James Doyle made the right call when presented with three possible rides, guiding Evening Saigon to a spectacular victory in the Coral Stewards' Cup at Glorious Goodwood. The win was a crowning achievement for the Wathnan Racing stable, capping off an extraordinary week that saw the team dominate the meeting.
For the owners, who have long set their sights on this prestigious handicap, the triumph was a long‑awaited reward, but perhaps the most significant storyline was the double success for Qatar‑born trainer Hamad Al Jehani, who also secured the Golden Mile with Archivist earlier in the festival. Al Jehani’s week was a masterclass in preparation and tactical acumen.
After a mis‑step in the Golden Mile when Doyle chose the wrong mount, the trainer and his staff regrouped, fine‑tuned their strategies and entered the Stewards’ Cup with a clear plan. Evening Saigon, drawn in the outside stall 10, defied the conventional wisdom that favoured the higher‑drawn runners. The race unfolded with Stratusnine taking an early lead, but the real drama began as the field turned into the home straight. From the back of the pack, Jamie Spencer rode Mitbaahy, making a determined move that saw him finish just a head and a short head behind the winner.
Completely Random completed the placings in fourth. Doyle, who had been under pressure after a disappointing previous season, spoke candidly after the race: "It’s been a great week. Last year I was deflated after only one win, and we were all frustrated.
The message was clear – we need to improve, and everyone, including me, has to step up." He went on to describe the meticulous work the team put in over the week: "We analysed different tactics, track position, and pacing. Everyone back at the office contributed, and Hamad did an unbelievable job with this horse.
He’s not the easiest horse to ride; he tried to shake me off in the first few strides, but that challenge made the win even sweeter." Doyle explained his race‑day tactics in vivid detail. "I had Dark Thirty right in front of me, so I could draft behind him without getting boxed in. I didn’t want to over‑push for a Stewards’ Cup, so I kept a steady rhythm, pulled out before the final two furlongs, and set a clear line for the finish.
I knew the second horse – I’d beaten him at York – was a solid contender, so the finish turned into a genuine tussle." Both Doyle and Al Jehani praised the collaborative spirit that underpinned the success. Al Jehani said, "I’m thrilled for Evening Saigon and the whole team.
He ran brilliantly at Royal Ascot, and keeping him for the Stewards’ Cup was the right call. This race is a key highlight of the season, and James gave the horse an outstanding ride. Competing with the world’s elite trainers is tough, but we’re building a strong foundation with the support of our management. Year after year we aim to see Wathnan’s colours more often in the winner’s enclosure." Racing adviser Richard Brown added, "James had a tough decision, but he was resolute about riding this lad.
Hamad has delivered two of the toughest handicap wins of the year, and our teamwork makes these results possible. Hamad’s training record now stands shoulder‑to‑shoulder with the country’s top trainers. He’s a phenomenal horseman, a modest former rider, and even an accomplished show‑jumper.
His humility and expertise have forged a winning partnership that benefits everyone involved." The festival also featured a memorable performance from Goodie Two Shoes in the Qatar Lillie Langtry Stakes. The JP McManus‑owned filly, trained by Joseph O’Brien and ridden by Dylan Browne McMonagle, overcame a strong field to claim a narrow nose victory over Santorini Star. Sent off at 8/1, Goodie Two Shoes showed tenacity, making up ground in the final 100 yards and delivering a decisive finish that delighted her connections. The seven‑year‑old’s win adds a new chapter to a career that already includes a second‑place finish in the Melbourne Cup last November.
Her trainer hinted at a possible return to Australia, saying, "The Melbourne Cup is certainly a target we’ll discuss with JP and the owners. This Group Two win at Goodwood strengthens her credentials and makes a future trip down under very likely." McMonagle praised his mount, noting, "She’s a lovely filly who improves with each run. She handled the quick ground beautifully and gave me a perfect split through the field. I was confident she’d get closer to the leaders, and when I saw her head down at the line, I knew we’d got it." Sir Anthony McCoy, speaking on behalf of McManus, echoed the sentiment: "I didn’t think she’d win until the very last moment, but Jason Weaver’s timing was spot‑on.
She got a great ride, and Dylan’s skill – he’s mechanically sound like Ryan Moore, with that extra edge – made the difference. Her Melbourne Cup run was impressive, and I can see her competing well in the Galway Plate or even returning to the Melbourne Cup with a solid handicap." Overall, Goodwood delivered a week of high drama, strategic brilliance, and emotional victories. The Stewards’ Cup win for Evening Saigon highlighted the importance of decisive jockey choices, meticulous training, and a cohesive team environment.
Meanwhile, Goodie Two Shoes’ narrow triumph underscored the depth of talent among owners, trainers, and riders across the festival. Fans can stay up to date with the latest racing news, interviews, and feature stories on their mobile devices, ensuring they never miss a moment of the sport’s excitement.