triple crowns & THE ST. LEGER.

​The St. Leger has always been my favourite British classic, though I remain convinced it would provide better balance to the season if it were demoted from classic status and promoted to being the richest value race in the British calendar. To reflect the shift in breeding patterns across the world, I will always advocate that the Eclipse at Sandown is a better fit for a classic, one of the Triple Crown races, than the Doncaster St. Leger. By restricting the Eclipse to 3-year-olds and upgrading it to classic status, as radical an idea as ever will be put forward for debate, the classic season will be done and dusted by the end of May and occasionally a Triple Crown winner will be racing throughout the rest of the season. A marketing delight; a draw for racing fans.
The 1,000 & 2,000 Guineas over a mile; the Oaks and Derby over 12-furlongs; the Eclipse over 10-furlongs. A Triple Crown that better fits the modern breed of flat horse.
Winners of St. Legers are more likely to become sires of top-quality jumpers than reasonably talented flat horses. It is fact, not prejudice. As I said, the Doncaster St. Leger is presently my favoured classic and if, as unlikely as it might be, my proposal came to fruition, the new St. Leger would become, as far as breeders are concerned, more appropriate to the thoroughbred breed as it would be opened-up, as most St. Legers around Europe have become, to older horses.
I would go further, though. I believe ‘Triple Crowns’ should encompass all distances of flat racing. I would have a sprint Triple Crown – which three races would be chosen would be a debate in itself – the same with a Mile Triple Crown, a 10-furlong Triple Crown and a stayers Triple Crown. For the 12-furlong Triple Crown the choice is easier to make. The Coronation Cup, King George and Queen Elizabeth and the New St. Leger.
It would make sense of course, if my radical Triple Crown suggestion were to ever breathe the air of life, to change the distance to 12-furlongs. Yet, even if those spoil-sports the European Pattern Committee gave it the green light, the new St. Leger would instantly become a poor relation of the Arc and to negate that a slightly earlier date in the calendar might be needed. My preference would be to keep to the historic distance of 14-furlongs which would ensure the race has a unique place in European racing.
The nigger in the woodpile (yes, not woke but no offence is intended, it’s just an old-fashioned phrase to denote a stumbling block – note to self, ‘why not just use ‘stumbling block’ and not offend anyone other than those with affection for stumbling blocks) is finding a sponsor willing to pour untold millions into a new race that might fall flat on its face. But such problems are there for the B.H.A. to solve.
The New St. Leger would be for 3-year-olds and upwards in unison with the King George & Queen Elizabeth but out of sync with the Coronation Cup. Is that a problem? If it is, the solution would be to open-up the Coronation Cup to 3-year-olds, an academic move as no 3-year-old will be entered if already entered in the Derby or Oaks. But some people like their parcels tied up with ribbons and bows.
I rest my case.

Yesterday in the Doncaster Cup, Holly Doyle demonstrated what a confident rider she has become. Trueshan was at his naughtiest, refusing to settle, arguing with Holly that the pace was too slow and he wouldn’t be seen at his best, so she said to him, though perhaps she is too lady-like to use such language, ‘sod this for a game of soldiers’ and allowed him to determine his own speed. Yes, Sweet William is even naughtier than Trueshan, though his dispute with his rider is about the speed he is willing to go at the end of a race. Trueshan, on the other hand, loves his racing and the look on his face at the end of the race certainly suggested he was pretty pleased with himself.
Today, St. Leger Day, I hope husband Tom takes the glory, though he will be in shade of glory as Desert Hero is owned by the King and Queen. It would be massive for the sport if Desert Hero could win but racing has a habit of kicking itself in the balls and the likelihood is the King’s horse will come up gallantly short. Wouldn’t it be ironic, and a perfect headline, if Tower of London won the race. I think he might. Ryan has made very few poor choices this season. He is due one.
I very much doubt if we will see Desert Hero over hurdles any time soon but the once lauded prospective Derby winner, Reach For the Moon, has left John and Thady Gosden and is now in training with Jamie Snowdon so we will get to see if hurdling will gourd his lions to better effect through the winter than he ever did on the flat.