Tour Party earns spell after fourth straight win

By Michael Guerin

Tour Party’s first half of 2026 is over.

And his first campaign comes to an end with the star youngster still unbeaten after another effortless win at Addington on Saturday.

Republican Party’s little brother jogged around his home track in a 1:57.7 mile rate for the 1980m of the Peg And Pint Pegasus Easter Stakes, cruising his last 800m in 55.6 seconds to win by four lengths.

He is, it seems, just too good for his juvenile rivals at this early stage of the season but co-trainer Cran Dalgety isn’t going to let that stop him doing the right thing and putting the colt in the paddock.

“He has been up for quite a while and honed down fit for a few months now,” says Dalgety.

“I know there are some nice races coming up for him but I want to let him unwind and put some condition on.

“So he can go for a break now and I think that will be beneficial for him at the back end of the season.”

Dalgety admits there has already been inquiries from likely slot holders for The Protostar in Brisbane on July 11 and while the A$500,000 stake is tempting the timing may be awkward.

“And they went like a 1:51 mile rate last year and I am not sure he needs that in the middle of winter.”

While Tour Party heads to the paddock as the winner of four from four the other impressive age group winner on Saturday is just getting started.

Cath was exceptional winning a select three-year-old race after trainer Brendon Hill had all but written her off mid-race.

“When she ended up three back on the markers with the other favourite in front I thought we’d be second at best,” says Hill.

“She has gone unbelievable to grab the winner while fresh up and still with so much improvement in her.”

Cath will now head to the $50,000 Magness Benrow Sires’ Stakes Semi Final back at Addington on April 17 before going to Alexandra Park for the Northern Oaks on May 1 and the Sires’ Stakes Final a week later.

“She hasn’t raced right handed but all of my horses do plenty of their work that way around so I don’t think it will be an issue for her.”

As thrilled as Hill was with the win he was even more proud of son Seth, who got the drive spot on with Cath to complete a treble for the meeting.

Seth’s two other wins were huge upsets behind Spiritinthesky for trainer Kirsten Green in the first of Saturday’s “Rewards” races and then an even bigger shock with 40-1 outsider Playing With Stars in the lower grade Rewards pace.

“He is doing a great job,” said Hill of his son.

“He works really hard, is dedicated to his career and is very professional.

“So we are very proud of him, as we are of Max.”