Billy Loughnane will bid for a breakthrough top-level success aboard Matron Stakes (G1) third Soprano in the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup Stakes (G1T) Oct. 12 at Keeneland.
The Highclere-owned Soprano, trained by George Boughey, won a handicap under Loughnane at Royal Ascot in June and gained a first group win in the Prix de Lieurey (G3) at Deauville later in the summer.
Soprano was beaten 1 1/2 lengths by Porta Fortuna in the Matron and is the sole British-trained runner in the Keeneland grade 1 worth $750,000. Francis Graffard runs the French-based Candala, winner of the Prix de la Grotte (G3) and twice group 2-placed.
Harry Herbert, managing director of Highclere Thoroughbred Racing, said: "(Soprano) is 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 (post 5) 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."
Loughnane, who was Britain's champion apprentice last year and has ridden 269 domestic winners since his first mount in October 2022, also partners the William Knight-trained Frost At Dawn in the Franklin Stakes (G2T) Oct. 13. Her rivals include Pandora's Gift, Star of Mystery for Charlie Appleby, and American multiple graded winner Roses for Debra.
