October 7, 2016
The Australian Turf Club has received a jump in first acceptances for the Group 1 $3.5 million Longines Golden Slipper, to be run at Rosehill Gardens on 18 March, 2017.
A total of 1501 horses remain in the running for the feature event that continues to shape the Australian racing and breeding industry.
The number of first acceptances for the world’s richest two-year-old race has seen an increase on last year’s number of 1461.
The world’s biggest racing operation Godolphin heads the list of entries with 113 juveniles.
Six-time Golden Slipper winning trainer Gai Waterhouse now training in partnership with Adrian Bott holds the second greatest number of first acceptances will 102 youngsters.
Among other trainers with large first acceptances are Peter and Paul Snowden (77), Mick Price (74), David Hayes and Tom Dabernig (71), Chris Waller (64) and Hawkes Racing (45).
Other notable Golden Slipper winning trainers with first acceptances are Paul Perry (34) and Gerald Ryan (22).
Snitzel fronts the list as the sire with the most acceptances at 90, followed by Sebring (70), Pierro (70), Fastnet Rock (60) and All Too Hard (59).
Australian Turf Club Executive General Manager, Racing, James Heddo said the continuous increase in nominations for the Longines Golden Slipper each year was a good result.
“The Longines Golden Slipper is not only the one race that strongly influences the breeding industry, but is also one that owners dream of winning,’’ Mr Heddo said.
“The world’s richest two-year-old race continues to be recognised as Australia’s peak juvenile race, and the strength of the number of first acceptances supports that.
“We are already planning and looking forward to the three week Longines Golden Slipper Carnival with a target of making it one of our biggest carnivals to date, particularly with the continued support of our sponsor Longines.’’
The full list of first acceptances for the Longines Golden Slipper can be viewed at https://racing.australianturfclub.com.au/golden-slipper; with second acceptances due on Tuesday, 31 January 2017.