Billy Loughnane chasing first top-level win with ride in $750,000 Grade 1 at Keeneland on Saturday

Billy Loughnane will bid for a breakthrough top-level success aboard Matron Stakes third Soprano in the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup at Keeneland on Saturday.

The Highclere-owned Soprano, trained by George Boughey, was successful in the Sandringham Stakes under Loughnane at Royal Ascot in June and gained a first Group win in the Prix de Lieurey at Deauville on her penultimate start.

Soprano was beaten a length and a half by Porta Fortuna in the Matron and is the sole British-trained runner in the Grade 1 worth $750,000. Francis Graffard runs the twice Group 2-placed Candala.

Harry Herbert, managing director of Highclere Thoroughbred Racing, said: “She’s out in America and we couldn’t be happier with her – she looks absolutely fantastic.

“It’s a valuable race and one that has been on the agenda for a while. She ran so well in a very competitive Matron and deserves to take her chance in this.

“She has a nice draw [stall five] and Billy, who knows her very well, will be on board. She’s improved all the way through the year and we’ll keep her in training next season.”

Billy Loughnane is congratulated by George Boughey after Soprano's win in the Sandringham StakesCredit: Patrick McCann

Loughnane, who was champion apprentice last year and has ridden 269 domestic winners since having his first mount in October 2022, also partners the William Knight-trained Frost At Dawn in the Grade 2 Franklin Stakes (9.44) on the undercard. Her rivals include the Stuart Williams-trained Pandora’s Gift and Star Of Mystery for Charlie Appleby.

Highclere are contemplating supplementing Abbaye third Believing for the £500,000 Qipco British Champions Sprint at Ascot on Saturday week at a cost of £37,500.

The Sapphire Stakes winner registered her third successive Group 1 placing when a running-on third at Longchamp on Sunday and could have her last start for connections on Champions Day before heading to the Tattersalls December Mare Sale.

Herbert said: “It was another phenomenal effort in the Abbaye and she’s a remarkable filly. That little flat spot did for her again but she’s running so consistently at the top level.

“George says she has come out of the race very well so we will consider supplementing her for the Champions Sprint. We’ll take a view on how she is and what the ground is like. The Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint would be too sharp for her so Ascot could be her final start for Highclere before she goes to the sales.

“She travelled well for a long way and was almost last off the bridle in the Champions Sprint last year and she’s a much stronger filly now and a different animal. If she could bow out with a Group 1 win on her last start, it would bring the house down.”

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