Sinking The Golden Slipper
Every year we are reminded that the Golden Slipper is world richest race for two year olds, as if money alone is enough for validation. Yet this rich, prestigious event is decided as much by the barrier draw on Tuesday as it is by the speed of the horses. The chances of Murtajill and Sleek Chassis have tumbled because one of their connections couldn’t pluck a decent numbered ball out of the bowl. It’s bingo for people with a lot of money.
Barrier draws are part and parcel of horse racing, adding to the mystique. But we should not have a situation where half the field immediately can’t win because of circumstances outside anyone’s control. We already have handicap racing. This is meant to be a sprinters championship.
What is the solution? How about a streamlined event, with 10 or 12 runners? That would make the lead up series so much more important, ensuring we get the best of the best. While the barriers would still be a factor, we wouldn’t have the favourites, or any horse for that matter, parked out in the Rosehill Substation while a donkey cosily rides the fence. The twisted romantic notion of a herd of green two year olds bashing and barging their way through 1200 metres is only glorified by those who were lucky enough to hold a winning bingo ticket. The Cox Plate seems to survive with its tiny, elite field, so why not the Slipper?
On Saturday when you’re at the TAB, you’ll see Rosehill on one screen and Club Keno on the other. Same thing. Both involve filling out a ticket with random numbers and hoping for the best.
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