A record number of horses remain in contention for the 60th running of the Australian’s Turf Club’s signature race – the $3.5 million Longines Golden Slipper at Rosehill Gardens.
A total of 304 horses are second acceptors for the world’s richest race for two year olds, to be run this year on Saturday, 19 March.
The number is a huge increase from last year’s 170 second acceptors, and more than the previous highest of 295 horses in 2000.
Amongst the trainers and stables to have accepted with the most number of horses are Hawkes Racing (34), Godolphin (31), Gai Waterhouse (24), Peter and Paul Snowden (19), David Hayes and Tom Dabernig (16) and Mick Price (13).
Previous Golden Slipper winners Sebring (16) and Sepoy (15) are among the sires represented by the most runners, headed by Exceed and Excel (20), Smart Missile (19), Snitzel (19), Fastnet Rock (17) and More Than Ready (17).
Of those two year olds still nominated, 168 are colts or geldings, and 136 are fillies.
Australian Turf Club Chief Executive Officer Darren Pearce said the Club had worked hard to attract as many second acceptances as possible.
“The Longines Golden Slipper is Sydney’s signature race and continues to be the one that shapes the racing and breeding industry like no other,’’ Mr Pearce said.
“We are thrilled that owners and trainers from across the country, big and small, continue to chase that dream, and in record numbers.
“This is a special year for the race with the 60th running, and also the first under our long-term partnership with one of the world’s biggest supporters of racing, Longines.
“The Longines Golden Slipper is increasingly in the sights of the racing world, and the Australian Turf Club is proud to have attracted this record number of contenders.’’
This Saturday at Rosehill Gardens sees the running of two key lead ups to the $3.5 million Longines Golden Slipper – the $150,000 Group 3 Canonbury Stakes, and the $150,000 Group 3 Widden Stakes for the fillies.
The last three Golden Slipper winners have come from one of these races.
A full list of second acceptors for the $3.5 million Longines Golden Slipper can be found at www.australianturfclub.com.au/racing-results-and-information/golden-slipper-nominations/
Vancouver ridden by Tommy Berry winning the 2015 Golden Slipper at Rosehill Gardens PICTURE: Bradley Photographers