Today's Doncaster Tips, Racecards And Results
Doncaster results — 13 September 2026
Doncaster served up a competitive card in largely good conditions (Good, with Good to soft in places on the Round course). The afternoon saw a mixture of tight finishes and a couple of big-priced surprises: Ancient State prevailed in the Land Of Lights Handicap, while long-odds Inishbeg produced the day’s biggest shock in the Betfred City Of Doncaster Handicap at 33/1. Pina Sonata took the Group 3 Japan Racing Association Sceptre Fillies’ Stakes with a well-timed run, and John & Thady Gosden’s Valedictory justified favouritism in the Mallard Handicap. Three horses were declared non-runners for veterinary/ground reasons (Indian Run, Sukanya and Fantasy World).
Key takeaways
Ancient State (13:25) showed a determined late surge to land the opener, edging out Adrestia by a head. Blue Brother justified market support to take the Betfred ‘The Classic Bookmaker’ Handicap, while Inishbeg’s success at 33/1 was the standout upset of the meeting. Pina Sonata produced a taking performance to win the Group 3 Sceptre Fillies’ Stakes, and Valedictory completed a comfortable victory in the Mallard Handicap for the Gosdens. The card finished with Arduis Invicta holding on after a narrow duel in the apprentice handicap.
| Time | Race | Winner | Odds | Trainer / Jockey | Margin / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13:25 | Land Of Lights Festival At Gullivers Handicap | Ancient State | 9/2 | Adam Kirby / Callum Rodriguez | Led and ridden over 2f out; kept on (beat Adrestia by a head) |
| 13:55 | Betfred ‘The Classic Bookmaker’ Handicap | Blue Brother | 5/2 | Hamad Al Jehani / Callum Rodriguez | Headed inside final furlong; kept on well |
| 14:30 | Betfred City Of Doncaster Handicap | Inishbeg | 33/1 | Kevin Ryan / Jack Nicholls | Led over 1f out; big-priced surprise, held on (beat Flight Control by 3/4) |
| 15:05 | Japan Racing Association Sceptre Fillies’ Stakes (Group 3) | Pina Sonata | 12/1 | James Fanshawe / Daniel Muscutt | Switched right, led over 1f out; comfortably |
| 15:40 | Betfred Mallard Handicap (GBBPlus Race) | Valedictory | 7/4 | John & Thady Gosden / Robert Havlin | Led narrowly over 1f out; comfortable winner |
| 16:15 | I Love Julie Parkes Handicap (Div I) | Tiva | 100/30 | David O’Meara / Conor Whiteley | Led inside final furlong; always doing enough |
| 16:50 | I Love Julie Parkes Handicap (Div II) | Maharajas Express | 7/2 | Ian Williams / David Probert | Led inside final 110yds; kept on towards finish |
| 17:20 | Duncan Pearce Memorial Apprentice Handicap | Arduis Invicta | 12/1 | Craig Lidster / William Pyle | Led narrowly inside final furlong; ridden out, just held on (beat Dandy Magic by a nose) |
Non-runners / withdrawals
Indian Run was declared a non-runner after a vet’s certificate for a bruised foot. Sukanya was withdrawn with a stone bruise (self certificate). Fantasy World was also withdrawn on account of unsuitable ground.
Overall, Doncaster delivered an eventful afternoon with a mixture of tight finishes and an unexpected big-priced winner that will grab the headlines in the days to come.
Doncaster Tips and Today’s Races
For all the best tips for Doncaster, make sure to check out our free through-the-card horse tips, as well as our top tips section, which includes our NAP of the day.
Our racecards are also available for every meeting each day, including the race days at Doncaster. The racecards provide key information, including which stall the horses are drawn in, their form, who their trainer is and which jockey is riding etc.
Doncaster Race Results
You can also check out all the latest results from previous meetings at Doncaster. Looking at previous results can prove informative, for example you might find that a certain trainer has an impressive record when sending his runners to Doncaster.
Racecourse Guide
Home to the oldest British Classic, the St Leger, Doncaster offers top quality action on the Flat and over the sticks. Well known for its excellent drainage, the ground rarely turns testing putting the emphasis on basic speed rather than stamina. The four-day St Leger Meeting in September is one of the most popular Festivals and features a clutch of Group and Listed races. Over the jumps, the Great Yorkshire Chase in January is always a competitive affair and remains one of the highlights of the National Hunt season.
Dining, Hospitality & Facilities
For a finer, premium experience there are multiple hospitality options available at Doncaster. These include The Home Straight Restaurant, The Conduit Restaurant, The Garden Grille and The Old Weighing Room.
For those wishing to have a more private dining experience, there is the option of the Private Boxes. All boxes offer excellent views of the winning line, a choice of dining packages, hospitality admission with complimentary parking, a private bar, plus a private balcony to enjoy watching the action from.
Tickets
There are four ticket options available at Doncaster racecourse:
- Family Enclosure. A relaxed atmosphere suitable for all ages, where you can bring your own picnic to enjoy as you watch the racing action unfold.
- Grandstand Enclosure. Offers excellent views of the racecourse, as well as access to the Betting Ring.
- County Enclosure. Street Food and a vibrant atmosphere are on offer in this enclosure. A superb area to enjoy the racing from, with panoramic views across Town Moor.
- Premier Enclosure. This offers the very best service and experience at the racecourse, with fantastic views from the third floor of the main stand. A fantastic atmosphere with multiple fine dining options on offer.
The Effect of the Draw
Low numbers can be favoured on the soft so watch out for soft ground whenever there’s a big field on the straight course. On faster ground, the draw doesn’t make much difference. Low numbers are best in big fields on the round course. Concentrate on stalls 1-8 in straight-course races on soft ground (eighteen runners), cross out the top six stalls when fourteen runners over the round mile and the top eight stalls with more than eighteen runners.
Contact and Location
Doncaster Racecourse, Leger Way, Doncaster DN2 6BB. United Kingdom.
Official Website: http://www.doncaster-racecourse.co.uk/
Local Knowledge
Taxis
- Hampson Cars Wedding Car Hire (0.4 miles away)
Tel: +44 1302 349999 - J & L Private Hire (0.4 miles away)
Tel: +44 1302 561179 - Dp travel 5/6/7/8 seaters available (1.1 miles away)
Tel: +44 7747 023017
Places to Stay
- Grand St Leger Hotel (0.6 miles away)
Bennetthorpe, Doncaster DN2 6AX, UK
Tel: +44 1302 364111 - Danum Hotel (1.5 miles away)
High Street, Doncaster DN1 1DN, UK
Tel: +44 1302 342261 - Premier Inn (1.6 miles away)
4 High Fishergate, Doncaster DN1 1QZ, UK
Tel: +44 871 527 8302
Places to Eat
- Frankie & Benny’s UK (0.4 miles away)
Bawtry Road, Doncaster DN4 5NW, UK
Tel: +44 1302 534946 - Whitby’s Fish & Chip Restaurant (0.5 miles away)
The Old Fire Station, Leicester Avenue, Doncaster DN2 6DR, UK
Tel: +44 1302 308130 - Brewers Fayre – Cheswold Lodge (0.6 miles away)
Doncaster Leisure Park, Herten Way, Bawtry Road, Doncaster DN4 7NW, UK
Tel: +44 1302 533000