The Evolution Of A Legend
The Golden Slipper Through The Decades
Since 1957, the Golden Slipper has delivered moments that define Australian racing.
From its early days as an ambitious new contest to its status as the world’s premier race for two-year-olds, each decade has brought unforgettable performances, record-breaking wins and stories that live far beyond the track.
This timeline celebrates the champions, rivalries and milestones that have shaped the Slipper’s history.
Explore the eras that built its reputation and discover why this race remains the crown jewel of Sydney’s Autumn Racing Carnival.
1960s
Rivalries, Rising Stars and Growing Crowds
By the end of the 1960s, the Golden Slipper had already become one of the most popular events on the Sydney racing calendar.
In 1969, a record crowd poured into Rosehill Gardens to witness one of the most talked about showdowns of the decade.
Victoria’s brilliant sprinter Vain took on the impeccably bred Special Girl from New South Wales in a clash that ignited state rivalry and captured national attention.
Once they turned for home, Vain sprinted clear and won by four lengths, becoming the first Victorian trained horse to claim the Slipper and leaving a legacy that still endures.
Earlier in the decade, Eskimo Prince caught the public’s imagination with a string of impressive juvenile victories before taking out the 1964 Slipper.
His win added to the growing mythology of the race and highlighted the pulling power of both its equine stars and the colourful personalities behind them.
Image: Vain returns to scale after winning the Golden Slipper in 1969.
1970s
Dominance, Records and the Rise of New Champions
The 1970s delivered some of the most influential Golden Slipper winners in the race’s history.
Luskin Star, already proven through the Silver Slipper and the Todman Slipper Trial, entered the 1977 field with high expectations and exceeded them with a seven-length victory that broke the race record by more than a second.
He went on to claim the AJC Sires Produce Stakes and the Champagne Stakes, completing the two-year-old Triple Crown and confirming his place as one of the finest juveniles of his era.
This decade also featured the strong presence of Bart Cummings, whose stable produced a string of elite young horses. Storm Queen (1966), Tontonan (1973), Vivarchi (1976) and Century Miss (1979) all contributed to the growing aura surrounding the Slipper.
Each winner added a chapter to the story of a race that consistently delivered remarkable champions.
Image: Luskin Star wins the Golden Slipper in 1977.
1980s
Million Dollar Moments and New Legends
In 1986, the Slipper reached a historic milestone when prizemoney climbed to one million dollars, making it the first race in New South Wales to reach that figure.
Bounding Away took the honours that year after a brilliant performance that highlighted her versatility across distances. Her victory was also significant for another reason. She became the only Golden Slipper winner to be bred, owned and trained by the same person, T.J. Smith, a distinction that remains unique.
The decade also saw jockey Ron Quinton enjoy extraordinary success with four Golden Slipper wins. Marscay (1982), Sir Dapper (1983), Rory’s Jester (1985) and Marauding (1987), the first New Zealand bred horse to win the Slipper, showcased Quinton’s skill and the remarkable depth of talent emerging during this era.
Image: Bounding Away and jockey Leonard ‘Mick’ Dittman return to scale after winning the Slipper in 1986.
1990s
High Drama and Future Champions
The 1990s earned a reputation for producing some of the most unpredictable editions of the Golden Slipper.
In 1995, Flying Spur delivered a memorable upset when he claimed victory at odds of 25/1. Ridden by Glen Boss from the inside barrier, he held off a fast finishing Octagonal in a tight contest that remains one of the most dramatic finishes in Slipper history.
The decade also produced influential sires who shaped future generations. Danzero, the 1994 champion, became the first Golden Slipper winner sired by Danehill and later produced his own Slipper winner, Dance Hero (2004).
These stories reinforced the race’s importance as both a showcase of elite juvenile talent and a launching pad for breeding dynasties.
Image: Glen Boss salutes as Flying Spur defeats Octagonal in the 1995 Golden Slipper.
2000s
Unforgettable Finishes and Racing Theatre
The 2000s delivered some of the most memorable Golden Slipper stories ever told.
In 2000, Belle Du Jour appeared to have blown her chances at the start when she buckjumped and nearly unseated her jockey, Lenny Beasley.
With only 1200 metres to recover, she produced a remarkable late surge, bursting through a narrow gap to claim victory by half a head. Her win became an instant classic and remains one of the most dramatic in the race’s long history, with part-owner John Singleton famously shouting free drinks for all in the public bar.
The following year added another piece of racing folklore when Ha Ha powered home to win in 2001, providing ‘Singo’ with a second Slipper win.
Gai Waterhouse trained the first three placegetters in that edition (with Excellerator and Red Hannigan behind Ha Ha), an achievement that underlined her deep connection to the Golden Slipper and extraordinary impact across multiple decades.
She would go on to win the race with Dance Hero (2004), Sebring (2008), Pierro (2012), Overreach (2013), Vancouver (2015), Farnan (2020) and Lady Of Camelot (2024), smashing her father T.J. Smith’s record of six wins.
Image: Print by Alister Simpson showing the Gai Waterhouse trained 2001 Slipper winner Ha Ha, with stablemates and placegetters Excellerator and Red Hannigan in background.
2010s
The Rise of the Fillies and a New Generation of Stars
The 2010s marked a remarkable shift in Golden Slipper history as a series of exceptional fillies took centre stage.
She Will Reign captured the 2017 edition with an explosive performance that confirmed her as one of the standout juveniles of her year.
Estijaab followed in 2018 with a bold front running display that showcased her speed and determination.
In 2019, Kiamichi added her name to the honour roll and delivered a popular win that connected modern racing bloodlines with Slipper history. Her dam Ouachita’s sire was Canny Lad, the 1990 Golden Slipper winner, creating a powerful link between generations.
This decade also marked a significant milestone for James Cummings, who trained Kiamichi to victory and added his name to a family legacy of Slipper success.
These achievements highlighted the strength and depth of contemporary Australian racing and reaffirmed the Slipper’s reputation for producing stars capable of shaping the sport for years to come.
Image: Kiamichi after winning the Golden Slipper for Godolphin in 2019.
2020s
Adaptation, Resilience and Moments That Endure
The early 2020s delivered circumstances unlike any other period in the race’s history.
In 2020, COVID-19 public health restrictions introduced at the time meant that the Golden Slipper was conducted without spectators.
Despite the unusual atmosphere, Farnan produced a commanding win for the training partnership of Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott. The result added another chapter to Waterhouse’s extraordinary connection with the Slipper.
In 2021, extreme rainfall and widespread flooding across New South Wales led to the postponement of the race by one week.
When the rescheduled meeting was held on 27 March, Stay Inside produced a brilliant performance under jockey Tommy Berry, giving the Richard and Michael Freedman training partnership a memorable triumph in challenging conditions.
These modern editions demonstrated the sport’s ability to adapt and continue, and they reinforced the Golden Slipper’s place as a race that endures through every era.
Whether shaped by weather, circumstance or sheer racing brilliance, each running contributes to the evolving story of a race that has remained central to Australian racing for almost seventy years.
Image: Farnan wins the 2020 Golden Slipper in front of empty grandstands due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Meet the Makers: The Evolution of the Golden Slipper Trophy
Across the decades, the Golden Slipper trophy has changed in design and style, reflecting the growth and character of the race itself.
In this video, the makers of the current TAB Golden Slipper trophy share the process behind crafting its modern form.