Announcing My Pride of Yorkshire 2026 Commission: Creating a Custom Sculpture for Doncaster Racecourse’s Historic 250th St Leger Festival

I’m delighted to officially announce my involvement in Pride of Yorkshire 2026 - one of the most exciting public art projects ever to come to Yorkshire.

As part of this fantastic sculpture trail, I’ve been commissioned to paint a custom sculpture for Doncaster Racecourse, celebrating a landmark moment in British sporting history: 250 years of the St Leger Festival - the world’s oldest Classic horse race.

As an artist who’s passionate about painting custom pieces for clients, and capturing memorable and historic moments, this is something I’m so excited to be a part of.

What is Pride of Yorkshire?

Pride of Yorkshire is a major public art trail launching across South Yorkshire in summer 2026.

Created by Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity, the trail celebrates 150 years of Sheffield Children’s Hospital and will feature:

• 150 life-sized lion and lioness sculptures
• 150 lion cub sculptures
• artwork installed across Sheffield, Doncaster, Rotherham and Barnsley
• a region-wide celebration of creativity, community, and Yorkshire pride

This project is more than a public art trail - it’s all to raise money for a new Emergency Department at Sheffield Children’s Hospital.

Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity is striving to raise £6.3 million, with Pride of Yorkshire expected to contribute £2.8 million, towards a transformational £20 million redevelopment.

These funds will help create:

• purpose-built clinical environments designed specifically for children and young people
• improved patient flow and reduced waiting times for families in urgent need
• enhanced privacy and better family experiences during treatment and care
• specialist spaces delivering high-quality care for patients with additional needs

My Sculpture for Doncaster Racecourse

My commissioned sculpture will celebrate Doncaster Racecourse’s 250th anniversary of the St Leger Festival - an incredible milestone for one of the UK’s most iconic sporting events.

The St Leger Stakes, first run in 1776, is the oldest of Britain’s five Classic races, making it one of the biggest celebrations in British flat racing history.

The 2026 festival marks an extraordinary 250 years of racing history, heritage, and tradition at Doncaster Racecourse

That legacy has inspired every part of this custom sculpture.

Whether you’re a trail art lover, a local art collector, a supporter of Sheffield Children’s Hospital, or a fan of horse racing, I hope this piece gives you something memorable to connect with.

First Look: Finished Sculpture

Watch the Painting Process

I’ve shared behind-the-scenes footage, early sketches, painting progress and final details throughout the creation process.

Follow along on Instagram ➡️ @amadora.art

See It in Person: Summer 2026

From June-September 2026, the Pride of Yorkshire trail will transform South Yorkshire into an open-air gallery - bringing together art lovers, families, local businesses, and visitors in support of a fantastic cause.

And if you’re visiting Doncaster Racecourse for the St Leger Festival during its historic 250th year, be sure to stop and find my sculpture.

I can’t wait to share it with you.