Expert Eye, the Breeders’ Cup Mile hero now standing at Paardeberg Stud, had reason to celebrate on Tuesday when his son Witness Stand stormed home in the G2 HKJC World Pool Lennox Stakes at Goodwood.

The four-year-old gelding delivered a career-best performance, racing just off the pace before kicking clear under a confident ride by Hollie Doyle. Trained by Dr Richard Newland and Jamie Insole, the win marked a milestone as the duo’s first group race success on the flat.

Despite a late effort from William Haggas-trained Lake Forest, the margin was decisive – two and three-quarter lengths – with last year’s winner Audience finishing a distant third, unable to match the acceleration of the front pair in the straight.

Connections are now considering a step up to Gr1 level, with the Prix de la Forêt at Longchamp on Arc Day mentioned as a likely target. Insole quipped, “It’s lucky I entered him for the Prix de la Forêt this morning. That’s looking like a smart move now. He’s in the Hungerford Stakes too, but that would mean carrying a penalty – so we’ll weigh up the options.”

Witness Stand now boasts four wins from 16 starts, including a victory in the 2024 Listed Dubai Duty Free Cup Stakes. He also becomes the second recent Group winner for Expert Eye, following the success of Snellen in the 2025 G3 BoyleSports Meld Stakes.

Expert Eye stands this season for a fee of R5.000 nom + R20.000 Live Foal at Paardeberg Stud.