March 24, 2016
The Longines Golden Slipper Carnival will conclude this Saturday, 26 March with Western Sydney Legends Day at Rosehill Gardens.
Racegoers have the chance to mingle with local sporting greats this Easter long-weekend including Eels captain Tim Mannah, Bulldogs star Aiden Tolman, cricketing great Doug Bollinger and Warwick Farm trainer Bjorn Baker at the Lunching with Legends event. Hosted by Triple M’s Gus Worland and Sky Racing’s Dave Carlson, the function offers a three-course luncheon and beverage package while overlooking the spectacular views of the Winning Post.
Australian Turf Club Chief Operating Officer Tony Partridge said Saturday’s race day is a chance for Rosehill Gardens to recognise the Western Sydney community.
“Western Sydney Legends Day will see the close of what has been a very successful three weeks at Rosehill Gardens,’’ said Mr Partridge.
“The day features two significant Group 1 races, only adding to the rich tapestry of sport in the Western Sydney community over the Easter long weekend, and serving to highlight the great number of elite sporting events and personalities in the region.”
Ten horses have accepted into the feature race of the day, the Group 1 $1.5 million The BMW, which has seen turf stars Makybe Diva (2005), Tie The Knot (1999 & 2000), Might and Power (1998) and Octagonal (1996 & 1997) grace the honour roll.
This year’s edition has Preferment for Chris Waller as the $3.40 TAB Fixed Odds favourite. The three-time Group 1 winner is looking to go back-to-back after a resilient last start win in the Australian Cup, albeit claiming the triumph on protest.
On the second line of betting is Lee and Anthony Freedman’s Our Ivanhowe ($4.20 TAB Fixed Odds), who has now called Australia home for 12 months. The six-year-old finished fifth to Preferment in the Australian Cup and will be looking for redemption when he faces the starter on Saturday.
Mongolian Khan ($6.00 TAB Fixed Odds) has also been supported by punters. In 2015, the entire found success in three Group 1 events, all over the 2400m distance; the New Zealand Derby, BMW Australian Derby and Caulfield Cup.
The Group 1 $500,000 Vinery Stud Stakes will also feature on the nine-race card.
Jameka ($3.60 TAB Fixed Odds) for Ciaron Maher will be on the quick back up following her third place run in the Sky Racing Rosehill Guineas last week.
The Myboycharlie filly is set to be challenged by Risque ($3.80 TAB Fixed Odds) from the David Hayes and Tom Dabernig stable. Risque ran a tough win first-up in the Kevin Hayes Stakes in 13 February, and a close third in the Australian Guineas second up, last start.
Stablemate Stay With Me ($9.50 TAB Fixed Odds) is the only other contender to sit in single figures in the betting market. The filly is yet to be tested over the 2000m distance, with a mile currently the furthest she has travelled.
Public gates will open at 11.00am with the first race at 12.45pm.
Rosehill Gardens has free high-capacity WiFi across the racecourse precinct.
There is free public parking off James Ruse Drive as well as free parking in the infield from the Unwin Road entrance.