With a turn of foot that keeps getting sharper, Sam Hawkens continued his upward trajectory by landing the Coral Summer Handicap 2025 at Goodwood—his third consecutive win this season. The improving four-year-old looks set to head Down Under, with plans already underway for a campaign in Australia later this year.
Coral Summer Handicap 2025: Sam Hawkens Books Passage to Rosehill
Trained and co-owned by William Haggas, Sam Hawkens was a well-backed 4/1 favourite and delivered again over 14 furlongs. Ridden confidently by Tom Marquand, the gelding tracked the pace before slipping through a gap at the furlong marker. Once in the clear, he stayed on well to score by half a length.
Dancing In Paris (6/1) finished second, while Aeronautic (11/2) ran on late to grab third, just a neck behind. The slow early tempo set up a tactical contest, but Sam Hawkens showed the right blend of gears and temperament to come out on top.
Having previously scored at Newcastle and Hamilton, this win marked a seamless hat-trick since being gelded over the winter.
Haggas Reflects on Sam Hawkens’ Rise
William Haggas was honest and sentimental in equal measure after the race. “We bought him online last year because our son Sam wanted him. I didn’t like him at first and never got around to selling him—now I’m glad I didn’t!”
“He’s turned a corner since being gelded. Michaela Weld rides him every day and has done wonders. He’s won at Newcastle, Hamilton, and now in a major handicap—it’s very satisfying. We’ve already booked quarantine for September 5 and are looking at Rosehill on October 18. Whether he runs for us or new owners remains to be seen.”
Marquand: “I Always Felt Confident”
Winning jockey Tom Marquand was pleased with how the race unfolded: “They went slow early, which suited us. He’s got a great mind—you can place him handy and switch him off. I knew Colin [Keane] would give me a good tow, and once we hit the front, I just hoped he’d keep going. He doesn’t do too much when in front, but the light weight helped.”
Placed Horses Targeting Future Goals
Ian Williams, trainer of Dancing In Paris, said: “He was keen early, which made it difficult. But he’s talented, and if we can get into the Ebor off a nice weight, that’s the plan.”
Colin Keane, aboard Aeronautic, noted: “He made a few mistakes in the first half of the race, but still ran big. That shows how genuine he is.”
Australia Beckons for Rapid Improver
The Coral Summer Handicap 2025 may have just been a handicap on paper, but it revealed a potential international traveller in Sam Hawkens. From the moment he was gelded, the transformation has been steady and significant, and with Rosehill now in his sights, the story is far from over.
For more from the Goodwood meeting, see our Bentinck Stakes 2025 coverage. For schedules and tickets, visit the official Goodwood Racecourse website.
