James Doyle made the right call out of three possible mounts, guiding Evening Saigon to a decisive victory in the Coral Stewards' Cup at the Glorious Goodwood meeting. The win added a glittering feather to the cap of the owners, who have long set their sights on this particular race with relentless ambition. Equally noteworthy was the achievement for Qatari‑born trainer Hamad Al Jehani, who celebrated his second major handicap win of the week, following a successful ride on Archivist in the Golden Mile. Al Jehani’s double success highlighted the depth of his stable and the quality of his preparation.
After Doyle mistakenly chose a different horse for the Golden Mile, the team rebounded spectacularly at Goodwood, with Evening Saigon delivering a performance that underscored the trainer’s skill in handling high‑class handicappers. The race itself unfolded with a higher‑priced favourite drawing the inside draw, yet it was Evening Saigon, drawn in stall 10, who dictated the tempo. The horse surged ahead of Stratusnine, who finished five lengths behind.
Jamie Spencer, aboard Mitbaahy, made a late run from the rear to secure third place, finishing a head and a short head behind the runner‑up. Completely Random completed the top four. Doyle reflected on the week’s achievements, saying, “Last year was a disappointment – we only managed one win and I was pretty deflated.
This season we set a clear objective to improve, and everyone, including myself, bought into that plan.” He added that the team had spent considerable time analysing tactics, track positioning and race‑day variables. “The whole operation back at the office, the trainers, the jockeys – Hamad has done an unbelievable job with this horse. He’s not the easiest horse to ride; he tried to get away from me in the first few strides, but once we settled he responded beautifully.” The jockey explained his race‑day strategy: “I positioned myself behind Dark Thirty, used his draft to conserve energy, and didn’t push too hard early on.
When the time was right, I pulled him out of the pack before the two‑furlong mark and we set a steady rhythm toward the finish.” Doyle also noted the quality of the competition, recalling a recent win at York with a second horse that proved to be a worthy challenger in the final stages. Al Jehani praised both the horse and his connections: “I’m thrilled for Evening Saigon and the entire team. He ran admirably at Royal Ascot, and keeping him for the Stewards’ Cup proved to be the right call. This race is a key fixture in the calendar, and James gave the horse an outstanding ride.” He acknowledged the difficulty of competing against the world’s elite trainers, but expressed confidence that his stable is progressing steadily.
“With the support of our management, we’re building a strong foundation. Year after year we aim to see Wathnan Racing’s colours more often in the winner’s enclosure.” Racing adviser Richard Brown highlighted the collaborative nature of the success. “James faced a tough decision on the day, but he was firm about riding Evening Saigon. Hamad has now won two of the toughest handicaps of the season, and our teamwork makes these results possible.
When you look at Hamad’s statistics since he began training, they compare favorably with the best in the country. He’s a phenomenal horseman, a modest former rider, and even a competent show‑jumper. His ability to bring together a cohesive team is a major factor in our achievements.” The Goodwood meeting also featured a memorable performance from Goodie Two Shoes in the Qatar Lillie Langtry Stakes. Owned by JP McManus, the seven‑year‑old mare entered the race at 8/1 odds, seeking her first win of the season after a strong showing in the Melbourne Cup earlier in the year.
Despite a late challenge from Santorini Star, Goodie Two Shoes found an extra gear in the final 100 yards, edging the favorite by a nose to claim a Group Two triumph. The victory adds a significant credential to Goodie Two Shoes’ résumé and revives speculation about a possible return to Australia for another Melbourne Cup attempt. Her jockey praised her development: “She’s a lovely filly who has improved with each run since returning this year.
She handled the quick ground brilliantly and gave me a perfect split through the field. I didn’t even realize we’d won until I saw the camera – she tucked her head down at the perfect moment.” The jockey also acknowledged the prestige of riding for McManus: “These silks are special. A big thank you to JP for giving me the mount; we’ll have a great campaign ahead.” He hinted that the Melbourne Cup remains the ultimate target for the filly’s connections, noting that the owners will likely discuss a future trip to Australia.
Sir Anthony McCoy, speaking on behalf of McManus, echoed the sentiment: “I thought we’d just missed the line, but Jason Weaver confirmed it was a dead‑heat – she placed her head exactly where it needed to be.” He lauded the ride, comparing the jockey’s precision to that of top riders like Ryan Moore, and suggested that Goodie Two Shoes could be well‑handicapped for the Galway Plate if she heads there next. Overall, the Glorious Goodwood festival delivered a week of high drama, strategic brilliance, and memorable victories. Both Evening Saigon’s Stewards’ Cup triumph and Goodie Two Shoes’ Lillie Langtry Stakes win underscore the importance of careful horse selection, meticulous preparation, and seamless teamwork in elite racing.
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