Owen Burrows launches a robust defence of the Betfred St Leger as he insists the race is one to be cherished and eyes making Classic breakthrough

Owen Burrows has launched a robust defence of Betfred St Leger as he seeks a breakthrough in the Classic.

Seven riders have signed up for the historic race, including three from Aidan O’Brien’s all-conquering team. However, critics are beginning to question the relevance of the 1.6km, 3/4 mile test.

The fact that it coincides with the star-studded Irish Champion Stakes, which starts 10 minutes before The St Leger, gives further ammunition to those who think this is a Group 1 in name only.

But Burrows will be confident heading into Deira Mile on Saturday having saddled Nakheel at odds of 10/1 to win the Group Two Park Hill Stakes – often dubbed the ‘Fillies Leger’ because the race is held over the same distance at Town Moor – and he is confident it is a race to cherish.

“There are only five Classics a year and you try to win one to see how tough it is,” Burrows said. “If I won this one I would be over the moon. We’ll give it our all and it’s great to have a horse that can compete.

Sceptics are beginning to question the relevance of the mile-and-three-quarter test at Doncaster

‘Our horse is in great form, he finished fourth in The Derby and has come back in good form from his last run at Windsor. I hope he can finish the year with a bang.’

It would be fitting if Burrows were to win this week, given he was once assistant to Sir Michael Stoute, who has announced he will retire at the end of this Flat season.

“The man is a genius and he could see things in horses that no one else could see,” Burrows said, paying tribute. “He’s a real horseman and an incredible trainer. I worked with him when he finally won the Leger with Conduit (in 2008). I just hope it doesn’t take me 20 tries to get my name on the trophy!”

While it is fashionable to criticise old racing traditions, the fact is that Doncaster will be packed for the Leger. The atmosphere was like a carnival and huge crowds turned out for the gates on the opening day.

In addition to Nakheel’s easy win on Night Sparkle, the afternoon was brightened by the lightning-quick performance of Godolphin’s Desert Flower, who won the Group Two May Hill Stakes with ease.

The race track will be packed to the rafters for the Army, creating a carnival atmosphere

The opening day was graced by a jet-heeled show by Godolphin’s Desert Flower

Her performance was that of a Group 1 player and showed why she had been sent off as favourites for the equal points.

“She’s the best two-year-old mare I’ve sat on this year,” said winning jockey William Buick, who partnered Hallasan in the £300,000 sales race.

“She’s a mare with a lot of potential for next year. She came alive and accelerated quite easily and that’s the sign of a quality horse. She’s done everything right so far.”