Evening Saigon Wins Stewards' Cup as Jim Crowley Retires 2026

Evening Saigon's victory in the Stewards' Cup at Glorious Goodwood highlighted a dramatic Saturday, as champion jockey Jim Crowley announced his retirement. The 16-1 chance, ridden by James Doyle, triumphed in the £250k feature race, providing a fitting backdrop to a day of high emotion and top-class racing.

Stewards' Cup Race Analysis: Evening Saigon's Triumph

The draw had suggested that high-numbered stalls would hold the advantage, but Evening Saigon defied expectations. Coming from stall 10, the gelding moved smoothly towards the lead on the far side with a furlong to run, staying on strongly to beat Stratusnine (drawn five). Mitbaahy, from stall 25, finished third on the stands' side, but it was Evening Saigon who took the spoils.

This victory completed a remarkable double for trainer Hamad Al Jehani, who had also saddled Archivist to win the Golden Mile on Friday. It was also a seventh winner of the week for owner Wathnan Racing, showcasing the strength and depth of their operation.

Trainer and Owner Reaction

Richard Brown, racing adviser to Wathnan Racing, praised both the jockey and trainer. “James had a bit of a hard choice [from three runners] but he was pretty firm on riding this lad,” Brown said. “If you look at Hamad’s statistics since he started training, they match up with the best trainers in the country. He’s a phenomenal horseman.”

Jim Crowley Retires: A Champion's Farewell

The afternoon also saw the weighing room pay tribute to Jim Crowley, the 2016 champion jockey, who announced his retirement. Crowley has struggled to recover from serious injuries sustained in a fall at York in August 2025. His career spanned from jump racing to becoming a leading Flat jockey, notably serving as No 1 rider for Shadwell Racing.

Crowley rode some of the sport's greats, including the brilliant miler Baaeed, and his retirement marks the end of an era. His decision came after an 11-month battle to regain fitness, and the racing community has united in celebrating his achievements.

Key Race Stats and Comparison

The race demonstrated that pace and positioning were crucial, with the far side proving advantageous. Evening Saigon's late surge was decisive, and his trainer's recent record suggests this is no flash in the pan.

Key Takeaways from Glorious Goodwood

• Evening Saigon delivered a career-best performance to win the Stewards' Cup.
• Trainer Hamad Al Jehani continues to impress with top-level results.
• Jim Crowley's retirement marks a significant moment for British racing.
• The high-draw bias was not as strong as anticipated, rewarding tactical rides.

What This Means for the Racing Season

This result shakes up the sprint handicap division, with Evening Saigon now a leading contender for future big-field handicaps. Al Jehani's stable is clearly in exceptional form, and punters will be watching closely. Meanwhile, Crowley's legacy will endure through the horses he rode and the titles he won.

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