James Doyle made the decisive call among three possible mounts, guiding Evening Saigon to a memorable victory in the Coral Stewards' Cup at the Glorious Goodwood meeting. The win added a glittering feather to the cap of the Wathnan Racing partnership, who have long set their sights on this prestigious handicap with fierce determination. It also marked the second major handicap success of the week for Qatari‑born trainer Hamad Al Jehani, underscoring his growing reputation among the sport’s elite.
Al Jehani had already celebrated a high‑profile win earlier in the meeting when his horse Archivist captured the Golden Mile, albeit after Doyle mistakenly chose a different runner for that race. This time, the trainer and his stable could revel in a clean sweep, with the entire team sharing in the triumph. The race itself unfolded in classic Goodwood fashion. Although the betting market favoured higher‑rated entries, the eventual winner emerged from the 10‑runner field, edging out Stratusnine by a short head.
Jamie Spencer, aboard Mitbaahy, launched a late challenge from the rear and finished a close third, just a head and a short head behind the first two. Completely Random completed the top four.
"It’s been an incredible week," Doyle said after the race. "Last year we only managed one win and I was left feeling deflated, so the whole camp was determined to improve. Everyone – from the trainers to the back‑room staff – has been working on tactics, track positioning and the little details that make a difference on the day.
Hamad has done an unbelievable job with Evening Saigon." He added a vivid description of the ride: "The horse tried to get away from me in the first few strides, but once we settled he responded beautifully. I positioned myself behind Dark Thirty, used his slipstream, and didn’t push the pace too hard. When I saw the second favourite, a horse I had beaten at York a few days earlier, I knew we’d have a genuine battle to the line." Al Jehani praised the decision to keep Evening Saigon in the Stewards' Cup after a solid showing at Royal Ascot: "We felt the horse was in the right form and the management’s choice to run him here paid off.
This race is a key part of the season, and James gave him a perfect ride. Competing with the world’s top trainers is a constant challenge, but we’re building a strong operation and hope to see Wathnan Racing’s colours more often in the winner’s enclosure." Racing adviser Richard Brown highlighted the collaborative effort behind the success: "James had a tough selection to make, but he trusted his instincts and stuck with Evening Saigon.
Hamad has now won two of the toughest handicaps of the year, and his statistics since taking the trainer’s licence sit alongside the best in the country. He’s not only a brilliant trainer but also an accomplished rider and show‑jumper, which adds to his understanding of the horse.
The whole team works closely together, and this victory is a testament to that partnership." The meeting also featured a standout performance from Goodie Two Shoes, who added to JP McManus’s impressive Goodwood weekend by taking the Qatar Lillie Langtry Stakes. Sent off at 8/1, the seven‑year‑old mare had to overcome a strong finish from Santorini Star, but she rallied in the final 100 yards, edging home by a nose. Her win follows a second‑place finish in the Melbourne Cup earlier in the year and positions her for a potential return to Australia.
Rider Jason Marquand explained his confidence: "She’s a lovely filly and has improved with each run this season. I knew she could handle the quick ground and was confident she’d finish strongly.
When I saw her head drop at the line, I realised we’d got it. The silks are special, and JP’s support means we can aim for a great campaign through the rest of the season." McManus’s representative, Sir Anthony McCoy, echoed the sentiment: "I didn’t think she’d won until the camera showed her head in the right place at the line. Dylan Browne McMonagle gave her a superb ride, and with a little luck, she secured the victory.
She’s a proven Group Two performer and could be a serious contender if she returns to the Melbourne Cup next year." Overall, the Glorious Goodwood meeting showcased the depth of talent across trainers, jockeys and owners. Evening Saigon’s Stewards’ Cup win not only highlighted James Doyle’s sharp decision‑making but also cemented Hamad Al Jehani’s status as a leading handicap specialist.
Goodie Two Shoes’ narrow triumph added further intrigue to the upcoming spring festivals, especially the Melbourne Cup, where both horses may feature prominently. The week’s results underline the importance of strategic planning, teamwork and the ability to adapt tactics on the day – elements that will continue to shape the narrative of British flat racing throughout the season.