By Jonny Turner
While one party is over, another has just begun.
Two of Kentuckiana Lodge's brightest stars in full brothers Republican Party and Tour Party are headed in different directions.
Big brother Republican Party has been sent to the paddock by trainers Cran and Chrissie Dalgety, ending an outstanding open class season.
That move came just a matter of days after little brother Tour Party returned to the stable with big goals ahead in the spring.
Republican Party went for a well-earned spell after completing a Group One Invercargill and Auckland Cups double-double and putting a haul of five group race titles on his resume.
Placings at Group One level in the New Zealand Free-For-All, Hunter Cup and the Kilmore Cup added to a stellar season on the track.
"If you had told me at the start of the campaign he'll win two Group One wins and match it with the best of the best in great races, I would've taken it with both hands," Cran said.
"There is nowhere to hide at the top level and the Aussies have been here attacking our big races every chance they get."
"We are very proud of the way our boy has acquitted himself."
"Defending last year's wins in Auckland and Invercargill are the natural highlights, but we have had plenty of great thrills."
"The Hunter Cup, being right in the frame with champions like Swayzee and Leap To Fame is another."
"We don't take for granted how fortunate we are to have this horse."
"He was up and running early as a two-year-old and he raced at an elite level right through to seven years of age."
"We couldn't be any prouder of him and we're grateful to have the support of a very passionate and enthusiastic bunch of owners."
The unbeaten Tour Party has a huge job ahead if he is to put together a resume anything like his big brother.
The Kentuckiana team are more worried about letting the two-year-old make his own name and they are firmly focused on the spring.
"We took a patient approach with him in the hope it would pay dividends later on," Cran said.
"We are thrilled with how he has done during his spell."
"He's a bigger and stronger specimen and looks an absolute picture."
"We hope that translates to him being better on the track but will have to wait and see.
"He is in the early stages and will have a very solid build up before he goes too far."
In the meantime it will be up to another unbeaten two-year-old to fly the Kentuckiana flag.
Roger That has come through his win in the Group One Diamond Creek Farm Classic well and is on track for the Group One New Zealand Welcome Stakes next week.
