5 (6) Norse Blues David Barron 9st 3lb Luke McNiff (3) 6 (2) Bertiewhittle David Barron 9st 3lb Graham Gibbons 7 (11) Gramercy (IRE) (Blinkers) David Simcock 9st 1lb Silvestre De Sousa 8 (14) Elusive Flame David Elsworth 9st 0lb Ryan Moore 9 (8) Mac's Power (IRE) (Tongue Strap) Willie Musson 8st 13lb James Doyle 10 (13) Yeeoow (IRE) K. R. Burke 8st 13lb Daniel Tudhope 11 (5) Dr Red Eye (Sheepskin C/P) Scott Dixon 8st 13lb Billy Cray (3) 12 (9) Joe Packet Jonathan Portman 8st 11lb Jim Crowley 13 (10) Sir Reginald Richard Fahey 8st 10lb Paul Hanagan 14 (3) Corporal Maddox (Hood, Sheepskin C/P) Ronald Harris 8st 10lb Oisin Murphy (7) 5.00pm Frank Whittle Partnership Classified Stakes, 1m 2f 60yds, (10) 1 (9) Las Verglas Star (IRE) Richard Fahey 9st 4lb Paul Hanagan 2 (7) Morocco David O'Meara 9st 4lb Daniel Tudhope 3 (10) Muharrer (Hood) Michael Dods 9st 4lb Graham Lee 4 (4) The Cayterers Ronald Harris 9st 4lb Oisin Murphy (7) 5 (6) Curly Come Home Chris Wall 9st 1lb Ted Durcan 6 (3) Lady Chaparral (Hood) Michael Dods 9st 1lb Tom Eaves 7 (1) Stellar Express (IRE) Michael Appleby 9st 1lb Andrew Mullen 8 (2) Soryah (IRE) Luca Cumani 9st 0lb Richard Hughes 9 (5) Amralah (IRE) Mick Channon 8st 11lb Martin Harley 10 (8) Zain Eagle Gerard Butler 8st 11lb James Doyle   WILL THE LARK BE ON SONG ON TOWN MOOR? Tomorrow's DFS Park Hill Stakes, run over the same distance as the Ladbrokes St Leger, is sometimes referred to as the 'fillies' St Leger', though somewhat erroneously as of course fillies are eligible to run in the Classic. The Park Hill Stakes was established in 1839, 33 years after the St Leger. The race, originally restricted to three-year-olds, was opened to older fillies and mares in 1991, in which year it was dropped to Group 3 level. It regained Group 2 status in 2004. Its shortest-priced winner has been the peerless Pretty Polly at 1/25 in 1904 and its longest Collyria at 33/1 in 1959. Classic heroines rarely take part in the modern era. The latest of 11 to complete the Oaks-Park Hill Stakes double was Pia, who dead-heated with Pink Gem at Doncaster in 1967. In the past 20 years only three fillies placed in the Oaks have run in the Park Hill Stakes: Wind In Her Hair in 1994 (2nd Epsom, 4th Doncaster), All My Loving (3rd Epsom, 2nd Doncaster) and Meeznah, who finished second in the Oaks (later disqualified) in 2010 and third in the Park Hill Stakes as 2/1 favourite. She made amends by winning the Park Hill Stakes as a four-year-old. In the 22 years of all-aged runners, three-year-olds hold the call with 12 winners. Tomorrow's field of 10 is split equally between the Classic generation and their elders. The highest-rated of the runners and likely favourite is the Michael Bell-trained three-year-old The Lark, who finished four and a half lengths third to Ladbrokes St Leger candidate Talent in the Investec Oaks at Epsom, though since only fifth in a Group Two race at Saint-Cloud. The daughter of Pivotal has yet to run beyond 12 furlongs but has plenty of stamina in her pedigree; her dam, a winner over a mile and three-quarters, is a half-sister to Oaks winner Sariska and her great grand-dam Mountain Lodge won an Irish St Leger. Last year's edition, taken easily by Wild Coco, proved particularly strong in retrospect. The winner later made 985,000gns when sold at auction at the Tattersalls December Sales and holds entries in two of the weekend's Group One contests, the Prix Vermeille and Irish St Leger; third-placed Estimate won the Ascot Gold Cup in June, and fifth-placed Ambivalent also went on to Group One success that month, in the Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh, and finished a good second in the Bosphorus Cup in Turkey on Sunday.   LEGER LEGENDS AIM TO RAISE £100,000 FOR CHARITY The opening day of  the Ladbrokes St Leger Festival sees the Clipper Logisitics Leger Legends Classified Stakes, a race for some of the most popular and successful retired jockeys from both codes of racing. Since its launch in 2010, the race has raised £360,000 for the Northern Racing College in Doncaster and the soon-to-be-built Jack Berry House in Malton. Work on the latter will start in October while a detailed planning application was submitted some months ago for a new residential and training block at the Northern Racing College. Around £120,000 was raised last year alone and Tim Adams, Chairman of the Leger Legends Committee, hopes the total can be around £100,000 this year.                                                   The guest of honour at this year's lunch is 77-year-old Lester Piggott, who was champion jockey 11 times. With 4,493 career victories to his name, including nine victories in the Investec Derby, Piggott won the Ladbrokes St Leger a total of eight times with his final victory in the race coming in 1984 aboard Commanche Run. Other notable guests at this afternoon's lunch are Danielle Brown, a competitive archer who won a gold medal at last year's Paralympics in the women's individual compound bow, Steve McNamara, coach of the England rugby league side which is about to take part in the forthcoming Rugby League World Cup this year and Jilly Cooper, the well-known best-selling author. A major part of the fund-raising initiative is the Leger Legends lunch in which nine main auction prizes are sold to raise money for the Injured Jockeys Fund as well as 30 silent auction lots which those attending the lunch are invited to bid on during the afternoon. Some of the major auction lots include a whip which used to belong to 13-time champion jockey Fred Archer. This has already had a bid of £5,000 placed on it and has been framed together with a photo from the National Horseracing Museum in Newmarket showing Archer holding the whip. There is also a life size painted horse by Newmarket artist Jacquie Jones which depicts Black Caviar, Frankel, Galileo, Mill Reef, Nijinsky, Sea The Stars and Shergar. The seven horses have been chosen by the Leger Legends as the seven best horses to have graced the turf since 1970. The 16 jockeys taking part in this year's race have trained tirelessly to be fit for the race and have already collected thousands of pounds in sponsorship. Of last year's jockeys, Julie Krone and Tony Clark have now permanently retired from the saddle while Mick Kinane, George Duffield and Tom O'Ryan are currently injured. There are six debutants taking part this year in the shape of Michael Hills, Willie Supple, Carl Llewellyn, Tony Culhane, David O'Meara and John Lowe and they will all be hoping to join Mick Kinane, Julie Krone and Charlie Swan in the Leger Legend hall of fame. There is one non-runner in the race, Broctune Papa Gio, which means the first reserve, Waltz Darling, comes into the race and will be ridden by Willie Newton. Ladbrokes are betting on the Clipper Logistics Leger Legends Classified Stakes and they bet as follows: 6/1 Callmeakhab (Michael Hills); 6/1 Winslow Arizona (Willie Ryan); 7/1 Piceno (Tony Culhane); 10/1 Dana's Present (Willie Supple); 10/1 Pelmanism (Gay Kelleway); 10/1 Sardanapalus (Kevin Darley);  10/1 Sword In Hand (Dale Gibson); 14/1 Berlusca (David O'Meara); 16/1 Jay Bee Blue (Luke Harvey); 16/1 My Guardian Angel (John Lowe); 16/1 Slim Chance (Ollie Pears); 16/1 Excellent Puck (Jimmy McCarthy); 25/ 1 Mr Spiggott (Nick Connorton); 25/1 Self Employed (Carl Llewellyn); 33/1 Orders From Rome (Gary Bardwell); 50/1 Waltz Darling (Willie Newton); NR Broctune Papa Gio. 1/5 1-2-3       Anyone wishing to make a donation to the Leger Legends can do so  online at www.justgiving.com/northernracingcollege

@DoncasterRaces McMahon eyeing Express success on day two of the Ladbrokes St Leger Festival

Trainer Ed McMahon is confident Winning Express can get back to winning ways in the £60,000 Group Three Japan Racing Association Sceptre Stakes (2.10pm) over seven furlongs on the second day of the Ladbrokes St Leger Festival, DFS Ladies' Day at Doncaster on Thursday, September 12.

The three-year-old daughter of Camacho was beaten three quarters of a length by Royal Ascot heroine Annecdote in the Group Three Oak Tree Stakes at Glorious Goodwood on August 2, having scored impressively in a Listed contest at Warwick in June.

Winning Express has proved herself one of the leading fillies of her generation on more than one occasion, finishing fourth behind Sky Lantern in the fillies' Classic, the QIPCO 1000 Guineas at Newmarket in May, and second in the Cheveley Park Stakes at Newmarket in September, 2012.

McMahon reported: "Winning Express ran well at Goodwood and was probably beaten by a better filly on the day, but we will see.

"We are running against Annecdote again with a 3lb pull in the weights and I don't think the competition is any harder than it was at Goodwood.

"If you wanted to look at statistics on paper, the 3lb is probably enough to give us the upper hand, but it all depends on how things pan out on the day.

"We are entitled to be hopeful and I'm not frightened of anything, but things can go wrong in a race - you can get trapped in pockets - so I'm just looking for a good run.

"At this time of year, especially because she wants decent ground, you are running out of options and I haven't really got any more targets after this race. I had thought about going to Keeneland, but it's quite an expense to get out there and she is only a three-year-old. That's on the backburner anyway."

Winning Express, with Graham Lee up for the first time, will clash with nine rivals, including dual Group Three scorer Maureen and French 1,000 Guineas fourth Zurigha, both trained by Richard Hannon, and last year's Weatherbys Hamilton Insurance £300,000 2-Y-O Stakes winner The Gold Cheongsam.

A total of 10 fillies and mares will also go to post for the feature race on DFS Ladies' Day, the £90,000 Group Two DFS Park Hill Stakes (3.15pm) over an extended 14 furlongs, the same distance as the Ladbrokes St Leger

The field includes Investec Oaks third The Lark, one of two runners for Newmarket trainer Michael Bell, Seal Of Approval, who completed a hat-trick of wins in a 12-furlong Listed event at Newbury on August 4, and Group Three Lilly Langtry Stakes third Alta Lilea.

A field of 22 will line up in the Weatherbys Hamilton Insurance £300,000 2-Y-O Stakes (2.40pm), while some more future stars could be on show in the £12,000 Crownhotel-Bawtry.com EBF Maiden (3.50pm, 11 runners). The mile contest has thrown up some top-class performers in recent seasons, including dual Group One hero Nathaniel, 2009 Ladbrokes St Leger runner-up Kite Wood, and 2009 DFS Park Hill Stakes winner The Miniver Rose.

The action gets underway at 1.40pm with the £30,000 EBF Carrie Red Fillies' Nursery (14 runners) and concludes with the £15,000 Download The Ladbrokes Bingo App Handicap (4.25pm, 22 runners) over six furlongs and the £25,000 DFS Handicap (5.00pm, 14 runners) over a mile and quarter.

Going

The going at Doncaster has changed today to Good (from Good, Good to Firm in places).

Roderick Duncan, Doncaster's Clerk of the Course, said today: "We had four millimetres of rain at Doncaster yesterday but there has been no further rainfall today, bar the odd spot or two.

"There could be some more rain around tomorrow with the current forecast indicating we could get up to three millimetres."

Ticket Update

Badges for hospitality areas and the County Enclosure on Ladbrokes St Leger Day (Saturday, September 14) are now sold out, with the remaining enclosures (Family and Grandstand) selling well. Racegoers are advised to book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

County Enclosure badges for DFS Ladies' Day are also proving popular and again racegoers are advised to book in advance.

To book tickets, please contact Doncaster Racecourse on 01302 304200 or go to www.doncaster-racecourse.co.uk

About the Ladbrokes St Leger Festival

The Ladbrokes St Leger Festival is the jewel in the crown of horseracing in Yorkshire and the showpiece of Doncaster's social calendar. Racegoers enjoy a delightful blend of history, quality racing and live entertainment across the four-day racing extravaganza. The 2013 renewal takes place from Wednesday, September 11 through to Saturday, September 14 inclusive.

Since the first running of the St Leger in 1776, racegoers from all over the country have been drawn to Doncaster to capture a taste of the unique atmosphere.

The famous Festival is one of the highlights of the Flat racing calendar. The crescendo builds to Saturday, when the flagship event - the illustrious Ladbrokes St Leger - takes centre-stage.

The meeting also features a number of high-class supporting races, highlights being the Crown Hotel Bawtry Scarbrough Stakes on the Crown Hotel Bawtry Opening Day (Wednesday), the DFS Park Hill Stakes on DFS Ladies' Day (Thursday), the Speedy Services Doncaster Cup on Friday and the At The Races Champagne Stakes and OLBG Park Stakes on Saturday.

To book tickets, please contact Doncaster Racecourse on 01302 304200 or go to www.doncaster-racecourse.co.uk 

Doncaster Racecourse's dedicated Ladbrokes St Leger microsite can be found at www.doncaster-racecourse.co.uk/st-leger