Golden Slipper Festival 2005

AN AUTUMN OF GREAT HORSE RACING AHEADWITH ROSEHILL GARDENS' GLAMOUR GOLDEN SLIPPER FESTIVAL

Sydney-siders are gearing up for an Autumn of great horse racing with lots of punting and partying planned over the four big race days of the Sydney Turf Club's 49th annual Golden Slipper Festival at Rosehill Gardens.

Thoroughbred action kicks off with night racing at the Kia Ora Stud Canterbury Guineas on February 26; Ladies Day on March 5; Darley Guineas Day on March 12; and culminating in the grand finale of Sydney's illustrious autumn celebrations, AAMI Golden Slipper Day on Saturday March 19 at Rosehill Gardens.

Boasting the world's richest race for two year old thoroughbreds, the $3 million AAMI Golden Slipper was last year won by Dance Hero, trained by Sydney's favourite girl of the turf, Gai Waterhouse and ridden by jockey, Chris Munce. Already more than 2186 have applied for entry to the big race, but come Slipper Day only the finest 16 horses will be given the chance to run for the big money and Slipper glory.

AAMI Golden Slipper Day also hosts four other Group One races including the $2.25m BMW - Sydney's premier weight-for-age staying event; the Cathay Pacific George Ryder Stakes; the Queen of the Turf Stakes and the Arrowfield Stud Stakes.

Whether you're an avid racing enthusiast or simply love a great day at the races with friends, the Golden Slipper Festival provides the perfect excuse to glam up and enjoy outstanding racing and entertainment.

The cream of Sydney's racing and social scene is expected to attend Rosehill on March 19. Punters can rub shoulders with the big names of racing, including trainers such as Gai Waterhouse and Bart Cummings, infamous jockeys like Darren Beadman, Glen Boss and Jim Cassidy and the colourful characters of the betting ring.

Fashion designers are set to go into over-drive producing spectacular one-off hats and fascinators, and frocks for fillies in a frenzy over what to wear! The fashion conscience will be put to the test through the annual esteemed Fashions on the Field competition, with more than $50,000 in prizes up for grabs!


GOLDEN SLIPPER FESTIVAL AT A GLANCE

February 26 2005 - Kia Ora Stud Canterbury Guineas Night. The lone Saturday night of the Sydney race season featuring the final running of the $400,000 Kia Ora Stud Canterbury Guineas - a 1900m Group One race for three year olds run under lights. First run in l935, this is the 70th running of the race and the final time it will be staged at Canterbury. The Guineas is the first of nine Group One races held during the Golden Slipper Festival.

March 5 2005 - Ladies Day. Nine races scheduled with the Group One highlight the $600,000, 1500m Coolmore Classic - the pinnacle Group One race for fillies and mares; and the $400,000 Ranvet Stakes. Rich in history, 2005 marks the 102nd running of the Stakes - a weight-for-age race run over 2000m and a dress rehearsal for The BMW on AAMI Golden Slipper Day.

March 12 2005 - Darley Guineas Day along with the Sydney Horse Festival. Heading the nine race programme is the Group One Dubai Rosehill Guineas - a $500,000, 2000m race for three year olds. First run in 1910, it is the second leg of the Sydney Autumn three year old Triple Crown, attracting Australia's best three year olds. Significant is the involvement of the Dubai based Maktoum family and their international racing syndicate, Godolphin. Sheik Maktoum's Darley Stud in the UK is the official sponsor of Darley Guineas Day.

March 19 2005 - AAMI Golden Slipper Day. With the elevation of Queen of the Turf to Group One status, AAMI Golden Slipper Day features five Group One races on the nine race programme. The jewel race is the AAMI Golden Slipper, the world's richest race for two year old thoroughbreds with a record $3million on offer for the 1200m distance. Other highlights are The BMW, Sydney's premier weight-for-age staying event with $2.25m on offer; the $400,000 Cathay Pacific George Ryder Stakes - 1500m standard weight-for-age race in its 60th running; $400,000 Arrowfield Stud Stakes - 2000m for three year old fillies and the $400,000 Queen of the Turf Stakes - 1500m race for fillies and mares.

Rosehill Gardens is located on James Ruse Drive, Rosehill. In-field parking is available; enter off Unwin St, Rosehill or catch the train or bus to the track.


AAMI Golden Slipper Day
Saturday March 19
Gates open at 9am with the first race approx running at 11.40am - nine races on programme including five Group One races.
Tickets at gate:

General adult admission $25

Concession admission $5

For further information on the Golden Slipper Carnival 2005 or to book a spot in a marquee, visit www.theraces.com.au or call Sydney Turf Club on 02 9930 4000.