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In what is believed to be a first for the 3.5 million Golden Slipper Stakes at Rosehill, the world’s richest race for two-year-olds will be contested by a field made up exclusively of youngsters sired in the NSW Hunter Valley.
The entire field of 17 that includes one emergency have been sired by champion Hunter Valley stallions.
“This is testament to the fact that we breed and race the best in the world,” said Dr Cameron Collins, President of the Hunter Thoroughbred Breeders Association.
Darley stallions are responsible for five of the Slipper field including the favourite Earthquake while Arrowfield and Coolmore sires supply three each.
Exceed And Excel, the sire of last year’s winer Overeach, is the sire of Earthquake and Jabali. The other Darley sires represented are Shamardal (Ghibellines); Denman (Law) and Street Cry (Memorial).
Arrowfield’s premiership leading stallion Snitzel is the sire of Oakleigh Girl and Scratch Me Lucky while fellow Arrowfield sire Not A Single Doubt is represented by Risen From Doubt.
Coolmore’s stallions Fastnet Rock, Haradasun and Choisir are the sires of Valentia, Modoc and Eloping.
Vinery’s stallions Testa Rosa and Mossman sired Unencumbered and Mossfun, and Kitchwin Hill’s Duporth sired Cornrow.
“Just getting a runner in this field is in itself an impressive achievement. This year’s line up, entirely comprised of Hunter Valley sired horses, is no exception.
“It showcases the Hunter Valley’s world class thoroughbreds and is a reminder to all lovers of this sport that we have a champion breeding ground in the Hunter Valley that should not be taken for granted and should be protected.
“The Sydney Autumn Carnival showcases the very best of our breeding and racing industries. The two go hand in hand.
“We encourage everyone attending the races this weekend to take a moment to consider that our future hangs in the balance if the Government does not move to protect our breeding grounds in the Hunter Valley.
“Anglo American’s Drayton South mine is a significant test case that will ruin our industry and our leading studs if the Government does not act now on its expert’s advice and reject this mine," Dr Collins said.
The Hunter Valley’s breeding industry contributes over $5 billion to the national economy and $2.4 billion to the NSW economy.
It is one of three recognised international centres of thoroughbred breeding excellence in the world alongside Newmarket in the UK and Kentucky in the US.
