Guest House Triumphs in Rain-Soaked Golden Slipper with Last-Minute Surge at Rosehill Gardens

Zac Lloyd, aboard Guest House, clinched a rain-soaked Golden Slipper with a meticulously executed run along the rail.

As light rain drizzled over Rosehill Gardens, the competitors surged forward in the 1200m event, with Guest House positioned comfortably in the middle of the pack as they rounded the bend.

However, as they approached the straight and the crowd spread out, Lloyd carved out a path to the front and surged ahead with just 100 metres remaining, securing victory by a length and a half ahead of Streisand and Music Time.

Guest House paid $11.95 for the win and $3.40 for a place finish.

Trained by Mick Price and Michael Kent Jr, it marks the first time in 15 years that a horse trained in Victoria has claimed the Slipper.

“What an incredible horse – he’s had three outings where things didn’t go according to plan, but with a solid pace today, he finally relaxed,” Kent shared on Seven.

“This one’s for Mick. He’s faced so many near misses in this race.”

Assistant trainer Ben Elam was nearly lost for words.

“The Slipper. It’s the ultimate. What can I say?”

“He took a bit of work. Over Christmas, he was a handful; then he went down to Melbourne, where the staff did an excellent job, and he returned here in splendid condition.”

“He’s been an absolute star while up here.”

Earlier in the day, James McDonald achieved a significant milestone by recording his 130th Group 1 victory, solidifying his status among Australia’s greatest jockeys.