Guest House Announces Himself on Racing’s Biggest Stage
A Victorian colt announced himself as something genuinely special on Saturday, carving his name into one of Australian racing’s most prestigious records with a dominant performance in the $5 million Golden Slipper at Rosehill Gardens.
Guest House, a son of Home Affairs trained by the powerful partnership of Mick Price and Michael Kent Jr, produced a breathtaking display in the 1200-metre feature to claim the country’s richest two-year-old prize, leaving little doubt about his status at the top of the juvenile ranks.
The Ride That Won It
Much of the post-race conversation centred on jockey Zac Lloyd, who had never partnered Guest House in a race prior to Saturday but was entrusted with the ride weeks in advance. The former two-time Sydney champion apprentice repaid that faith with a masterclass, settling the colt with cover just worse than midfield, threading through the field with patience, and releasing Guest House along the inside when the gaps appeared.
When clear air arrived, the response was emphatic. Guest House ($11) powered home by one-and-a-quarter lengths, finishing over the top of Clinton McDonald-trained Streisand ($7.50), who had raced on speed throughout. Gratz Vella’s outsider Music Time ($41) held on for third.
“It was high pressure, but my colt, he was fantastic,” Lloyd said after the race. “He let down so well. I was just waiting for a run and he quickened beautifully.”
Lloyd was also quick to acknowledge the broader team effort, singling out Sydney-based assistant trainer Ben Elam alongside the ownership group and the training partnership.
Price Completes the Set
For Mick Price, the win was the culmination of a years-long pursuit. The veteran trainer had come agonisingly close on multiple occasions. Samaready ran third to Pierro back in 2012, Extreme Choice started favourite in 2016 only to finish midfield, and Flying Artie filled third that same year.
Saturday’s result was different. And it completed something remarkable. Price and Kent Jr have now claimed all three of Sydney’s marquee “Golden” races, having previously won the Golden Eagle with I’m Thunderstruck and the Golden Rose with Jacquinot, both at Rosehill.
Price watched the race from Caulfield, where he had runners on the same afternoon.
“Every single year I have a crack with the two-year-olds and I’ve taught myself how to train them properly,” Price said. “We had to peak him for the Blue Diamond, gave him some stretchy gallops, resisted the temptation to trial him, and trusted the horse. It was sensational.”
Kent Jr, who was trackside at Rosehill, was visibly emotional about what the result meant for his senior partner.
“It’s so right for Mick,” he said. “He’s had so many close calls in this race. He’s a great two-year-old trainer. He and Timmy Rogers found this horse. I’m very lucky to work with him.”
A Sydney Operation Paying Off
Price and Kent Jr expanded their operation into Sydney in the spring of 2024, establishing a 16-box barn at Rosehill Gardens to capitalise on the booming NSW carnival schedule. The day-to-day running of the satellite stable has been managed by Elam, whose work behind the scenes was acknowledged by both trainer and rider.
“When you win the pinnacle of two-year-old racing in the Southern Hemisphere, arguably the world, for $5 million, it’s massive,” Elam said. “He put them to the sword. He’s got a handy turn of foot, hasn’t he.”
With Streisand chasing a rare Blue Diamond-Golden Slipper double and running gamely in defeat, the depth of Saturday’s field only adds to the lustre of Guest House’s victory. The colt is now firmly the one to beat, and connections will no doubt be dreaming of what comes next.
