Song Saluted By Proud Connections

James Fanshawe's popular mare Soviet Song has been retired after disappointing her handler in a recent piece of work.

The daughter of Marju collected total prize money of #1,168,370 and enjoyed nine successes in her glittering 24-race career, gaining top honours in Group One company on five occasions.

Fanshawe had been considering running her in the Emirates Airline Champion Stakes this Saturday.

But after failing to shine in her work and on the racecourse for much of the present campaign, connections decided to call time on her racing career.

'We thought she might run in the Champion Stakes but she was a bit disappointing in a piece of work on Saturday and, after speaking to our managing director here this morning, we have made the decision to retire her now,' explained Matthew Budden, racing manager to owners the Elite Racing Club.

'She has been fantastic, a dream come true for all the members of the club and there have been so many highs.

'We've had some fantastic times with her over the years, it's unbelievable really.'

Soviet Song had just the three jockeys in those five years ? Oscar Urbina, Jamie Spencer and Johnny Murtagh.

Four of her victories at the highest level came when Murtagh was in the saddle.

'She was a great filly and she's up there with all the top fillies I have ever ridden,' he said.

'The two Group One races she won at Newmarket for me were superb performances.

'Even at Leopardstown, when I gave her too much to do, she got me out of trouble.

'The Matron Stakes was the highlight because I probably gave Attraction too much of a lead and Soviet Song got me out of trouble.

'She was a tremendous filly, very consistent with a great will to win.

'I hold her up with the very great fillies I have ridden.'

? PA Sport