Golden Slipper a first-class race day

Gai Waterhouse called it "a strange day of racing" but the Golden Slipper card was really a meeting of firsts.

Australian football manager Pim Verbeek enjoyed his first day at the track and observed how much people were enjoying themselves.

"It's probably one of the best days to come - everyone is so happy," he said.

The weather held off, the track was very heavy and the party-goers revelled, unlike the favourites which didn't win a race on the nine-event program.

The five Group One winners scored at $9, $7, $31 and $11, with Phelan Ready capping it off $26 in the Slipper.