York will take on the role of substitute again next year after announcing it
will stage the 2006 St Leger (Eng-G1) as fellow Yorkshire track Doncaster
undergoes a £55-million redevelopment. The
Ladbrokes-sponsored event will be the highlight of a two-day Festival, which
will be shortened from four days for the first time next September.
“Our course is run for the good of racing and we’re excited to be staging
this showpiece festival,” Chief Executive William Derby told Racing Post. “We’re
proud of our role in Yorkshire racing and understand the St Leger is a highlight
of the season for fans in the county, so we’re delighted the fixture is staying
within its boundaries. We’re delighted and honored by this decision, which
promises another great racing summer for people in York and the surrounding
region.
“There has been a lot of excitement and positive comment in the area since
the move became a possibility.”
York also has announced Ladbrokes as the new sponsor of the Great Voltigeur
S. (Eng-G2), a traditional prep for the St Leger, the world’s oldest classic
race.