The Golden Slipper Stakes was born on a stormy night, when the fledging Sydney Turf Club was still in its infancy, several decades ago.

The committee of the S T C had visions to sponsor a prestigious race to highlight their Autumn Carnival.

The man that came up with the idea was George Ryder, who owned Woodlands Stud, and was a founding member of the Sydney Turf Club.

Ryder’s proposal was for a rich two year old race, this raised the ire of many members of the Sydney Turf Club, who thought Ryder was feathering his own nest, as he was standing a brilliant sire at the time in Newtown Wonder.

The Slipper was on an unsteady foundation for some time, surrounded by controversy, ridiculed by critics, denigrated by rival breeding factions, who accused Ryder of putting on the race to suit the progeny of his speed sire, Newtown Wonder.

It was a time for back stabbing and insults, George Ryder was disheartened, a lesser man may have quit, but that was not his style.

His forceful personality and unwavering belief that the Golden Slipper would succeed finally carried the day.

Easter 1954, saw entries were taken from 1500 broodmares who were nominated for the Golden Slipper Stakes, later 300 yearlings were entered.

In 1957 was the birth of the inaugural running of the Golden Slipper Stakes in a field of 11 runners, Todman won in record time by eight lengths, starting at 6-1 on.

The race proved an unparalleled success; it became the signature race of the Sydney Turf Club        

Todman was ridden by the late Neville Sellwood, trained by Maurice McCarten at Randwick, and owned by Stanley Wootton, and sired the great, Star Kingdom.

Star Kingdom sired five winners of the Golden Slipper,Todman , Fine and Dandy , the brothers, Sky Line and Sky High, and Magic Night.

Todman turned out a pretty good sire himself, siring Sweet Embrace and Eskimo Prince, giving Athol Mulley his second win in the race, as he also rode Sky High for Brian Crowley, Chairman of the Australian Jockey Club

George Ryder with Wayne Harris, youngest jockey to win Slipper.