Nearly two decades ago Hawkesbury trainer Mitchell Kearney nominated a young horse for the Golden Slipper Stakes, now the world’s richest two-year-old classic.

The then Tobougg filly known as Fabulash  didn't make it to the 2007 edition at Rosehill Gardens, but did win a race at the home of the Golden Slipper (at the picnic meeting held on Melbourne Cup day in November 2009).

Now all those years later Kearney and his wife and co-trainer Desiree have nominated 13 babies for the 2026 renewal of the $5m Slipper (1200m) at Rosehill on March 21.

Twelve of the current yearlings (they will turn two on August 1) were purchased by Team Kearney's close friend Daniel Springfield at the Inglis Classic and Australian Easter yearling sales earlier this year.

The other Slipper entry (the fee is $440) is a Trapeze Artist filly the Kearneys purchased themselves for $18,000 at the Classic sale in February.

It's a busy time for Team Kearney with their stable numbers swelled considerably, courtesy of Springfield's buying spree.

"All the babies have been broken in and had a preparation, and some have gone out," Mitch Kearney said today.

"We're hoping to get four of five youngsters to the two-year-old trials in September, and see how they shape up.

"It's best to nominate now for the Slipper as the next fee (late entry) is considerably dearer at $2750 by 3 pm on July 29.

"None of the babies have been named as yet.

"I've told Daniel and his fiancée Jasmine to get to work and name them."

Nearly 2000 horses have been entered for the 70th running of the Golden Slipper.

The total of 1937 includes 953 colts and geldings and 984 fillies.

The first acceptance fee of $605 is due by 3pm on October 7, and the second acceptance fee of $1100 is due by 3pm on January 13.

. HOOFNOTE: Whilst Fabulash didn't make it to the Slipper, two of her three foals were winners for the Kearney family.

Her first foal Bass Cannon didn't place in seven starts before being retired, but her third and fourth foals Eerised (by Widden Valley) and Jonjo's Comet (by Tickets) – both geldings – were successful.

Eerised won four races (including one at his home track over 2000m in 2017), and Jonjo's Comet won three times (two at Bathurst and the other at Cowra).

Fabulash was retired from breeding in 2016.