Evening Saigon Wins Stewards' Cup as Jim Crowley Retires 2026

Evening Saigon's Stewards' Cup victory at Glorious Goodwood on Saturday was a defining moment, as the 16-1 shot triumphed while legendary jockey Jim Crowley announced his retirement. The race, worth £250k, delivered drama and a changing of the guard in British flat racing.

Stewards' Cup 2025: Race Recap and Key Moments

Evening Saigon, ridden by James Doyle from stall 10, surged to the lead on the far side with a furlong to go, holding off Stratusnine (drawn five) and Mitbaahy (stall 25) on the stands' side. The victory completed a double for trainer Hamad Al Jehani, who also won the Golden Mile with Archivist on Friday.

Wathnan Racing, the Qatar-based owner, celebrated a seventh winner of the week, with racing adviser Richard Brown praising Doyle's decision to ride Evening Saigon over other contenders. "He was pretty firm on riding this lad," Brown said, highlighting the gelding's consistency.

Jim Crowley's Retirement: A Champion's Farewell

Earlier in the afternoon, the weighing room honored Jim Crowley, the 2016 champion jockey, who retired after struggling to recover from a fall at York in August 2025. Crowley, who started as a jump jockey before switching to the Flat, rode some of the best horses for Shadwell Racing, including the brilliant miler Baaeed.

His career spanned decades, with his partnership with Baaeed producing unforgettable performances. Crowley's retirement marks the end of an era, but his legacy will inspire future generations.

Trainer Hamad Al Jehani's Rise to Prominence

Hamad Al Jehani, a former rider himself, has quickly established himself among Britain's top trainers. His statistics since starting his training career match the best in the country, according to Richard Brown. The double at Glorious Goodwood underscores his tactical acumen and ability to prepare horses for big handicaps.

Race Analysis: Draw Bias and Performance

The draw was expected to favor high numbers, but Evening Saigon's win from stall 10 proved that pace and positioning mattered more. The table below compares the top three finishers:

The result highlighted the importance of early speed and rail position, with Evening Saigon's jockey executing a perfect ride.

Key Takeaways from Glorious Goodwood

• Evening Saigon's win gave Hamad Al Jehani a memorable double after Archivist's Golden Mile victory.
• Jim Crowley's retirement marks the end of a decorated career, including a champion jockey title and a legendary partnership with Baaeed.
• Wathnan Racing's investment in top talent continues to pay dividends, with seven winners at the meeting.
• Draw bias was less influential than expected, with skill and timing proving decisive.

FAQ: Stewards' Cup and Jim Crowley's Retirement

Glorious Goodwood 2025 will be remembered for both a thrilling handicap and a poignant retirement. As the racing world moves forward, the performances of Evening Saigon and the legacy of Jim Crowley will remain talking points for years to come.