Record number of Golden Slipper contenders

More than 350 youngsters remain in the mix for the $3.5 million Golden Slipper at the second acceptance stage.

The record 358 two-year-olds left in the mix for the world’s richest race for two-year-olds on March 24 is an increase of 99 at the same stage last year.

The Lindsay Park stable headed by David Hayes in partnership with his son Ben and nephew Tom Dabernig leads the way with 27 from Hawkes Racing (26), Mick Price (20) Peter and Paul Snowden (20) and Godolphin (18).

There are 193 colts and geldings and 165 fillies left in the $3.5 million Golden Slipper after second declarations.

Australian Turf Club joint acting chief executive James Heddo said the ATC was thrilled with the record interest in this year’s race on March 24.

“The Longines Golden Slipper is a race watched around the world and continues to be the race that shapes the Australian racing and breeding industry like no other,” Heddo said.

“Last year we saw an incredible story with She Will Reign, a $20,000 purchase that gave her huge syndicate of owners a lifetime of memories.”