It is the jewel in the crown of Australian two-year-old racing and from 2022, the Golden Slipper will be worth $5 million.
The boost represents a $1.5 million increase, with the Australian Turf Club offering a further cherry on the top through the introduction of a $1 million bonus to any horse that wins a nominated pathway race on the way to claiming the Slipper.
Racing NSW chairman Russell Balding AO said with prizemoney for several other feature races increasing in recent years, it was important for the Golden Slipper to maintain its status as the premier juvenile event in the country.
“The Golden Slipper prizemoney recognises its importance as the world’s best two-year-old race and one of the most important races in Sydney’s autumn,” Balding said.
“With feature race prizemoney increased in recent years, this increase ensures the standing of the Golden Slipper.”
ATC chairman Matthew McGrath hopes the introduction of a bonus will ensure the best two-year-olds are drawn to Sydney during the autumn.
“The Longines Golden Slipper is the pinnacle event of the Australian juvenile racing program and the $1 million bonus from the Australian Turf Club makes our pathway races for two-year-olds an even greater focus of Sydney racing in autumn,” McGrath said.
“The very best quality two-year-olds in Australia will race in Sydney ahead of the ultimate prize.”
TAB fixed odds is already offering a market for next year’s Slipper with impressive Gimcrack Stakes winner Coolangatta a nominal $6 favourite.