A record number of second acceptances have been received for the Golden Slipper with more than 400 two-year-olds remaining in contention for the $5 million showpiece.
The Australian Turf Club confirmed 440 youngsters have been paid up for at the second acceptance stage, an increase of 22 per cent on last year’s numbers and significantly more than the record 384 received in both 2019 and 2021.
This year’s juvenile feature will also carry a $1 million bonus for the connections of any horse who can win at least two of seven selected ‘pathway’ races, along with the Golden Slipper.
The first of the pathway races is the Widden Stakes (1100m) at Rosehill on January 28, while the Inglis Millennium (1100m) at Randwick on February 4 and the Reisling (1200m) and Todman Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on March 4 are also part of the pathway structure.
James Ross, ATC executive general manager racing and wagering, said the Golden Slipper continued to be an important Sydney autumn carnival centrepiece.
“With prizemoney now $5 million plus a $1 million bonus on offer from the Australian Turf Club if a horse wins two key pathway races and the Longines Golden Slipper itself, the race continues to grow in stature and influence,” Ross said.
Godolphin’s James Cummings leads the way for the most number of juveniles in 2023 Golden Slipper contention with 41, ahead of Ciaron Maher and David Eustace with 35, and Annabel Neasham with 33.
