GOLDEN GLORY: HISTORY MADE AT THE 70TH RUNNING OF THE TAB GOLDEN SLIPPER
Rosehill Gardens shimmered in gold as TAB Golden Slipper Day celebrated its milestone 70th running, delivering a raceday defined by legacy, spectacle and moments etched into history as part of the 2026 Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival.
The day included a touch of Hollywood as movie star Matt Damon made an appearance to witness history.
A Day of Golden Moments
In a moment for the record books, jockey James McDonald rode his 130th Group 1 winner on Autumn Boy in the Sky Racing Rosehill Guineas to claim the record further cementing his legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
All eyes were then on Autumn Glow, who remained unbeaten with 11 straight wins in The Agency George Ryder Stakes, taking McDonald’s Group 1 tally to 131 as Hollywood star Matt Damon watched on.
TAB Golden Slipper at Rosehill Gardens — a pinnacle moment that united elite racing, fashion and world-class entertainment under a golden spotlight.
Marking the 70th anniversary of the TAB Golden Slipper, 22-year-old, Zac Lloyd, claimed victory on Guest House for Mick Price and Michael Kent Jr.
The event was a defining milestone in Australian racing and saw an overwhelming response from racegoers, with attendance up more than 20% year-on-year.
Entertainment & Atmosphere
The TAB Golden Slipper Photo Moment invited racegoers to capture a photo with the iconic trophy, commemorating the historic 70th edition of the race.
Celebrations continued with the return of the After the Last concert series, with a live performance by The Living End following the final race, included with raceday tickets.
Members experienced the buzzing social atmosphere of The Don Julio Deck Club, featuring uninterrupted views of the home straight alongside live DJs and curated food and beverage offerings.
Style & Indulgence
Fashion Stakes continued, inviting racegoers to showcase their raceday style in the Best Dressed and Best Suited categories — with a touch of gold.
Daily finalists stepped onto the runway for a live on-course heat, progressing toward the prestigious Fashion Stakes Grand Finale at Royal Randwick on The Championships Day 2.
On-Course Activations & Experiences
The Chandon Social returned as the heartbeat of Rosehill Gardens, offering a vibrant social setting with curated food offerings, flowing bubbles, bars and entertainment.
The Hard Rated Home Straight transformed the trackside lawn into a high-energy social hub, featuring DJs, premium viewing and bars overlooking the finishing straight.
The TAB Stayers Lounge delivered an interactive hospitality experience for racing enthusiasts, while Trackside Reserve presented by Asahi Super Dry provided guaranteed seating along the home straight with a complimentary beverages.
A dynamic blend of Sydney’s social and sporting personalities will be in attendance to capture everything the Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival has to offer.
These include:
Thanasi Kokkinakis, Professional Tennis Player
Grace Hayden, Sports Presenter & Cricket Commentator
Nick Slater, Television Presenter & Media Personality
Chaad Hewitt, Media Personality
Natsyse Chan, Fashion & Lifestyle Content Creator
Katie Brown, TV Presenter & Media Personality
Kyle Shilling, Home and Away Cast
Victoria Latu, Model & Styling Expert, Fashion Stakes Judge for TAB Golden Slipper Day.
Similar Stories
ATC CEO Calls For Historic International Showdown in Sydney
Ka Ying Rising, Autumn Glow and Sheza Alibi! Australian Turf Club CEO Steve McMahon has called on racing’s powerbrokers to..
Spring Launches Everest Hopes on a Day Full of Stars at Royal Randwick
A leading pathway race to the $20 million TAB Everest and three more feature Group races brings Spring excitement to..
Toyota Material Handling Australia extends partnership with the Australian Turf Club
Toyota Material Handling Australia (TMHA) has extended its partnership with the Australian Turf Club (ATC), with a new three-year agreement..