Is the St Leger a fallen Classic?

The St Leger is steeped in tradition, but interest in the season's final English classic has waned in recent years.

Is it now a Classic in name only?

Doncaster was where Nijinsky clinched the Triple Crown in 1970, a time when the St Leger was on a par with the other English Classics.

The mile-and-three-quarter distance has recently deterred trainers from entering their best horses, for fear of their charges being labelled "stayers".

The race now competes with last week's Irish Champion Strakes, the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (7 October) and the Breeders Cup (27 October) in a packed racing calendar.

In addition, the Irish St Leger will take place on the same day (15 September) this year, and it is feared top trainers and jockeys may opt for the Curragh.

Has the St Leger lost its sparkle? Is it now a Classic in name only?

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The problem with the St Leger is that it doesn't fit in with the international racing schedule for classic horses. Although it will continue to attract quality horses like Milan, I fear the distance of the race will prevent it from recovering its former status.
Robert Hyndman, Northern Ireland

The Leger is a true Classic for real middle-distance horses. Not a lottery like a five furlong sprint. Don't change a thing.
Tony Lawson, England

It's sad but true. Nothing more than a longish everyday race is the Leger.
Jacob Whittle, Golders Green

This debate about the St Leger has been going on for years. There's still huge interest in the event among racing professionals and fans alike, and I don't think the quality of the horses that run in the St Leger has diminished significantly in recent years. The growing international racing scene has detracted from the prestige of all the English Classics, the Derby included.

But there needs to be planning to ensure it does not clash with other key races. In previous years they've run the Irish Champion Stakes minutes later. This is folly, as it detracts from the publicity for both races. This year's St Leger looks like being a tremendous race - I for one am really looking forward to it.
Stephen, UK