Soviet Song (Ire)

Marju (Ire) - Kalinka (Ire)

Foaled 18/02/2000 Bay Mare

Runs: 24 Wins: 9 Places: 8 Earned: £1,168,370
Form: 111 - 42523121116 - 312 - 416252

Big Races

Fillies Mile Gr 1 1m (2002) Ascot

Ridgewood Pearl Stakes Gr 2 1m (2004) Curragh

Falmouth Stakes Gr 1 2m (2004 & 2005) Newmarket

Sussex Stakes Gr 1 1m (2004) Goodwood

Matron Stakes Gr 1 1m (2004) Leopardstown

Windsor Forest Stakes Gr 2 1m (2006) Royal Ascot

Sweeping To Victory

I have found it incredibly hard to focus on one significant race in this mares career as like Bosra Sham before her she captured my heart after her first race as a rather thin, gangly 2yo way back in 2002. I have had the pleasure and privilege of seeing her in action on numerous occasions and each time her awesome turn of foot at the end of a race, would never cease to amaze not only myself but her legions of fans up and down the country.

History Repeating

As is common with high class mares of a certain type Soviet Song would find herself opposing the same top names time and time again whose blogs shall all feature here in time courtesy of myself. It started with fellow wonder 3yo Russian Rhythm in 2003 who she never managed to better; Attraction in 2004 a filly Soviet put in her place several times (although she had the advantage of age over this rival) and most recently Peeress in 2005 & 2006 who she only managed to beat once in their five clashes.

Below Soviet Song beating the boys, Nayyir (No. 4) & Le Vie Dei Colori (N0. 3) in the 2004 Sussex Stakes

My Favourite Memory

Ok you've forced it out of me:- my favourite race concerning Soviet was the 2005 Falmouth Stakes as it was a vintage renewal, featuring battle hardened Group 3 winners Sundrop, Karen's Caper and Penkenna Princess, as well as regular rival Peeress and of course the Irish champion mare Alexander Goldrun. As much as my heart said Soviet, my head said Alexander Goldrun.

I was foolish to even doubt the old girl who left it until the final furlong to begin her run for home as per her usual heart stopping style, drawing alongside Alexander Goldrun and together they passed Peeress the long time race leader (tactics got this mare beat on the day as she has a much more devastating turn of foot than Soviet does). Just as I expected them to settle down to a head to head battle to the line, which would suit Alexander's one paced racing style down to the ground, Soviet seemed to sprout wings and continued passing by Alexander who had nothing more to give. Thanks to Soviet's superior burst of speed she won the race by an impressive 2 & 1/2 lengths confirming her status as one of the greatest race mares of modern times.

Below Soviet Song wins the 2002 Fillies Mile from Casual Look (head in shot)

Where Are They Now?

Sadly after a somewhat lack lustre season & poor performances on the gallops at home the decision was made to retire Soviet Song on 9th October 2006, an act which mainly inspired me to write this blog. As the tributes from racing folk poured in for her, I too wanted to make my memories known to the world.

She will join her mother as part of the broodmare band of her owners, The Elite Racing Club so hopefully we'll be enjoying her influence on the racecourse for many generations to come.

We may not have to wait all that long as her 2yo full sister, aptly named Sister Act is currently in training with James Fanshaw.

TJ