Sky Sports Racing ambassador Hollie Doyle shares her perspective on the marquee handicap of the weekend – the Stewards’ Cup at Goodwood. The spectacle of twenty‑eight horses thundering down Goodwood’s famous downhill straight is a hallmark of British racing, and this year’s Coral Stewards’ Cup (3.35) lived up to its reputation as a true test of speed, stamina and tactical acumen. While the race is genuinely open, my mind keeps returning to James Owen’s leading contender, Far Above Dream. The four‑year‑old has shown a blend of form, experience on the Goodwood track, and a favourable draw that could prove decisive.
He produced a career‑best performance when he finished a close fourth in the Wokingham, narrowly behind his stablemate Soldier’s Tree, after having already demonstrated his ability over the same course and distance back in May. Since then he has risen in the handicap, yet he remains capable of matching the rating he carried at The Royal Meeting, suggesting he can handle the brisk pace and the jostling that comes with a large field. For an ambitious trainer, a horse that enjoys the cut‑and‑thrust nature of a big handicap is a valuable asset. Another horse that has earned a spot on my shortlist is Ollie Sangster’s Tuco Salamanca, piloted by the talented young Irish jockey Dylan Browne‑McMonagle.
Although Tuco’s recent victories have come on all‑weather surfaces – including a solid win at Newcastle against strong opposition – he also possesses a respectable record on turf and benefits from a middle draw that should give him a clear run in the early stages. His versatility makes him a genuine threat when the field settles. In my previous weekend blog I highlighted Charles Hills’s lightly raced seven‑year‑old Mitbaahy as a ‘Hot Shot’.
I would not be surprised if this horse punches above his odds after securing a second‑place finish in the Group Three Hackwood Stakes at Newbury. Mitbaahy’s combination of experience and recent form suggests he could be a factor in the final sprint.
Beyond the Stewards’ Cup, there are several other storylines worth noting. Hollie Doyle hinted that Thunder Call may feature in the Shergar Cup at Ascot, a race that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing on Saturday. Meanwhile, Jamie Lynch will have five horses to watch as international stars clash at the same meeting. In other news, former Premier League striker Kevin Doyle is now pursuing Cheltenham Festival glory with the mares Augusta Kate and La Bague Au Roi.
At Ascot, Kalpana triumphed over Calandagan in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, while legendary jockey Ryan Moore was honoured with an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours. In the Derby, Benvenuto Cellini leads an Aidan O’Brien‑filled four‑horse entry for the Epsom Classic. Turning to the Group Two Qatar Lillie Langtry Stakes (3.00) at Goodwood, Santorini Star possesses both the class and the stamina to add a third Group Two win to her résumé, having already claimed the Park Hill Stakes at Doncaster and the Jockey Club Stakes at Newmarket.
Trained by William Haggas, the five‑year‑old suffered a minor setback in the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot, but the race suits a mare who stays well and has previously thrived on this course. Her main rival is likely to be the Owen Burrows‑trained Waardah, the 2023 winner of this same event, who has since struggled to replicate that form, especially after a lackluster run in the Group Three at Carlisle. Although Waardah is returning after a long break, Santorini Star’s overall profile appears stronger. Haggas also has a strong hand in the Group Three Coral Glorious Stakes (2.25) on Saturday, where market favourites Al Aasy and Opportunity are well‑matched.
I anticipate the veteran will secure a third consecutive victory in this race, following a pattern of consistency that has defined his recent performances. Tom Marquand will be looking to replicate Jim Crowley’s success from a year ago, and the Shadwell‑owned Sea The Stars gelding is expected to deliver another committed effort.
His proven track record suggests he can outpace Wathnan Racing’s Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes winner Opportunity, who, despite a brilliant Royal Ascot display, may find the step back to Group company challenging. In the Highclere Castle Gin Summer Handicap (1.50), Godolphin’s Valedictory is well‑supported, and rightly so, but I am also placing confidence in the Irish runner Aeronautic, who could improve on his third‑place finish last year.
Joseph O’Brien’s five‑year‑old, after a promising fourth in the Copper Horse Stakes at the Royal Meeting, looks like a winner waiting to happen. Though he has not won in some time, his competitive nature at a 97 rating indicates he can be a serious contender. Valedictory, who was transformed by cheekpieces in May and won over the same course and distance, will face a three‑pound penalty after his narrow Newmarket victory, demanding a strong performance from John and Thady Gosden’s team.
Another contender worth noting is Charlie Johnston’s Align The Stars, a former Northumberland Plate victor who has never carried a triple‑digit rating but could rise to the occasion. Apprentice Jack Nicholls has a chance to make a name for himself in the Phase Eight Handicap (4.10) when he partners Naval Light for trainer Karl Burke. The three‑year‑old carries a relatively low weight, and Jack’s three‑pound claim could provide a decisive edge, especially after recent wins at Pontefract and Catterick this summer.
Richard Hughes’s claimer Startled, now partnered with Harry Vigors, has been performing well and looks fairly treated on his preferred course and distance after a solid second in May, making him a plausible factor in the mix. The Qatar Goodwood Festival delivered a standout performance from Bow Echo, who displayed a blistering turn of foot to win the Group One Visit Qatar Sussex Stakes (4.10) on Wednesday, extending his unbeaten record to six. The horse’s talent is matched by his young jockey Billy Loughnane, whose maturity beyond his years shone through on George Boughey’s superstar.
Overcoming a tricky situation on the Downs, Loughnane executed a cool, composed ride that will be remembered by racing fans for years to come. On a personal note, since my fall in May, I have been using a hyperbaric oxygen chamber installed at home as part of my rehabilitation. The chamber raises air pressure to deliver 100 % pure oxygen into the bloodstream, accelerating healing. Spending an hour each day inside has become a routine element of my recovery.
I also continue a rigorous gym program and physiotherapy at Oaksey House in Lambourn five days a week, although I still cannot pinpoint a definitive comeback date at this stage.