Sunday, September 14, 2008

Golden Slipper by David Duffield

Australias love of horse racing is proven by the fact that the Golden Slipper is the richest race for two-year-old thoroughbreds in the world. The race is run at the Rosehill Gardens track every April, with $3.5 million dollars at stake.

Its a fast and furious race which attracts entries from all the Aussie states and other world class breeders and trainers. Every year the race has all the elements required to make racing blood boil and betting fly. The drama of horses coming from the extreme outside, wins by a nose, record breaking runs and coming from last to win are just some of the exciting events defining this glorious race.

In Australia, horse racing is not just racing. The love for the sport runs through the blood as fast as the dash for cash that is the Golden Slipper. For Australian breeders it is considered to be easily the most influential race for future sires and broodmares.

Betting History

Horses must be yearlings when entered, with late entries accepted until the end of March which adds another layer to betting. Betting up to the start of the race is as exciting as the race itself. The Golden Slipper is one of Australias greatest racing events which also include the Melbourne Cup, Caulfield Cup and Cox Plate.

Golden Slipper winners have included stars of the turf such as Miss Finland, Dance Hero, Catbird, Danzero, Todman, Sky High, Storm Queen, Vain, Toy Show, Luskin Star, Manikato, Sir Dapper, Bounding Away, Canny Lad, Tierce, Merlene and Belle Du Jour. Many of these champions went on to become successful sires or broodmares.

The records show that colts and geldings have won 30 races with the remaining 22 races having been won by fillies.

The first Queensland horse to win the Golden Slipper was Calaway Girl in 2002. That victory only added to the Australian racing excitement that continues to grow with each race held. She was a late entry and needed a long sustained run to win.

Betting on the Golden Slipper race is an exciting time for Aussie punters. Bookmakers start betting on the Slipper many months before the actual race. The 2008 race day betting turnover was the highest it has been in 20 years and is expected to grow. Its estimated that all in all over $30 million was bet, $18 million through the TAB and $12 million with bookmakers.

Slipper Day

The Golden Slipper race has become so popular in Australia that a two week carnival called the Golden Slipper Festival is held. The last race saw 28,000 racegoers watching the race and enjoying the festivities despite the heavy track. The Golden Slipper has helped generate renewed interest in racing in younger Aussies. The youthfulness and vibrancy that surrounds the race excites the betting action, with plenty of opportunities for punters to win.

The Golden Slipper is a race that Aussie punters should simply not miss when it comes to betting. Normally there are a number of chances in the race and its possible to back more than one horse in the race and still make a good profit.


About the Author

David Duffield provides horse racing tips, ratings, lay betting and sports tips that will help you turn into a winning punter. To learn more please visit Racing Tips.

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