Adam Newman’s Diplomat is performing well in the Thoroughbred Makeover at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. Here’s a report from the Retired Racehorse Project:
Sara Katz is no stranger to either the field hunter division — she finished fourth last year — or training steeplechase horses for what is often their third career. This year, she’s partnered with Adam Newman’s Grade 1-winning steeplechaser Diplomat, leading in both the under saddle and individual test phases out at the Sunken Road field.
Katz, a professional horsewoman with experience in both field and show hunters, is based in Parkton, Maryland. “Steeplechasers tend to make great field hunters,” she described. “They already like to run and jump. Diplomat is still a bit green on the cross-country obstacles that we’re tested over, but I was very proud that he trusted me on a particularly challenging section on today’s course.”
Diplomat (Kitten’s Joy – Waki Affair, by Miswaki) was bred in Kentucky by Kenneth L. Ramsey and Sarah K. Ramsey. His record stands at 43 starts with nine wins and over $350,000 in earnings, including the Grade 1 New York Turf Writers Cup Handicap.