St Leger Classic
Horses have played such an important role in the history of Old Moor since it was built in 1755 but probably the most significant equine connection is its St Leger roots. Across the years there are a series of reports and articles in newspapers that mention Colonel Anthony St Leger training his horses on Old Moor during this period. None of these instances give any real details of the events. However, the fact that St Leger and his spouse Margaret Wombwell owned the land we can assume that this was happening.
For the sale of Old Moor in 1776 the Second Marquis of Rockingham, Charles Watson-Wentworth enlisted William Fairbank (Surveyor & Mapmaker 1730-1801) to conduct the survey. Four generations of Fairbanks have surveyed lands not only in our area but much further afield. There is an incredible amount of fine details in the plan and accompanying documents of Fairbank’s work. Across the top of the plan of the farm is the evidence confirming the old and new landowners.
The sale was completed in August of that year. Charles Watson-Wentworth and Anthony St Leger had worked together and come up with an idea which was realised in September. An idea which saw the creation of a horse race that is still celebrated when it is run annually in September…. The St Leger Classic at Doncaster. September 2026 will be the 250th anniversary of the race.
Old Moor Farm 