Duffield prepares to exit in style at 70 as Leger festivities begin

It was 50 years ago George Duffield rode his first-ever winner. It was 25 years ago he enjoyed one of his greatest days in the saddle when claiming the St Leger on User Friendly.

Now, a half-century on from his first win, and a quarter-century from his famous Doncaster triumph, he is back in breeches, seeking to bow out in style at the ripe old age of 70.

The septuagenarian is one of 14 former riders who have completed their own individual fitness regimes to return with charity in mind for the Clipper Logistics Leger Legends Stakes, the contest that kickstarts four days of high-quality competition on Town Moor.

From Thursday the action steps up a gear, with Group races galore building to the world's oldest Classic, the William Hill St Leger, in which Crystal Ocean, Capri and Defoe are the leading contenders charged with capturing a prize first run in 1776.

Before that, though, we have something completely different.

An illustrious roll of honour

On this day in 1957 television viewers were able to watch the St Leger for the first time, with ITV screening the race, in those days staged on a Wednesday, less than two years after the commercial network had come into existence.

Duffield was in those days just a schoolboy, meaning he has no memories of Ballymoss scoring for Vincent O'Brien.

However, at 70, when until recently most Yorkshiremen of that vintage were aspiring to appear in Last of the Summer Wine, he hopes to make unforgettable memories of his own.

He will be doing so in a race that since its inauguration has raised £780,000 for the Injured Jockeys' Fund – which allocates the money to its Jack Berry House in Malton – and Northern Racing College.

Sir Anthony McCoy, Mick Kinane and Julie Krone are among the previous winners of the Leger Legends, but none were anywhere near so mature as Sir Mark Prescott's long-time stable jockey, this year taking on opponents who include Dale Gibson, Luke Harvey and recently retired jump jockey Brian Harding.

Duffield does not like to be beaten

"They say age is just a number and I believe that," said Duffield, now assistant to wife Ann, who trains successfully in North Yorkshire.

"It's all about how you feel mentally and physically. What little bit of brain I've got still functions very well and I'm also extremely competitive. I do not like getting beat at anything.

"I've lost a fair bit of strength through not riding any more, but I'm in pretty good shape, and even though I'm 70 I'll be fitter than most of the lads in the race. I always make a point of not going there half-cocked.

"I'll be going to Doncaster with all guns firing – and the other riders know that."

George Duffield at home with the statue of his dual Champion Stakes winner Alborada, presented on his retirement by Sir Mark PrescottCredit: Louise Pollard

They will also know Duffield could be weighing in and weighing out for the final time.

"Last year I was worried about riding in the race at 69," he explained.

"I didn't want to embarrass myself, and I didn't, but the thought was there. This time I've made a point of getting myself in shape by walking and jogging – more walking than jogging – just to tighten my body up that bit more.

"If I'm honest I'm going there feeling the same. I know you should never say never, but I think this will be my last one. Riding in the race at 71 might be taking the mickey."

Familiar names in fight for Kerry National

While the St Leger festival is only starting, the Listowel festival is already on the fourth of its seven days, with the undoubted high point of the marathon jamboree, the Guinness Kerry National, taking centre stage on an afternoon when the men and women of Kerry will flock to the races.

Hopes of Coneygree making a guest appearance were dashed by the testing ground, but this is nonetheless not a purely Irish affair, with Colin Tizzard and Fergal O'Brien both aiming to steal the lion's share of the pot.

However, as with most major Irish jumps handicaps, two owners dominate numerically.

Between them, Gigginstown House Stud and JP McManus have eight of the 18 runners.

Champion trainer Willie Mullins has just the one contender, but it could be the winning one, given Arbre De Vie holds obvious claims. So, too, does the McManus-owned Slowmotion – trained by 2016 Leger Legends-winning jockey Joseph O'Brien – while among the Gigginstown battalion is the Gordon Elliott-trained Potters Point, partnered by last year's victorious rider Lisa O'Neill.