What we do know is that she comes from a strong pedigree. Her father is Sottsass, a French-trained horse who won the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, the most prestigious flat race in Europe. That is a very good family to come from. Her mother's side traces back to Storm Cat, one of the most influential breeding stallions in the modern era, known for producing horses that are quick, tough, and competitive. On paper, at least, Dear Madam has the bloodlines to be something.
She is trained by Jack Foley at his yard in Bagenalstown, County Carlow, and the operation is in decent form — four winners already on the board this season. It is a small but encouraging number that suggests the horses are fit and ready to run. For a first-time runner, that matters. You want your trainer to have things ticking along nicely when you make your debut, and Foley's yard is doing exactly that. The rest, Dear Madam will have to sort out for herself.