Doncaster Racecourse its present location and in 1776 Colonel Anthony St. Leger founded a race in which five horses ran. This race has remained in existence and become the world's oldest classic horse race. During the first world war the racecourse was used for military purposes and substitute races were run at Newmarket from 1915 to 1918. Doncaster has the distinction of both starting and ending the flat season on turf. Every September, Doncaster hosts the prestigious four-day William Hill St. Leger Festival, which is acclaimed as the premier sporting occasion of the Autumn calendar. Doncaster has also taken over events whose
Newmarket Handicap to start. In 2007 the race was run at Caulfield Racecourse due to refurbishment work at Flemington Racecourse. Five horses in the history of the event have won the Newmarket Handicap twice. The most successful trainer has been Bart Cummings with eight wins – (1972, 1973, 1975, 1978, 1979, 1981, 1990, 1991). The most successful jockey has been Damien Oliver with three wins – Alinghi (2005), Toledo (2001) and Shillaci (1992). The race record is held by 2011 winner Black Caviar who posted the time of 1:07.36. Newmarket Handicap The Newmarket Handicap is a Victoria Racing Club Group 1 Thoroughbred