GOLDEN SLIPPER

The name of Emirates Park is now synonymous with the Golden Slipper — a race which represents the pinnacle of Australian thoroughbred breeding and racing, and that is recognised as the world's most valuable juvenile event. Run since 1957, when the legendary Todman saluted, the stud's livery has now been carried to victory in not one but two very recent renewals… 2014, when Mossfun proved successful, and 2018, when Estijaab emulated the feat.

MOSSFUN (B. 2011, Mossfun-Eye For Fun)

Purchased for just $80,000 at the second session of the Australian Easter Yearling Sale, Mossfun gave Emirates Park its first taste of Golden Slipper success when overcoming a poor start to overhaul the finest 2-year-olds of her generation and win the 2014 renewal of the much coveted event in sensational fashion.

Beaten at her previous start by Golden Slipper favourite Earthquake after three brilliant wins at her only prior outings, Mossfun turned the tables on the only 2-year-old to defeat the filly during her juvenile season. Ridden right-up against the running rail immediately after straightening for home, the outstanding daughter of Mossman delivered a sustained finish over the final 400 metres of the contest to claim the breed-shaping event by just under a length.

In five starts as a 2-year-old, Mossfun won the $250,000 Inglis Nursery (1000m) on debut; the $150,000 Group 3 Widden Stakes (1100m) at start two; the $250,000 Group 2 Silver Slipper Stakes (1200m) at her third race engagement; and, the Golden Slipper at start No. 5. She finished the season as the joint highest-rated 2-year-old on the 2013/14 Timeform Classifications alongside her great rival Earthquake and Rubick.

 

2014 TOOHEYS NEW GOLDEN SLIPPER (1200 METRES) Of $3,500,000.

Group 1 Set Weights, Two-Years-Old. Track Condition: Heavy 8 Time: 1:12.17 Last 600m: 0:36.09

 1. (10) MOSSFUN; Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes; James McDonald;  (11); 54.5kg; $5.50

 2. (9) EARTHQUAKE; Peter Snowden; Kerrin McEvoy; 0.8L; (12); 54.5kg; $2.40

 3. (14) BRING ME THE MAID; Peter Moody; Chad Schofield; 1.8L; (5); 54.5kg; $11

 

ESTIJAAB (B. 2015, Snitzel-Response)

Estijaab scored a sensational victory in the 2018 Group 1 Golden Slipper Stakes (1200m) when leading all-of-the-way to record a tremendously courageous long-head success. Never headed at any stage of the contest, the brilliant of daughter Snitzel established a winning advantage half-way down the Rosehill Gardens straight and held on to win under a vigorous Brenton Avdulla ride.

Estijaab became the second Golden Slipper winner in very recent time to score in the colours of Emirates Park following Mossfun’s success in 2014. Both fillies were prepared for their memorable Group 1 victories by the pre-eminent Team Hawkes training partnership. Speaking on behalf of the father and sons combination immediately after their latest victory, Wayne Hawkes declared: “In the same colours as Mossfun — it’s pretty special!”

In her one and only racing campaign as a 2-year-old, Estijaab not only claimed the $3.5 million Golden Slipper Stakes (G1) but also a $100,000 2YO Plate (1000m) on debut and the $300,000 Reisling Stakes (G2), earning in excess of $2,335,000 in prizemoney. She was also subsequently recognised as the 2018 HTBA Champion 2YO Filly (Sponsored by Scone Race Club) following her wonderful campaign.

 

2018 LONGINES GOLDEN SLIPPER (1200 METRES)

Of $3,500,000. Group 1. Set Weights, Two-Years-Old. Track Condition: Soft 6 Time: 1:12.01 Last 600m: 0:35.48.

 1. (11) ESTIJAAB; Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes; Brenton Avdulla; (14); 54.5kg; $8.50

 2. (12) OOHOOD; Tony McEvoy; Zac Purton; 0.2L; (10); 54.5kg;  $17

 3. (10) SUNLIGHT, Tony McEvoy; Luke Currie; 1.5L; (5); 54.5kg; $5

A division of the Nasser Abdulla Lootah Group