The Betfred St Leger Festival is one of the largest events in the horse racing calendar. One of the oldest racecourses for horseracing in Britain, Doncaster hosts around 36 race fixtures a year including two of the world’s oldest races: The Doncaster Cup and the St Leger Stakes – both held in September as part of the St Leger Festival. This year the dates for Betfred St Leger is from Thursday 11th to Sunday 14th September 2025.

Gentlemen, We Say…You may be tempted to don your tweed jacket, but the ladies are not ready to swap their summer clothing for autumn wear and the men shouldn’t be either. But do avoid linen as it is too late in the season. Most gentlemen opt for the sartorial suit. – double breasted, single breasted and three-piece.

Official Dress Code

In general the racecourse recommends something smart-casual, and discourage racegoers from wearing any sportswear or ripped jeans.

Premier Enclosure and the ‘Posh’ Hospitality area at the Home Straight Restaurant – A jacket for gentlemen is required with tie optional. Jeans and sportswear are not permitted in these areas. The dress code also applies to children.

County Enclosure, Conduit Restaurant, boxes, press and the Owners & Trainers areas- The only stipulation is that sportswear and offensive fancy dress are not permitted. However racegoers often choose to adopt a smarter style. The racecourse recommends, for example, smart jeans or tailored shorts and a collared shirt for gentlemen. Many racegoers opt to dress for the occasion on feature race days such as the St Leger Festival. For the County Enclosure – you need to call and check with Doncaster Racecourse first if you wish to come in fancy dress.

The ‘Punter’ Grandstand Enclosure for the race day regulars and the Picnic Family Enclosure– Here the dress code is relaxed,the only stipulation is sporting team shirts and offensive fancy dress are not permitted.

All prices are correct at time of publishing

Skopes– Official Menswear Sponsor

Skopes is the Official Menswear Sponsor of Doncaster St Leger Festival and offers a range of outfits for all enclosures and dress codes: from sartorial suits and smart shoes to chinos, casual short sleeved shirts and trainers. Available online but if you reside in Yorkshire the local Skopes stores are Leeds White Rose Centre, Sheffield Meadowhall, Doncaster Lakeside, Castleford Junction 32 and York Designer Outlet.

Three piece suits are always a winner at the races. Go for the popular navy suit but add some depth with a pattern such as the subtle puppytooth.  Boyd Suit Navy in Blue Puppytooth by Skopes can be bought separately: Jacket £115.00; a choice of tailored or tapered trousers both £64.00 and waistcoat £64.00 The jacket sports a blue floral print lining and a pull out pocket hankie in the same floral print. It has horn effect buttons and twin side vents. Teamed here with a paisley tie similar to their Champagne Paisley Silk Tie which also comes with matching pocket square if you feel the need to change from the pull out pocket hankie. £29.95

As an alternative to the popular navy, stand out in a lighter colour such as Haley Suit in Brown Country Check Again can be bought separately: Jacket £115.00,  a choice of tailored or tapered trousers both £64.00 and waistcoat £64.00. The jacket has a brown floral lining and a pull-out pocket hankie in the same floral pattern. It also has horn-effect buttons and twin side vents. Worn here with a pink tie similar to Pink Knitted Poly Tie which comes with a floral pocket square. £18.95.

Skopes also offer accessories including these pocket watches to add to your dapper three piece suit.  Antique bronze shade Pocket Watch and antique sliver shade Pocket Watch Both £9.95 each.

The Style Award on Ladies Day 

The Style Award for the Best Dressed is held on Ladies Day, Thursday 11th September and is open for both men and women. To take part, racegoers have to have their photo taken at the Style Awards backdrop on the day. The judges will select five finalists and choose a winner to be crowned the 2025 Style Awards Winner. Most gentlemen opt for the sartorial suit. The single breasted is the most popular but don’t forget the double breasted can make more of a statement with its peak lapels and definitely cannot be mistaken for a work suit.

Look sharp in Skopes’ Declan Breasted Navy Pinstripe Jacket £120.00, trousers £60.00 and waistcoat £55.00 The jacket sports a red paisley print lining, a pull out pocket hankie in the same print and has twin side vents. A crisp white shirt will set off this sharp suit, but a coloured or patterned shirt will give a more flamboyant appearance. Wear a striped shirt like their Formal Shirt in Blue Stripe in 100% cotton. Was £45.00 now £15.00 A tie is optional but it could increase your chances of winning. Skopes’

Red Textured Silk Tie adds a burst of block colour to the navy suit and complements the pull-out pocket hankie. 100% silk. £19.95 Step forward in Brown Toe Cap Brogue £60.00 and wear SOCKSHOP Colour Burst Bamboo Socks in bright blue with colourful stripes £3.99 Bamboo fibre is Anti-bacterial; Moisture absorbing; Thermo-regulating – great for an all day and evening at the races!  Add the finishing touches for your dashing look with Tom Ford FLETCHER SUNGLASSES £280.00 and Cotswold Country Hats’ Summer Straw Trilby Hat in navy blue with removable feather £24.95 

A softer look but still dapper is the Cannon Double Breasted Suit in brown and stone puppytooth cloth, with horn-effect buttons and contrast button holes. Jacket £120.00, trousers £64.00 and waistcoat £64.00 The jacket sports a floral print lining, a pull out pocket hankie in the same print and has twin side vents. A pink shirt will go well with the brown and stone, Lyfcycle Formal Shirt in pink £25.00 This Skopes shirt has been made in collaboration with Lyfcycle – an ethical, sustainable clothing manufacturer headquartered in the UK – to create a collection of well-fitting, timeless shirts made from recycled cloths. Add a debonair touch with a Bow Tie in wine paisley £17.95. Also comes with a matching pocket square if you prefer this to the pull out pocket hankie – choices, choices! Slip into their Brown Leather Loafer £60.00

Finishing touches: Tom Ford FAUSTO SUNGLASSES in a striking vintage Havana shade. £335.00 and Cotswolds Country Hats’ Summer Fedora Hat with Light Brown Band £29.95

Sunday Funday

The final day of the festival, the Betfred Sunday Funday, showcases great horse racing including the Leger Legends charity race for ex-professional jockeys. And also is a day of fun with a whole host of FREE family-friendly entertainment shows across the course. So dress more casual, however for the Premier enclosure the dress code still applies i.e. you need to wear a jacket. Not permitted are jeans and sportswear.

Skopes Jamie Tailored Jacket combines smart casual with a playful aqua blue colour. Features include lower waist flap pockets, notch lapels, twin side vents, white accent buttons, geometric print lining and pull out pocket hankie in the same print. Was £129.00 now £49.00 Worn here with Antibes Chino in Navy Blue Was £49.00 now £39.00 If the trousers have beltloops the sartorial rule is to wear a belt. Cranmore Tan Leather Belt £19.95

Add Sunday holiday vibe to your outfit with their summery Short Sleeve Shirt in Blue & Green Tropical print in 100% cotton Was £35.00 now £12.00 and team with Thomas Sabo’s  Necklace of with imitation turquoise beads and tiger’s eye beads and 925 Sterling silver £270.00

Put on Skopes comfy but smart trainers Navy Blue Casual Trainer Were £65.00 now £52.00

Make your own sunshine wearing their Textured Trilby Hat with Black Band Was £25.95 now £5.00 and GUESS® Square sunglasses in dark orange £95.00

Skopes images provided by Skopes

Guess, Tom Ford and Sockshop images provided by pr agency Trace Publicity

Cotswold Country Hats image provided by Cotswold Country Hats

Thomas Sabo images provided by pr agency Task PR