James Doyle made the right call out of three possible mounts when he guided Evening Saigon to a spectacular win in the Coral Stewards' Cup at Glorious Goodwood, delivering a crowning achievement for his stable, Wathnan Racing. The victory was a major boost for the owners, who have long set their sights on this particular race, and it also marked a second high‑profile handicap triumph for the Qatari‑born trainer Hamad Al Jehani during a remarkable week at the festival.
Al Jehani had already celebrated a big win earlier in the meeting when his horse Archivist captured the Golden Mile, albeit after Doyle had initially selected the wrong runner. This time, however, the entire team could revel in a clean sweep, with Evening Saigon delivering the decisive performance that capped the weekend’s success. The race itself unfolded in classic Goodwood fashion. Although the betting public favored horses with higher post‑positions on Thursday’s draw, it was the ten‑drawn Evening Saigon who stole the show, edging out Stratusnine by a short neck.
Jamie Spencer, aboard Mitbaahy, made a late surge from the back of the field to finish third, just a head and a short head behind the winner, while Completely Random secured fourth place. After the finish, a visibly excited Doyle reflected on the significance of the win: "It’s been a fantastic week. Last year I was left with just one victory and felt a bit deflated, so the whole stable was determined to improve. Everyone, including me, was focused on doing better, and today we proved that we can.
"We spent a lot of time this week analysing tactics, track position and the best way to get the most out of Evening Saigon. The whole team back at the office, Hamad and his staff – they’ve done an unbelievable job with this horse. He’s not the easiest horse to ride; he tried to get away from me in the early strides, but once we settled he was brilliant. "The set‑up was perfect.
Dark Thirty was right in front of me, so I could draft behind him without getting caught in the traffic. I didn’t feel the need to push him too hard for a Stewards’ Cup, so I pulled him out just before the final two furlongs and let him make his move. "I knew the second‑placed horse well – I rode him at York a few days ago and he’s a very respectable runner, so the finish was a genuine tussle right to the line.
"Hamad and his team should be proud – winning the two biggest handicaps of the week is a huge achievement for Wathnan Racing." Al Jehani echoed the praise, saying, "I’m delighted for Evening Saigon and the whole team. The horse performed admirably at Royal Ascot, and keeping him in the stable for the Stewards’ Cup proved to be the right decision.
"This race is a key part of the season’s calendar, and I’m grateful to James for delivering such a great ride. Competing against the world’s top trainers is never easy, but we’re building a solid foundation with the support of our management.
I hope we can keep improving year after year and see Wathnan Racing’s colours more often in the winner’s enclosure." Racing adviser Richard Brown added his thoughts: "James had a tough choice between the three horses, but he stayed firm on Evening Saigon. Hamad has now won two of the toughest handicaps of the year, and that’s a testament to his skill and the way we all work together as a team. When results like this come in, it reinforces what Wathnan Racing stands for – ambition, teamwork and excellence.
"If you look at Hamad’s record since he started training, it lines up with the very best in the country. He’s a phenomenal horseman, a former rider himself, modest about his achievements, and even competed at a high level in show‑jumping.
His partnership with the stable creates a powerful synergy, and this victory is huge for everyone involved." The festival also featured another memorable performance from JP McManus‑owned Goodie Two Shoes, who added a second win to the stable’s impressive Goodwood haul by taking the Qatar Lillie Langtry Stakes. Sent out at 8/1, the seven‑year‑old filly was forced to chase the front‑runner Santorini Star, but she rallied in the final 100 yards, edging the favourite by a nose. Goodie Two Shoes, who finished second in the Melbourne Cup in November, now looks set for a possible return to Australia after this Group Two triumph.
Her jockey praised her development: "She’s a lovely filly and has improved with every run since coming back this season. She handled the quick ground beautifully and gave me a perfect split through the field. I was confident she would stay close to the leaders, and when she stuck her head down at the line, I knew we had it. "These silks are special, and I’m grateful to JP for giving me the ride.
I expect the Melbourne Cup will be the main target for her next, and the team will discuss the best path forward." Sir Anthony McCoy, speaking on behalf of McManus, added, "I didn’t think she’d won at first, but Jason Weaver confirmed it right on the line. She got a great ride from Dylan Browne McMonagle, who’s mechanically sound like Ryan Moore but also has that extra spark that can make the difference.
It’s a pleasure to see her succeed, and if she can be competitive in the Melbourne Cup again, it will be a wonderful continuation of her story." Overall, the Goodwood meeting highlighted the depth of talent across trainers, jockeys and owners, with Wathnan Racing’s double‑handicap success standing out as a testament to meticulous preparation, strategic riding and the unyielding determination of everyone involved. The victories not only brought immediate glory but also set the stage for future campaigns, particularly with the Melbourne Cup looming as a coveted goal for both Evening Saigon and Goodie Two Shoes. Fans can stay up‑to‑date with the latest racing news, interviews and feature stories by following Sky Sports Racing on mobile platforms, ensuring they never miss another thrilling moment from the world of horse racing.