Waardah Shines in Lillie Langtry Stakes, Leaves Strong Impression

Daughter of Sea the Stars Confirmed Her Progress with a Strong Victory over 2800 Meters at Goodwood

Waardah Eyes G1 Company After Lillie Langtry Triumph / GOODWOOD

CHICHESTER, Inglaterra (Special for Turf Diario).- There was no denying Waardah had more to give after her breakout display at Goodwood on Saturday. Representing Shadwell and showing continued progression, the 3-year-old daughter of Sea the Stars delivered a patient and powerful performance to land the G2 Qatar Lillie Langtry Stakes (£300,000, 2800m, turf), marking her first victory at the group level.

Ridden with poise by Callum Rodriguez, Waardah settled nicely through the early stages of the extended 1 3/4-mile trip before being asked to quicken turning for home. Taking command with 400 meters remaining, she was immediately pressed on the inside by Danielle (Oasis Dream), but found extra in the final strides to draw clear by 3/4 of a length. The pair pulled well clear of the field, underlining the quality of the contest.

Trained by Owen Burrows, Waardah had previously captured the Listed Weatherbys / British EBF Agnes Keyser Stakes over 2400 meters at the same track and took the step up in both trip and class in her stride.

“Callum said she relaxed beautifully and, looking back, maybe he hit the front a touch too soon—but we're still learning about her,” said Burrows. “She's inexperienced but very genuine. When the other filly came to her, I thought we might be in trouble, but she responded well in the final 100 meters. She can easily drop back to 2400 meters and is a very exciting filly.”

Bred by Shadwell, Waardah made a winning debut and has shown consistent improvement since. “I wasn’t surprised she won first time out. Then we went to Newmarket, and she didn’t enjoy the track. We hadn’t been able to get her on the grass beforehand because of the weather, and that’s why she debuted over a mile—we needed to take the edge off her,” the trainer recalled.

The future looks promising. Options include the G1 Yorkshire Oaks, though Burrows is also eyeing Champions Dayat Ascot, specifically the Fillies & Mares Stakes (G1), provided conditions are suitable. “She’ll be even better with a bit of cut in the ground. There’s more to come—not just this year but into next season as well.”

For Rodriguez, the victory held added significance following a dramatic incident earlier in the week. “It was a tough start to the week with the emergency landing, but today everything went perfectly,” he said. “Waardah improves with every run—she settles, she finishes strongly, and she takes some pulling up after the line. We knew the distance would suit, and the ground was ideal.”

Runner-up Danielle, trained by Thady Gosden, was making her seasonal return and earned plaudits for a determined performance. “She’s very honest and always gives everything. It’s a great comeback run, and we’re looking at the Park Hill Stakes (G2) at Doncaster as a possible next target,” said her trainer.

Meanwhile, Goodie Two Shoes (Fastnet Rock), making the trip from Ireland for JP McManus, ran with credit but never threatened the leaders. “The ground may have been a bit soft for her,” said Sir AP McCoy, now a racing advisor to McManus. “JP would joke she’s a failed jumper if not for the fact that Noreen bred her. He always thinks hurdles first, but she’s a good filly and was well placed in this valuable race.”

Now with two wins from four starts and a Group 2 trophy already on her resume, Waardah is emerging as a genuine staying prospect among Europe’s Classic generation. The best, clearly, is yet to come.