As a two-year-old, Pourparler won two important races in England and finished third in the Prix Robert Papin in France.
Hugh Lupus, who was inbred 2x3 to the stallion Tourbillon, suffered from low fertility at stud but sired several other good horses including the St. Leger winner Hethersett.
[2] As a yearling, Pourparler was sold to Beatrice, Lady Granard, and sent into training with Paddy Prendergast at his stable at the Curragh in County Kildare.
She was then sent to England, where she started favourite for the 1000 Guineas Trial Stakes at Kempton Park Racecourse but finished second, beaten by three quarters of a length by Gwen.
[4] At Newmarket Racecourse, Pourparler started at odds of 11/2 for the 1000 Guineas in a field of eighteen fillies, with Gwen being made the 9/10 favourite.
[9] On her final appearance, Pourparler was matched against colts and older horses in the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood in July, and finished unplaced behind Roan Rocket.