No date set yet for Partying debut – but big-money buy ‘doing everything right’

Partying is likely to make her debut on the all-weather in the coming months, as trainer Kevin Philippart de Foy sets out his vision for the big-money buy.

A Frankel filly out of Royal Ascot winner Aljazzi, Philippart de Foy’s boss Kia Joorabchian brought the hammer down at a sale topping 4.4million guineas at the Tattersalls Book 1 sale in 2024.

Such are the hopes for the youngster, the Amo Racing team returned to Park Paddocks to add her full-brother at a cost of 3.6million at this year’s sale, with the Freemason Lodge handler explaining it will be a low key introduction – possibly at Kempton – before better things are anticipated next term.

“The plan is to run her once this year before giving her a winter break,” said Philippart de Foy.

“There is no definite plan as to where she starts, but she’s in full work and doing everything right.

“She’s likely to go somewhere like Kempton and I really like starting horses there on a nice galloping track, probably over seven furlongs and see how she gets on.

“Obviously we bought the brother at Book 1 so it shows we like the filly, but we’re just going one step at a time and we won’t rush her.

“Next season will be what is most important for her, so we will try to get the first step right this year, give her a break, then work her back up next year. Any start this year is just a bonus ahead of next year.”

Philippart de Foy has settled in well to his new role as principal trainer for the Amo operation and is relishing next season where he can count Partying and her brother among the heavy arsenal he will have at his disposal.

“We don’t have the colt at Freemason Lodge yet, he is in pre-season, but it is very exciting for next year,” added the Belgian-born handler.

“We still have plenty of unraced two-year-olds still waiting to make their debuts. As we have said before, Amo Racing bought a load of late-maturing horses at the back end of last year and there’s many we have not seen yet. A couple will start on the all-weather, but it is all about 2026.”

In the more immediate future the trainer will be hoping Cathedral can become his first runner at the Breeders’ Cup after her name featured in the pre-entries for the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf.

The Coronation and Matron Stakes fourth is currently third reserve for the Del Mar Grade One, with her handler believing she will appreciate the step up in distance if making the final field.

“The plan is to go for the Breeders’ Cup and she will work on Friday and then fly out on Saturday.” continued Philippart de Foy

“It’s a huge ask for her, but I think the filly will improve for going up in trip and she really likes fast ground. She has won before at Lingfield so I don’t think the turns will be an issue.

“I think 11 furlongs will suit her well if it’s a strong pace. It will need a career best to be competitive but at least she will have her preferred conditions.”