Evening Saigon Wins Stewards' Cup as Jim Crowley Retires 2026

Evening Saigon's 16-1 victory in the Stewards' Cup at Glorious Goodwood on Saturday was a defining moment in the racing calendar, as the sport bid farewell to champion jockey Jim Crowley. The race, worth £250,000, delivered drama, skill, and a changing of the guard, with James Doyle guiding the gelding from stall 10 to a decisive win. This article breaks down the race, the retirement, and what it means for the sport.

Race Recap: Evening Saigon's Triumph

Evening Saigon, trained by Hamad Al Jehani and owned by Wathnan Racing, produced a powerful finish to beat Stratusnine (drawn five) by a clear margin. Mitbaahy, from stall 25, took third on the stands' side. The win completed a remarkable double for Al Jehani, who had also won the Golden Mile with Archivist the previous day.

The race was run on ground that favored high-drawn horses, but Evening Saigon's tactical speed and Doyle's expert handling proved decisive. "James had a bit of a hard choice but he was pretty firm on riding this lad," said Richard Brown, Wathnan's racing adviser. "He's a phenomenal horseman and has formed a great team."

Jim Crowley's Retirement: End of an Era

Earlier on the same afternoon, the weighing room paid tribute to Jim Crowley, who announced his retirement from race-riding after struggling to recover from injuries sustained in a fall at York in August 2025. Crowley, the 2016 champion Flat jockey, rode for the powerful Shadwell Racing operation, founded by the late Sheikh Hamdan al-Maktoum.

Among his most celebrated rides was the brilliant miler Baaeed, widely regarded as one of the best horses of his generation. Crowley's career spanned both jumps and the Flat, and he was known for his tactical intelligence and consistency at the highest level.

Key Takeaways from Glorious Goodwood

• Evening Saigon delivered a 16-1 upset in the Stewards' Cup, showcasing trainer Hamad Al Jehani's rising star.
• Jim Crowley retired after a decorated career, with a legacy defined by champion titles and top-class wins.
• The race highlighted the importance of draw and pace, with high numbers initially favored but mid-draw horses prevailing.
• Wathnan Racing's investment in top talent continues to pay dividends, with seven winners at the meeting.

Comparing the Top Finishers

Implications for the Racing Season

The Stewards' Cup result has reshaped the sprint handicap landscape, with Evening Saigon now a leading contender for top sprint races later in the season. Trainer Al Jehani's rapid rise is one of the stories of the year, and his partnership with Wathnan Racing could dominate major handicaps for years to come.

Meanwhile, Crowley's retirement leaves a void in the jockey ranks, but his influence on young riders and his legacy with Shadwell will endure. The sport moves forward, but this Glorious Goodwood will be remembered as a turning point.

FAQ

Who won the Stewards' Cup at Glorious Goodwood 2025?

Evening Saigon, ridden by James Doyle, won the Stewards' Cup at 16-1 odds, beating Stratusnine and Mitbaahy.

Why did Jim Crowley retire from horse racing?

Jim Crowley retired due to ongoing recovery issues from serious injuries sustained in a fall at York in August 2025, which prevented him from returning to race-riding.

What was the significance of Evening Saigon's win?

The win completed a double for trainer Hamad Al Jehani and marked a seventh winner of the meeting for owner Wathnan Racing, highlighting their growing dominance.

For more in-depth analysis and updates on the racing season, stay tuned to GrandGoldman.com.