Irish St Leger

The Irish St. Leger is the last leg of the Irish Triple Crown series, it is proceeded by the Irish 2,000 Guineas and the Irish Derby. As the finale of this prestigious Cup, the St. Leger takes place in September, making it one of the last events of the flat racing season. The race is held at Curragh Racecourse and is open to thoroughbreds aged three and over.

With a purse of €275,000 the Irish St. Leger is not the most expensive race of the Irish Triple Crown series, but it is by far the most gruelling of the events. The distance of one mile and six furlongs tests the high-profile contenders' limits like no other Irish Triple Crown meeting. The age restrictions are not as narrow as those for most other Triple Crown races, meaning contenders can try their hands at the event more than once. The most successful equine athlete to take to the track in the Irish St. Leger is without a doubt the outstanding Vinnie Roe. This remarkable thoroughbred took the win four years consecutively from 2001 to 2004, earning icon status not only for himself but for trainer Dermot Weld and jockey Par Smullen as well.

However, the leading trainer at the Irish St. Leger is legend Vincent O'Brien, who trained nine winners of the event from 1959 and 1988. The most successful jockey at the Irish St. Leger is Morny Wons, who rode seven victorious thoroughbreds from 1920 to 1947. That both of their records remain intact to this day is a valid testament of the high-level sportsmanship and intense difficulty of the Irish St. Leger.

Recent Winners of the Irish St Leger: