The Danish racecourse of Klampenborg, also known as Copenhagen despite being 12 miles north of the centre of the city, has hosted the Danish St Leger since 1937. However, racing in Denmark can be traced back to 1770 and the first meeting held at Klampenborg was in 1910. The racecourse is ideally situated some 20 minutes by car from the capital Copenhagen. The right handed oval turf course has a circumference of 1800 metres with a run-in of 500 metres, racing being staged on Saturdays from April until October. Originally the St Leger race was only for 3 year olds, similar to Englands oldest classic, but it is now an all-aged event. The principal race is the Scandinavian Open Championship held in August, a Group 3 event run over 2400 metres for 3 year olds and upwards. It was first contested in 1996, replacing the Danish Eclipse Stakes which was last contested in 1995. The inaugural winner of the Open was Federico ridden by Kim Andersen. In 1998 and 1999 Albaran achieved the double. The race was raised from Listed to Group 3 status in 2000 and in 2001 and 2002 Valley Chapel achieved the double. This feat was achieved again in 2012 and 2013 by Bank of Burden. There are two Listed races, the Danish Jockey Club Cup for 4 year olds and upwards over 1800 metres each April, and won in 2014 by Bank of Burden, and the Danish Pokallob over 1800 metres for 3 year olds and upwards held in June, which was won in 2012 by Tertullus ridden by Rafael Schistl, who beat Maltho and Palermo. The track also hosts the Danish Derby each June and first contested in 1875. |
