A historic day of Group 1 racing

March 23, 2021

Longines Golden Slipper Day at Rosehill Gardens is Australia’s biggest day of Group 1 racing.

The day features the Group 1 Longines Golden Slipper, Group 1 The Agency George Ryder Stakes, Group 1 Sky Racing Rosehill Guineas, Group 1 Ranvet Stakes and the Group 1 Bisley Workwear Galaxy.

In 2011, trainer Chris Waller was on a roll as his horse Rangirangdoo (NZ) won the George Ryder Stakes. Waller had won the year before and would continue to have more Ryder successes, particularly with Winx’s winning streak. The George Ryder in 2001 had Landsighting in first with Shogun Lodge and Crawl in second and third, placings which would feature again in 2002 with Lord Essex in pole position. The 1971 George Ryder Stakes was won by champion Baguette with George Moore in the saddle.

Ten years ago in the Golden Slipper, Sepoy had a two-length win for trainer Peter Snowden. Gai Waterhouse won the quinella in 2001 with her winner Ha Ha and stablemates Exellerator and Red Hannigan filling second and third. Fairy Walk in 1971 in the Golden Slipper was TJ Smith’s first victory in the race. He would go on to dominate the race, ending his career with six wins, a record recently eclipsed by his daughter.

The Ranvet Stakes in 2011 was won by Zavite (NZ) trained by Anthony Cummings with Glen Boss aboard. Tie The Knot had his second Ranvet victory in 2001 with Paddy Payne in the saddle. Crowd favourite Gunsynd was the Ranvet winner in 1971. He would take the race again in 1973.

Jimmy Choux (NZ) won the Rosehill Guineas in 2011, taking on Retrieve and Derby winner Shamrocker (NZ). Another New Zealand horse, Sale Of Century, took the Rosehill Guineas in 2001. He was ridden by Larry Cassidy whose brother Jim had won the year before on Diatribe. In 1971, Latin Knight had Ray Selkrig aboard when he won the Rosehill Guineas.

With Danehill breeding promising great things, Atomic Force won The Galaxy in 2011 for Darren Smith, raced at this time at Randwick. 20 years ago Padstow gave John Size success in The Galaxy. The Galaxy would not grace the form until 1972, won that year by Playbill with Laurie Billet aboard. This year, it will have its 50th running.

Image: Tie the Knot with Paddy Payne aboard, Alister Simpson

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