Song won't contest Matron Stakes

Soviet Song has been ruled out of the Matron Stakes at Leopardstown on September 10.

James Fanshawe’s five-year-old has been denied the chance to defend her crown in the Group One event in Ireland after scoping dirty a week after Glorious Goodwood, where she finished second behind Proclamation in the Sussex Stakes.

“She’s fine long term, but she won’t be going to Ireland which is a shame,” confirmed Fanshawe.

“She’s scoped dirty and it’s taken a while to clear it up, so I haven’t been able to get to work as I wanted before Leopardstown.”

The daughter of Marju, who has won four Group One races in a glittering career, will now be eased back to full fitness in preparation for the Kingdom of Bahrain Sun Chariot Stakes on October 1.

“It’s not the end of the world and we are now aiming for the Sun Chariot,” added the Newmarket handler.

“She’s initially coughed and it’s just taken a while to clear it up; but yesterday’s trachea wash was a big improvement.

“She’s cantering, but we’ll only get her into fast work until she’s faultless.”