3 minute read

Champion rugby league player Billy Slater has been appointed as the new Victorian Racehorse Owners Ambassador which will see him promote thoroughbred racehorse ownership in Victoria.

As part of the role, Slater will attend events and race days across Victoria with some of the state’s 55,000 connections who are racing for more than $161 million in prize money during the 2014-2015 racing season.

Before his professional rugby career took off, Slater was a track work rider for Hall of Fame trainer Gai Waterhouse in Sydney.

His passion for thoroughbreds and racing has long been evident through his own racehorse ownership endeavours, regular appearances on race days, at bloodstock sales and morning track work. He is often spotted in the Caulfield Trainers Tower.

“I worked with Racing Victoria last year as their Relaxed Racing Family Ambassador and had an absolute ball, so to be invited to work with the industry again in this Racehorse Owners Ambassador role is a real thrill because I love my horseracing and I’m a passionate owner,” explained Slater.

“I have owned a few racehorses over the years with minor success, and currently have shares in three two-year-olds.

“To me it’s all about having fun and sharing that journey with family and friends or like-minded people.

“The racing industry in Victoria is thriving at the moment with world-class jockeys, trainers and training facilities. This is matched by great prize money at both city and country meetings which means it’s a great time to be involved in racehorse ownership, no matter what percentage you own.”

To celebrate Slater’s new role as Victorian Racehorse Owners Ambassador, Racing Victoria are giving one person and four friends the chance to ‘Race a horse for a day with Billy’ on Sportingbet Blue Diamond Stakes Day at Caulfield on Saturday February 28.

The winner will be gifted with a five per cent share in the Robert Smerdon-trained Politeness to race with Slater in the $150,000 Group 3 Mannerism Stakes.

The winner and their friends will enjoy a VIP ownership experience at Blue Diamond Day which includes access to the Mounting Yard for pre-race brief with trainer and jockey; visit to the weigh-in room; hospitality in ‘Connections’; and a VOBIS Gold gift pack.

In addition, the group will also be invited to attend trackwork at Caulfield with Slater and Smerdon on February 27 to see Politeness go through her final paces.