Trainers Who Have Impressed this 2021 Turf Season - Kevin Philippart de Foy

It's only when you look at old horse racing annuals you realise how many trainers come and go. 

Very few exceed their wildest ambitions. So often those early days of excitement turn to dust. 

I always remember a few years back one trainer saying they had the investment for a couple of years. Basically, if they didn't hit the ground running it would be a short-lived experience. The said trainer had a very good first season, sadly the next was pretty much winless and the hammer came down on all those hopes and ambitions. 

It's the world we live. 

However, I can't see that happening to rookie trainer Kevin Philippart de Foy.

What a first season.

That's why it's always good to give those new trainers some promotion and appreciate their success. 

Two-year-old horse racing is the natural starting place for many rookie trainers. Think back to Archie Watson showing the best how it was done. 

I guess we all have our favourites. 

For me, one trainer made an impressive start to training: 

Kevin Philippart de Foy. 

The latest edition to Newmarket: Machell Place Stables, Old Station Road. 

It's hardly surprising this young trainer has a touch of class considering his mother was a jockey and trainer in France. To gain further experience, he has worked with John Oxx, Criquette Head & Christopher Clement. Geographically, that's Ireland, France and the United States. 

However, reputation means little if it isn't backed up. In the world of horse racing, that currency is measured in winners. 

To be fair, most of the time, I don't hear about the new kids on the blog until I see them pop up on the race card. 

20th April, Great Yarmouth

A rather inauspicious start to proceedings, Pokhara. 

''Who is this Philippart de Foy?''

However, it was only at matter of time before the winners started to flow. 

We saw 18 two-year-olds this Flat turf season. 

They made their debuts, Chronologically: 

Pokhara 

Smooth Talking

Rock Melody 

Giawont

Mehmentum 

Baileysgutfeeling 

New Pursuit 

Unexpected Arrival 

Torvi 

Scot's Grace 

Pearl Glory 

Rose Burton 

Chiqueador 

Kerensa 

Brown Mouse 

Without Delay 

Edward Jenner 

Nicholas George 

Debut winners highlighted in yellow. 

Read more...

Review: As I said, I really didn't pay much attention to Kevin Philippart de Foy until Rock Melody hit the ground running. An impressive victory at Redcar, winning by three-and-three-quarter lengths. An easy 16/1 poke. 

July saw New Pursuit make a superb effort at Epsom, winning by over two-and-a-half lengths at odds of 11/2.    

Later that month, two fillies made their mark showing Philippart de Foy was no one-trick pony. 

Scot's Grace, a daughter of Mehmas, strode clear of the field at Kempton over 6f.  An inspired breeze-up purchase by Universal Stud at £15,000, later in the ownership of Bernard Havern. She would dip her toe into pattern class on the next two starts when a luckless fifth in the Sirenia Stakes (Group 3), and sixth in the Firth of Clyde Fillies' Stakes (Group 3). Both defeats no more than four-lengths behind. 

Pearl Glory, a daughter of Cotai Glory out of the dam Oatmeal, another excellent purchase at £12,000 (breeze-up) by Philippart de Foy.  A very good, battling, victory when beating another classy type in Outside World, trained by Mark Johnston. A similarly gutsy display when beating The Organiser, by a head, under a penalty. Sold by The Three Wise Men Syndicate to Team Valor Llc & Gary Barber. A return to Salisbury saw a strong performance when runner-up to Romantic Times in the Dick Poole Fillies' (Group 3), losing by a length. 

Summary: Kevin Philippart de Foy has been a surprise package and went from a trainer most punters knew little about to someone who is respected with his juveniles, a man who can win on debut, which is no easy feat. These four two-year-olds proved the point with victories and gallant efforts at pattern class, if not a touch unlucky not to have achieved such ambitions. I for one will be looking at Philippart de Foy in a different light this new season. In fact, he has achieved success most established trainers could only dream. 

Well done to the team. 

Visit Kevin Philippart de Foy's Website

Graphics: Racing Post 

Credit: Photo Kevin Philippart de Foy 

Author: Jason Coote