July 7, 2017
Not only is the $3.5 million Longines Golden Slipper the world’s richest race for two-year-olds, it continues to be favourite amongst trainers, owners and breeders with a record number of nominations for the race in 2018.
A total of 2,197 first nominations were received before the Australian Turf Club closed entries for the 62nd running of the race – the centrepiece of the Longines Golden Slipper Carnival in March.
There were 1,145 colts and geldings and 1,052 fillies entered for next year’s race, to be held at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday, 24 March 2018.
These first nominations are another significant jump from last year’s total of 2091 horses.
Leading stables from around Australia with the highest number of nominations include Godolphin, with 152 horses, followed by David and Ben Hayes and Tom Dabernig (111), Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott (90), Chris Waller (87), Peter and Paul Snowden (74), Tony McEvoy (61) and Ciaron Maher Racing (61).
Inglis joined the prominent nominators this year paying the first nomination fee for 50 yearlings sold during the Gold Riband Session of the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale in 2017
Leading sires with the most number of entries include Snitzel (105), I Am Invincible (98) Sebring (80), Pierro (74), Exceed And Excel (69) Fastnet Rock (63) and All Too Hard (59).
Australian Turf Club Chief Executive Officer Darren Pearce said “The increase in nominations further highlights the significance of the race for the thoroughbred industry”.
“The Longines Golden Slipper is the race every owner, trainer, jockey and breeder dreams of winning and the 2017 winner She Will Reign proved this in every way for one of the largest ownership groups we have seen on a Sydney racecourse” Mr Pearce said.
“It is also very pleasing to see the number of nominations from NSW grow by 140 horses which further highlights the current strength and confidence in the NSW racing industry.”
“We have been pleased by the continued support of nominators and are also excited by the concept Inglis have introduced rewarding buyers from a sale that produced this year’s Longines Golden Slipper winner.”
“The Australian Turf Club again looks forward to hosting the Longines Golden Slipper at our world class racing and spectator facilities at Rosehill Gardens in 2018.”
MEDIA CONTACT: Brett de Vine 0419 613 455 bdevine@theATC.com.au #theRaces