The 2026 Golden Slipper has been snatched by a Victorian interloper, as Guest House produced a dominant maiden Sydney performance to secure an upset victory for the Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr stable.

2026 Golden Slipper winner Guest House was too good for the Sydney 2YOs claiming an upset in the feature race at Rosehill. Photo: Bradley Photos.

Once considered a primary favourite for the Group 1 $5 million Golden Slipper Stakes (1200m) following a brilliant debut at Cranbourne in December, the Home Affairs colt had drifted to $11 at jump time following two subsequent defeats at Caulfield.

However, he defied the recent historical trend of Sydney lead-up dominance, handling the Rosehill circuit with aplomb to etch his name into the record books.

The strength of the Victorian form was fully vindicated in the Golden Slipper results, with Blue Diamond winner Streisand ($7.50) finishing 1.37 lengths away in second.

The trifecta was rounded out by Gratz Vella’s Group 3 Black Opal hero Music Time, who outran his $41 quote to finish less than two lengths off the winner.

“He’s had three runs where nothing went right. With the speed on, he finally relaxed. Zac Lloyd, what can I say, he read the pattern, and the horse was so good,” co-trainer Michael Kent Jnr told Sky Thoroughbred Central post-race.

“It’s so right for Mick (Price) to land his first Golden Slipper. I’m so lucky I work with Mick. He’s had so many close calls in this race.

“He’s a great two-year-old trainer. Himself and Timmy Rogers found the horse.”

Kent Jnr continued the emotional tribute.

“I’m very excited. I’m rapt for Mick Price,” he added.

“He gave me a big show in this game and I’m very lucky. And credit to all our staff back at home.

“A lot of work goes into these good colts. And what a horse.

“He won by a big margin, going away, so fantastic. That’s very good isn’t it. What a feeling.”

The victory provided a career-defining moment for young jockey Zac Lloyd, who produced a tactical masterpiece.

Settling the colt back in the field, Lloyd remained patient as Closer To Free dictated terms into the straight.

When a gap appeared inside the final furlong, Lloyd drove Guest House through the ruck to hit the front, drawing away late to deny Streisand her attempted interstate Group 1 double.

“Yeah, it was high pressure, but my colt, he was fantastic,” Lloyd said.

“He’s obviously a very good Home Affairs’ colt. He broke on terms. He’s been a bit tricky in his mannerisms, but today he was very attractable.

“I got on the back of the best jockey in the world and I thought, ‘Here we go, we’ll go from here.’ And I just quickened that well. I was just waiting for a run, but geez, he let down so well.”

Lloyd reflected on the unique pressure of the world’s richest juvenile race.

“Behind the gates is the peaceful part. It’s so quiet. You come from here where you’re talking to so many owners – very up and about,” he said.

“You’ve got to try to stay calm, keep your horse calm. As soon as those gates open, it’s like nothing I’ve ever ridden before – It’s so quick, so tight.

“I was very happy to find the fence because that just allows the horses to just relax.

“They get a bit of comfort by the fence and then you just trust you’ve got the right horse to take the runs. I certainly did so yeah, very, very, very happy.”

2026 Golden Slipper Results & Finishing Order

Table Credit: Racing Australia.

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