St. Leger family historical importance was Gen. Anthony St. Leger. He was born in 1731, probably in Kildare, Ireland. He was one of a group of noblemen and gentlemen who in 1778 gathered for a private dinner party in an upper room of the Red Lion Inn, which stands in the market square in Doncaster. A horse race, which was to set the pattern for classic racing throughout the world, had been christened the St. Leger at the suggestion of Charles Watson-Wentworth, 2nd Marquess of Rockingham. The race, a sweepstake for three-year-olds, had been born two years earlier in 1776, at the suggestion
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