Waardah produced a strong staying effort to claim her first Group-level win in the Qatar Lillie Langtry Stakes 2025 at Glorious Goodwood, stamping herself as a filly with serious long-distance potential. The progressive three-year-old is now being aimed at elite company, with targets like the Yorkshire Oaks and Fillies & Mares Stakes on the horizon.
Qatar Lillie Langtry Stakes 2025: Waardah Steps Up in Style
Ridden patiently by Callum Rodriguez, Waardah tackled the extended 14-furlong trip for the first time and thrived on the extra distance. Settled off the pace in the early stages, she travelled comfortably before being angled out to challenge as the field approached the final three furlongs.
She hit the front two furlongs from home, but was pressed all the way by Danielle on her inside. The pair drew well clear of the rest, but Waardah found more in the closing strides to win by three-quarters of a length. Goodie Two Shoes stayed on into third, four lengths behind.
This marked Waardah’s second major success of the season at Goodwood, following her Listed win in the Agnes Keyser Stakes back in June.
Trainer Owen Burrows Eyes Group 1 Ambitions
Trainer Owen Burrows was full of praise for the filly: “Callum said she switched off great. In hindsight, he may have hit the front a touch early, but she’s still learning. When the runner-up came at her, I thought she might get outstayed, but she stayed on again in the last half furlong.”
“We’ve always believed she’d stay well. She’s in the Yorkshire Oaks, but she’ll want a bit of juice in the ground. I also think Ascot’s Fillies & Mares Stakes in October would be a great fit for her. She’s the type to get better with time. She has come forward with each run, and her attitude, combined with stamina, gives us plenty to look forward to.”
Burrows also reflected on her development: “We were patient last year knowing her pedigree would suit stamina trips. It took time to get her onto the grass for proper work, but she’s thriving now. Her rider at home, Michaela Weld, has played a big role.”
Rodriguez Delivers First Goodwood Festival Win
For jockey Callum Rodriguez, the win was a personal milestone as well as a welcome change of pace after an unsettling week. “It’s been a strange few days after the emergency landing, but we made sure we were grounded today,” he said. “I’m delighted to get my first Qatar Goodwood Festival winner.”
“She’s an improving filly with a lovely attitude. She relaxed early, took me into the race smoothly, and only needed encouragement when she hit the front. It’s nice to ride one like that, especially over a longer trip.”
Runner-Up and Third Run With Credit
Thady Gosden, who trains Danielle with his father John, was pleased with her return: “That was her seasonal debut. She’s very genuine and gives everything. The Park Hill Stakes at Doncaster could be a logical next step.”
Legendary jockey Sir AP McCoy, racing advisor to JP McManus, offered a wry take on Goodie Two Shoes: “The ground was probably a bit soft for her. If she wasn’t homebred by Noreen, JP would have sent her jumping by now! But she’s been very well trained and placed.”
In total, eight fillies lined up for the Qatar Lillie Langtry Stakes 2025. The final result saw Waardah score at 7/2, ahead of Danielle (10/1) and Goodie Two Shoes (4/1). The 3/1 favourite, Term Of Endearment, could only manage fourth.
For more highlights from Glorious Goodwood 2025, read our Bentinck Stakes report. Race details and fixtures can also be found on the official Goodwood Racecourse website.
