Late March/early April sees the latest flat campaign kick into gear. The South Yorkshire track of Doncaster takes centre stage on the opening Saturday, as the home of the St Leger Stakes hosts one of the most historic one-mile handicaps in the world.
First run at the now-defunct Lincoln Racecourse in 1853, the Lincoln Handicap retains the name of its original home but has called Doncaster home since 1964. For betting purposes only (it would take some horse to win a one-mile handicap and a 4m21/2f chase), the Lincoln combines with the Grand National to form the Spring Double.
Open to runners aged four and older, the Lincoln may “only” be a Class 2 Handicap, but several contenders who have gone on to make their presence felt in pattern company feature on the roll of honour. The pick of the 21st Century winners is 2018 hero Addeybb, who progressed to win four times in Group 1 company, including the 2020 edition of the Qipco Champion Stakes.
2024
- 1st - Mr Professor 33/1, Jockey: David Egan, Trainer: Dominic Ffrench Davis
- 2nd - Lattam 16/1, Jockey: Ryan Sexton, Trainer: Julie Camacho
- 3rd - Navagio 22/1, Jockey: Richard Kingscote, Trainer: James Horton
2023
- 1st - Migration 18/1, Jockey: Benoit De La Sayette, Trainer: David Menusier
- 2nd - Awaal 9/2, Jockey: James Doyle, Trainer: Simon & Ed Crisford
- 3rd - Baradar 9/1, Jockey: Kevin Stott, Trainer: George Boughey
2022
- 1st - Johan 28/1, Jockey: Silvestre De Sousa, Trainer: Mick Channon
- 2nd - Saleymm 17/2, Jockey: Ross Coakley, Trainer: Simon & Ed Crisford
- 3rd - Rogue Bear 25/1, Jockey: David Egan, Trainer: Tom Clover
2021
- 1st - Haqeeqy 9/2, Jockey: Benoit De La Sayette, Trainer: John & Thady Gosden
- 2nd - Brunch 16/1, Jockey: Callum Rodriguez, Trainer: Michael Dods
- 3rd - Hortzadar 66/1, Jockey: Sean Kirrane, Trainer: David O’Meara
2020
No Race – Suspension of Racing
2019
- 1st - Auxerre 5/2F, Jockey: James Doyle, Trainer: Charlie Appleby
- 2nd - Kynren 9/2, Jockey: Robert Winston, Trainer: David Barron
- 3rd - Breden 40/1, Jockey: Graham Lee., Trainer: Linda Jewell
2018
- 1st - Addeybb 5/1, Jockey: James Doyle, Trainer: William Haggas
- 2nd - Lord Glitters 9/2F, Jockey: Daniel Tudhope, Trainer: Dr David O’Meara
- 3rd - Mitchum Swagger 12/1, Jockey: Richard Kingscote, Trainer: Ralph Beckett
2017
- 1st - Bravery 20/1, Jockey: Daniel Tudhope, Trainer: David O’Meara
- 2nd - Oh This Is Us 7/2F, Jockey: Ryan Moore, Trainer: Richard Hannon
- 3rd - Donncha 7/1, Jockey: Jamie Spencer, Trainer: ERobert Eddery
2016
- 1st - Secret Brief 12/1, Jockey: William Buick, Trainer: Charlie Appleby
- 2nd - Bravo Zolo 12/1, Jockey: Ryan Moore, Trainer: Jeremy Noseda
- 3rd - Battle Of Marathon 50/1, Jockey: Adam Kirby, Trainer: John Ryan
2015
- 1st - Gabrial 12/1, Jockey: Tony Hamilton, Trainer: Richard Fahey
- 2nd - Mondialiste 25/1, Jockey: Daniel Tudhope, Trainer: David O’Meara
- 3rd - Moohaarib 12/1, Jockey: Marin Harley, Trainer: Marco Botti