Sky Sports Racing ambassador Hollie Doyle shares her perspective on Saturday's marquee handicap, the Stewards’ Cup at Goodwood, a race that never fails to excite racing enthusiasts. The spectacle of twenty‑eight horses thundering down Goodwood’s famed downhill straight is a hallmark of the sport, and this year’s Coral Stewards' Cup Handicap (3.35) lived up to its reputation, delivering a thrilling contest that kept punters on the edge of their seats.
While the field was genuinely open, my mind kept returning to James Owen’s standout contender, Far Above Dream. The four‑year‑old has all the ingredients for a winning performance: a solid recent run, proven ability on the Goodwood track, and a favourable draw.
He posted a career‑best effort when he finished a close fourth in the Wokingham, just behind his talented stablemate Soldier's Tree, after having already shown his aptitude over the same course and distance in May. Since then, he has climbed the handicap ladder and is now capable of contesting at the same rating he carried at The Royal Meeting. For a trainer who is steadily climbing the ranks, Far Above Dream offers a perfect blend of speed, stamina, and the ability to handle the chaotic, high‑pressure environment of a large‑field handicap.
Another horse that has earned a spot on my shortlist is Ollie Sangster’s Tuco Salamanca, piloted by the promising Irish jockey Dylan Browne‑McMonagle. Although Tuco’s recent victories have come on all‑weather surfaces, including a commendable win at Newcastle against strong competition, he also possesses a respectable turf record and benefits from a middle draw that should give him a clear run in the early stages.
His versatility across different ground conditions makes him a genuine threat when the race settles into a fast, sustained pace. In my previous blog post I highlighted Charles Hills’s lightly raced seven‑year‑old Mitbaahy as a ‘Hot Shot.’ I would not be surprised if Mitbaahy finishes in the places, especially after delivering a strong second‑place effort in the Group Three Hackwood Stakes at Newbury. That performance, coupled with his relative inexperience at this level, could translate into a valuable place finish at generous odds.
Beyond the Stewards’ Cup, there are several other noteworthy stories on the Sky Sports Racing agenda. For example, Thunder Call is expected to play a key role in the Shergar Cup at Ascot, which will be broadcast live on Saturday. Jamie Lynch will have five horses to watch as international stars clash in this prestigious team event. Meanwhile, former Premier League striker Kevin Doyle is now chasing Cheltenham Festival glory with his horses Augusta Kate and La Bague Au Roi, demonstrating the cross‑sport appeal of horse racing.
On the flat, Kalpana’s victory over Calandagan in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes highlighted the quality of the field, while legendary jockey Ryan Moore was recently honoured with an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours, underscoring his contributions to the sport. Aidan O’Brien’s Benvenuto Cellini leads a four‑strong contingent for the Epsom Derby, adding another layer of excitement to the weekend’s racing calendar.
Turning to Group Two action, Santorini Star possesses both the class and the stamina to add a second Group Two win to her résumé by targeting the Qatar Lillie Langtry Stakes (3.00) at Goodwood. The five‑year‑old, trained by William Haggas, suffered a minor setback in the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot, but her proven staying ability and previous successes in the Park Hill Stakes at Doncaster and the Jockey Club Stakes at Newmarket make her a strong contender.
Her main rival will likely be the Owen Burrows‑trained Waardah, the 2022 winner of this race, who has struggled to recapture that form after a disappointing run in the Group One Pretty Polly Stakes and a subsequent Group Three at Carlisle. While Waardah deserves a run after a long lay‑off, Santorini Star’s overall credentials appear more compelling.
In the Group Three Coral Glorious Stakes (2.25) on Saturday, Haggas again holds the reins with market favourites Al Aasy and Opportunity. I anticipate that the veteran will secure a third consecutive victory in this race, following a pattern of consistent performances.
Tom Marquand will aim to replicate Jim Crowley’s successful tactics from a year ago, delivering a determined effort on Shadwell’s well‑regarded Sea The Stars gelding. The horse’s proven track record suggests he can out‑class the Duke of Edinburgh Stakes winner Opportunity, who, despite a solid Royal Ascot run, may find the step back to Group level challenging.
Godolphin’s Valedictory is expected to be well supported in the Highclere Castle Gin Summer Handicap (1.50) on Saturday. However, I am inclined to back the Irish challenger Aeronautic, who could improve on his third‑place finish in the same race last year. Joseph O’Brien’s five‑year‑old also caught my eye after a fourth‑place finish in the Copper Horse Stakes at the Royal Meeting; although he has not won for some time, his competitiveness at a rating of 97 indicates he could be a surprise factor. Valedictory, who won over the same distance in May after being equipped with cheekpieces, will face a three‑pound penalty after his narrow Newmarket win, meaning John and Thady Gosden’s gelding will need to demonstrate why he deserves to stay in the mix.
Another contender worth noting is Charlie Johnston’s Align The Stars, a former Northumberland Plate winner who has never carried a triple‑digit rating. His experience could prove valuable in a race where weight assignments are crucial. The Phase Eight Handicap (4.10) offers a platform for rising apprentice Jack Nicholls, who will partner Naval Light for trainer Karl Burke. The three‑year‑old carries a relatively light weight, and Jack’s three‑pound claim could give him a decisive advantage, especially after recent victories at Pontefract and Catterick.
Similarly, Richard Hughes has entered another promising claimer, Startled, with jockey Harry Vigors. Startled’s recent second‑place finish on the same course and distance in May suggests he will be competitive. In broader racing news, Bow Echo delivered the performance of the week at the Qatar Goodwood Festival, showcasing a blistering turn of foot to claim the Group One Visit Qatar Sussex Stakes (4.10) and extend his unbeaten record to six.
His young jockey, Billy Loughnane, displayed a maturity beyond his years, navigating a difficult situation on the Downs with poise and composure. The partnership between Bow Echo and Loughnane will be remembered as a highlight of the season. On a personal note, since my fall in May, I have incorporated a hyperbaric oxygen chamber into my rehabilitation routine.
The chamber raises air pressure to deliver pure, 100 % oxygen directly into the bloodstream, accelerating tissue repair. Spending an hour each day inside has become a cornerstone of my recovery, alongside a rigorous gym program and physiotherapy sessions at Oaksey House in Lambourn five days a week. Although I cannot yet provide a definitive comeback date, the progress is encouraging, and I remain optimistic about returning to the saddle in the near future.