The Golden Slipper was first run in 1957 and has been associated with the biggest names in Australian horse racing ever since.  

With a stake of $3.5 million, it’s the biggest 2YO race in the world and although there are four other Group 1 races on the card, the Golden Slipper always takes centre stage, especially with punters. 

It’s one of the biggest betting races during the Australian racing calendar and although some punters treat juvenile racing with some trepidation, the Slipper attracts punters with similar force as the Melbourne Cup. 

The first running was taken out by Todman (which lends its name to the Todman Stakes) and the Slipper has been dominated by one family ever since. T.J. Smith and his daughter Gai Waterhouse have 12 wins between them and they have always been known to have their juveniles ready to fire for the big day. 

Bart Cummings, Clarry Connors and Lee Freedman all have four wins, but Waterhouse has a great record of turning her winners into stud prospect. The likes of Sebring didn’t have many starts (five wins from six starts) before heading to stud with the Golden Slipper on its record. 

The Golden Slipper is a race that can change a trainers, jockeys or owners’ life forever and its popularity will always stand near the top of Australian racing.