Seagulls Eleven Bonhams Thoroughbred Stakes Winner Eyes $10M Golden Eagle Glory

Seagulls Eleven Bonhams Thoroughbred Stakes champion has taken a significant step forward in his racing career after an assertive win at Goodwood. With the $10 million Golden Eagle in Sydney looming large, trainer Hugo Palmer is weighing a bold international tilt for the Galileo Gold gelding.

Backed at 11/4, Seagulls Eleven made all the running in a compact four-horse field under a smart ride from Oisin Murphy. Sent into the lead early, the gelding dictated the fractions, then kicked for home two furlongs out. Diego Ventura (5/1) tried to close but was held safely at three-quarters of a length. King Of Cities and Cosmic Year trailed behind in a race that lacked numbers but not class.

This latest success added Group 3 credentials to a resume that already includes Group 1 placings, notably in the Vincent O’Brien National Stakes. Having finished second in the Sir Henry Cecil Stakes earlier this season, the Bonhams Thoroughbred Stakes win marks a confident resurgence.

Seagulls Eleven Bonhams Thoroughbred Stakes Triumph Could Be a Global Launchpad

“He’s a generous horse who always tries hard,” said Hugo Palmer. “We possibly over-faced him as a two-year-old, but he’s starting to really come into his own. We gelded him and that’s made a big difference. He’s easier to manage now and you can see the results.”

The trainer also shared his admiration for Oisin Murphy’s judgment. “Plan A was to sit behind Ryan Moore, but his horse missed the break. Oisin adapted quickly, went to the lead, and never looked back. When Oisin rides for us, he gives us confidence — he just makes things look effortless.”

With Seagulls Eleven Bonhams Thoroughbred Stakes win under his belt, Palmer is now considering Australia’s $10 million Golden Eagle as the next big step. “It’s been mentioned, and why not? It’s a race with global prestige and life-changing prize money. You don’t get many opportunities like that in England.”

The ownership group behind Seagulls Eleven includes 11 professional footballers led by James Milner. Palmer shared the story: “It all began at Cheltenham with a mare called Mrs Milner. Michael Owen gave James a tip, the horse won, and they decided to start buying racehorses. Now they have a team and it’s working beautifully.”

Palmer didn’t rule out another UK appearance before heading to Australia. “We could supplement him for the City of York Stakes or maybe run him again here in the Celebration Mile. We’ll make that call soon.”

Murphy and Brown Impressed by the Performance

Oisin Murphy was full of praise for the gelding’s progress. “He’s improved massively after being gelded. He relaxes better now and finishes stronger. Hugo and the team at Manor House Stables have done an incredible job. Josh Jones, his lad, knows him inside-out.”

Richard Brown, advisor to Wathnan Racing, was pleased with Diego Ventura’s second-place effort. “That was arguably his best performance. He stayed on well and was just a bit unlucky with the positioning. We might go up in trip next.”

Trainer Richard Hannon admitted King Of Cities didn’t help himself. “He didn’t give Ryan Moore much to work with. He has talent, but we need to figure out how to get more out of him.”

Cosmic Year brought up the rear, with Colin Keane citing unsuitable conditions. “The ground was against us. He travelled well early but didn’t pick up. I’d consider bringing him back to seven furlongs or even six on better ground.”

With renewed form and international ambitions, the Seagulls Eleven Bonhams Thoroughbred Stakes winner may soon test his talent against the best in the world.

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Image: Seagulls Eleven Bonhams Thoroughbred Stakes victory at Goodwood 2025