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Soprano's victory in the Sandringham Handicap made rising stars George Boughey and Billy Loughnane the talk of Royal Ascot.
Wearing the colors of Highclere Thoroughbred Racing, the win marked a second victory at the meeting for 18-year-old Loughnane, who previously won the Gr.2 Coventry Stakes on Rashabar.
Soprano surged down the center of the track before shifting towards the stands' rail and finishing half a length ahead of Strutting.
Rachel King, one of Australian racing's brightest talents, rode Strutting to second place. Uluru followed, a further half-length behind, with Indelible putting in a strong performance on the far side to secure fourth place.
Boughey said: “Soprano has been a filly we’ve always held in really high regard. She hit the line so strong at Musselburgh, so I phoned Harry and said we’ve got the try the mile. Again, huge credit must go to Charles Eddery – he’s ridden her since she came to us as a yearling.
“She’s been a bit keen and a bit numb, and Billy did a great job settling her. She has taken a while to relax at home. As I was saddling her, whereas as a 2YO she was mauling me, today she stood there as quiet as a lamb. She’s coming of age now, just like her jockey.”
Loughnane said: “This week just keeps getting better and better. It doesn't get better than riding a winner here. I was so lucky earlier on in the week to have landed one and take the pressure off. I said on Monday night that I would be disappointed if I drew a blank for the week but, wow, the feeling doesn't get old.
“I had to bide my time, and Soprano finished off very well. Her form was very strong from a 2YO, and this is her first step back in a handicap – she’d been running in stakes company – and first try over the mile as well.
“She is a filly with a lot of ability, and, if I’m honest, she probably would have been a lot closer at Musselburgh [finished third]. She was a bit slow through the gates on a front-running course; I was too far behind and I didn’t give her the greatest of rides. I’m delighted to be able to repay the owners and thank them very much for keeping faith.
“It means a lot to ride a winner for George. I had my first winner for him a year ago last week and we’ve had plenty more since. Without George, I’m not sure I would have kept the momentum up after losing my claim. He’s been massive for me and I’ve got a lot to thank him for.”
Harry Herbert of Highclere said: “Billy is extraordinary and the loveliest guy. He works so hard; he helps with the mucking out and is a real team player.
“This is the loveliest team of owners. Some of them were in Cachet and came into this filly, bought by Jake Warren as a yearling. Jake is a remarkable talent and has his father’s eye. George Boughey we’ve just had the most fantastic run with. We make a lot of plans with George and it’s fun planning with your trainer. When they come off, like this, it’s wonderful.”
Strutting’s rider Rachel King said: “It was a big thrill. It was a huge privilege just to be here competing, but to be in the finish was even better. She was a lovely horse to ride. I think they did the right thing in bringing her back in trip a little bit. She travelled beautifully. She probably got herself there a little bit soon, but credit to her – she was super, super brave, and tried hard. The tough mile really suited her today.”
Joseph O’Brien said of Uluru: “She ran great. I’m delighted for Barry [Irwin] and the ownership group. She’s an exciting filly for the future. She behaved really well. Maxime gave her a great ride. It’s frustrating that she was placed and didn’t win, but that’s racing.”
1st- Soprano (Highclere Thoroughbred Racing – Da Vinci) George Boughey / Billy Loughnane
2nd- Strutting (Zhang Yuesheng) John & Thady Gosden / Rachel King
3rd- Uluru (Team Valor) Joseph O’Brien / Maxime Guyon