March 3, 2016
It is a thoroughbred race like no other – the world’s richest race for two year olds and the one which has continually shaped the Australian racing and breeding industries.
To celebrate the 60th running this year of the Longines Golden Slipper at Rosehill Gardens, the Australian Turf Club has gathered a field of experts to imagine the ultimate Slipper.
Which horse since the race was first run in 1957 can lay claim to being the greatest?
And we are asking the public to vote on the winner as part of the build up to Sydney’s iconic racing event on Saturday 19 March.
From Todman in the inaugural year, right through the rich history of the Longines Golden Slipper honour roll, the panel of racing experts has voted for the final field of 16 runners from all previous winners.
Now it is time for the public to vote on the winner of that incredible field.
The public are being asked to vote at www.theATC.com.au/best for a chance to enjoy a money can’t buy experience for two at this year’s Longines Golden Slipper, as well as winning a his and hers Longines watches, valued together at $7,750.
The competition winner will be a VIP at the races, enjoying the official Longines Golden Slipper Directors lunch and being a part of the atmosphere of the mounting yard ahead of Sydney’s signature race on 19 March.
The final field for The Best Of The Best (in alphabetical order is) is: BAGUETTE, BOUNDING AWAY, DANCE HERO, FLYING SPUR, LUSKIN STAR, MANIKATO, MARSCAY, PAGO PAGO, PIERRO, SEBRING, SEPOY, SIR DAPPER, SKY HIGH, TODMAN, TONTONAN and VAIN.
The selection criteria for the judging panel when assessing the final 16 was, but not limited to, the following considerations:
Winning performance on the particular conditions of the day; the strength of the field the horse defeated; historical context of the victory; the winner’s effort to overcome difficulty/adversity; the role of jockey and trainer in the win; and the future influence of the horse and its progeny on racing, during and beyond its two year old career.
To be in the running, entrants simply need to tell in 25 words or less who and why is your Best Of The Best Longines Golden Slipper Winner from the final field.
If your choice matches that of the judging panel, you could be the winner, with the result of The Best Of The Best announced at a phantom call at the official barrier draw for the 2016 race on Tuesday 15 March.
The public competition will close at 9am on 15 March.
Australian Turf Club Chief Executive Officer Darren Pearce said debate around who was the best of all Longines Golden Slipper winners had already begun.
“Is it the sustained speed of winners such as Vain, Manikato and Dance Hero, or the devastating sprint that saw Luskin Star gap the field that gets your vote?’’ Mr Pearce said.
“Or perhaps it is the barnstorming finish of Marscay, who like many other winners, right back to the start with horses such as Todman and Tontonan, have had such an incredible influence on the breeding industry after their Golden Slipper wins.
“And even Dance Hero –a horse who came off a Magic Millions win to then not only break the Golden Slipper race record which he still holds, but also win a Triple Crown by winning the Sires and Champagne when it was run over three consecutive weeks at the time.
“Whichever way you look at it, the judges have got a big task on their hands, and the public can get the chance to give their reasons for their best ever winner.’’ To win the ultimate 60th Golden Slipper experience and his and hers Luxury watches from Longines.
For full terms and conditions and to place your vote go to www.theATC.com.au/best