Expert Eye gelding Witness Stand after winning the G2 HKJC World Pool Lennox Stakes over seven furlongs under Hollie Doyle (Picture: Goodwood Press And Media)
Cape Breeders
Paardeberg Stud’s G1 Breeders’ Cup Mile winning sire Expert Eye enjoyed a big payday at Goodwood on Tuesday.
His son Witness Stand downed a top-class to land Tuesday’s G2 HKJC World Pool Lennox Stakes. In the process, the four-year-old claimed the biggest win of his career to date.
Trained by Dr Richard Newland & Jamie Insole, who were enjoying their first group winner on the flat as a partnership, Witness Stand raced prominently over the seven-furlong trip before kicking into a clear lead under Hollie Doyle.
William Haggas‘ Lake Forest attempted to run down the leader from off the pace, but he never looked like laying a glove on Witness Stand, who kept on well to score by two- and three-quarter lengths, with last year’s winner Audience back in third having been unable to go with the front pair in the straight.
The son of Expert Eye could now be set for a step up to Group 1 level, with connections eyeing a possible trip to France for the Prix de la Foret at Longchamp on Arc Day.
Insole added: “It is lucky that I put him in the Group 1 Prix de la Foret this morning. That is looking like a pretty good idea now. He is in the Hungerford Stakes but will have to carry a penalty in that now, so we will see.”
Whilst victory was straightforward for Witness Stand, there was plenty of drama even before the gates opened, with the two-time Lennox Stakes winner Kinross forced to be withdrawn after being kicked by Audience, while soon after the start, Royal Ascot winner Noble Champion was pulled up by Kieran Shoemark.
In landing the Lennox Stakes, Witness Stand made it four wins from 16 starts, with the gelding having also won the 2024 Listed Dubai Duty Free Cup Stakes.
He is the second group winner for Expert Eye in recent times, with the son of Acclamation also responsible for 2025 G3 Boyle SportsMeld Stakes winner Snellen.
