SOS response leads to Slipper opportunity

Daniel Stackhouse has never been so thankful for a trouble-free run on the road than what he was on Super Saturday.

A clear passage to Flemington not only paved the way for an unexpected Group 3 win, but also a potentially life-changing opportunity this Saturday.

Stackhouse will reunite with Minhaaj in the $3.5 million Group 1 Golden Slipper, three weeks after their Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes win.

The Mornington jockey, who was scheduled to ride for Lindsay Park in the second race on Super Saturday, received an S.O.S. just over 90 minutes from the first race of the day owing to fellow jockey Luke Nolen falling ill.

“I was at home and it was going to take me an hour to get there and I was only half ready to go when they rang. I just got to races as quick as I could,” Stackhouse said.

“I just made it. I had to run all the way from the car park to the jockeys’ room. I think I got there 25 minutes before the race.”

The rushed preparation did not hinder the performance of either horse or rider with Minhaaj cruising to a 4.5-length win in the 1200-metre event.

WATCH: Minhaaj’s Flemington win