One of the most enduring of Slipper winners will always be that wonderful galloper, Manikato.  On his way to the Slipper he won three of four races including the VATC Blue Diamond Stakes and after working the Sydney way-of-going in 46.5 for the last half mile jockey Gary Willetts was extremely confident.  However, early in the race Manikato showed a tendency to "drift" outwards and the jockey was forced to nurse him round the bend at the 400 metres.  Shortly after Manikato shot clear in a blistering burst of acceleration and outsprinted Smokey Jack to win.  Only four times in a career of 47 starts did he fail to run a place, and was the second Australian galloper (on the same day as Kingston Town) to pass the million dollar prizemoney mark.  He won the William Reid Stakes at Moonee Valley as a 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 year old;  the C F Orr Stakes and Futurity Stakes as a 3, 4 and 5 year old as well as the George Ryder Stakes at three in race record time and at four when he set a new course record.  Later in his career he was plagued with leg problems and finally in February 1984, the grand old galloper was humanely put to sleep.  He was buried with full honours at Moonee Valley racetrack where he recorded so many of his memorable wins.