Ahead of Sydney Autumn Racing and the Longines Golden Slipper Carnival at Rosehill Gardens, the Australian Turf Club has teamed up with renowned personal fitness trainer Trent Langlands to create Toughest Champions, inspired by the elite athleticism of two of Australia's star jockeys.
In a unique fitness test of three
sporting codes, AFL player Isaac Heeney joined Olympic swimming great Cate
Campbell and champion jockeys Kerrin McEvoy and Kathy O'Hara for the grueling
Toughest Champions test.
Media personality Abbey Gelmi was mediator and host as two-time TAB Everest winner Kerrin McEvoy and multiple Group 1 winning Kathy O'Hara took on Isaac and Cate.
They were put through their paces with a series of balance, strength and endurance exercises. In a tight finish, Kathy O'Hara emerged as Toughest Champion.
Isaac Heeney said: "I really had no idea how hard jockeys train. I went into it feeling pretty confident.
"Kathy and Kerrin kicked it out of the park. Their agility, balance and strength is incredibly impressive and it's something I'm sure a lot of people weren't aware."
Cate Campbell added: "Being at my peak now, even I'm feeling the burn of their training regimes! With the exercises being so difficult, I have the highest respect for Kathy and Kerrin and can't wait to watch and cheer them on trackside at Longines Golden Slipper Day."
Spread across three exciting weekends in March, Rosehill Gardens is home to Chandon S Ladies Day (16 March) featuring the Harrolds Fashion Chute; Longines Golden Slipper Day (23 March) for the world's richest race for two year olds, the $3.5 million Longines Golden Slipper, and Australian rock legend Jimmy Barnes performing live; and Stakes Day (30 March) with an array of family friendly entertainment.
Focus turns to Royal Randwick for the tradition of Harrolds Australian Derby and The Star Doncaster Day on 6 April, part of $20 million in prizemoney to be won over two consecutive Saturdays.
April 13 culminates with the $4 million Longines Queen Elizabeth Stakes - a race which has been earmarked as the final ever run for the world's best horse Winx.
Australian Turf Club Chief Executive Jamie Barkley said: "Sydney Autumn Racing showcases some of Australian sport's toughest and fittest athletes – the jockeys.
"Along with the horses, these elite athletes are stars of the turf and we look forward to seeing them compete against the best Australian and international jockeys at Rosehill Gardens and Royal Randwick.
"Like our jockeys, Sydney racing is world-class and we host three of the top ten races in the world, unmatched by any other city or racing club anywhere in world racing.
"Home to world-class racing, fashion, hospitality and entertainment, the Australian Turf Club is excited to welcome everyone to some unforgettable racedays this autumn."
For more information on Sydney Autumn Racing and the Longines Golden Slipper Carnival and to watch theToughest Champions test and extended interviews, visit: theraces.com.au
