Dunn dirt cheap: How battler trainer Rebecca Dunn stole the show with Inferencia on 2025 Golden Slipper Day

On Golden Slipper Day, surrounded by the sport’s biggest names and best horses, it was a little-known trainer that captured the spotlight with an emotion-charged victory in the opening race.

Trainer Rebecca Dunn celebrates with jockey Jason Collett after their Midway victory with Inferencia on Golden Slipper Day at Rosehill Gardens. Picture: Jeremy Ng / Getty Images

Golden Slipper Day is mostly reserved for the elite of the elite where the sport’s biggest and brightest names seize centre stage with millions on the line and big reputations to uphold.

And Saturday was no different, with training names like Waller, Waterhouse, Maher, Cummings and Freedman to the fore while Australia’s best horse, Via Sistina, reaffirmed she was just that in the Ranvet Stakes.

Yet for all the glitz and glamour that Golden Slipper Day provides it was the opening race which truly encapsulates what racing is all about when little known Newcastle trainer Rebecca Dunn trotted into town with her “hot-headed and feisty” five-year-old mare Inferencia.

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Before Saturday, winning a metropolitan race – let alone one on Golden Slipper Day – was nothing but a distant dream for Dunn, who trains a small team with dedication and passion from Williamtown in the Hunter Valley.

But with Jason Collett in the saddle, Inferencia, or Savannah as she’s more affectionately known at home, delivered on that dream for Dunn, leading all-the-way for an upset victory in a nailbiting finish to the Midway Handicap (1500m).

Trainer Rebecca Dunn smiles after Inferencia’s win on Golden Slipper Day. Picture: Jeremy Ng / Getty Images

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The city victory – which left an emotional Dunn lost for words in post race interviews – was a far cry from Inferencia’s debut effort at Taree in September, 2022 when beaten eight lengths in a nondescript maiden.

“I’ve been by her side every day since she was born so it just makes it all so special,” Dunn said on Monday with her feet firmly back on the ground.

“Everything she’s done she’s done with me so we have built a great deal of trust but she knows who the boss is and in trackwork she settles for me and does everything right.

“But I can say this, she is a typical female, she’s very stubborn and set in her ways so you need to work with her and not against her. If you try, she’ll always win, some of her early racing traits were frightening really.

Inferencia hangs on to win the first at Rosehill for Rebecca Dunn and Jason Collett! @aus_turf_clubpic.twitter.com/38Ydh3D0uo

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) March 22, 2025

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“When she first started going to the races she wouldn’t settle and her mannerisms were nothing like when I would ride her at home so it took a while for the penny to drop.

“But even on Saturday you saw Jason had to do things her way out in front. When it comes to jockey instructions I don’t hand any out other than to say ‘you’re just along for the ride’.

“Jason and her really click, he’s a great rider with soft hands and terrific balance. Darryl McLellan and Kody Nestor have been great for her as well.”

Saturday’s $55,000 winner’s cheque ballooned Inferencia’s stake earnings to $175,275 with her record now boasting six wins from 27 assignments.

The prize money tally represents close to half of what Dunn has banked as a trainer since obtaining her licence in 2013.

Inferencia (left) clings on to win the Midway Handicap on Golden Slipper Day Picture: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images

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“I was joking with a friend a while back about what it would be like to win $100,000 with a horse and here we are getting close to $200,000 with her,” Dunn said.

“Yes, the money is great and a big help but it’s not what I do it for.

“I love horses and have been around them since childhood … they just bring me a lot of joy. And I’m fortunate to have good support, fellow trainer Andrew McDonald is a big help as is Mel Copelin at Torryburn Stud.”

Adding to Dunn’s wild ride with Inferencia is the fact that she could have quite easily never been.

“I trained Inferencia’s mother (Forever Ranga) and never really considered breeding with her until one day I saw a Facebook picture of Inference,” Dunn recalled.

“One thing led to another and we went down that road and I’m glad we did. I’ve got a three-year-old colt from her as well so there’s a bit more to look forward to, hopefully.

“When you don’t have a lot of money and a small team it’s hard to go to the sales and buy a yearling so to do this from the ground up is really satisfying and gives you a bit of hope.”

"The most amazing experience of my life!"

It was a special win for Rebecca Dunn today with Inferencia winning the opener on TAB Golden Slipper Day!@aus_turf_club | @newcastleraces_pic.twitter.com/8Kd7AfQZ7L

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) March 22, 2025

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Why one would assume a victory on Golden Slipper Day would bring about wild celebrations, Dunn elected to keep things rather low key.

“On the way to Rosehill I had to make a pit stop on the Central Coast to drop my nine-year-old son Casey at my parents’ and then pick him back up on the way through,” Dunn said.

“On Saturday night I went grocery shopping getting ready for the next day. That was it for any celebrations!”

Over the weekend, Dunn’s racing team swelled from three to five with the acquisition of two tried types she has hopes for in the future.

As for Inferencia, it’s off to Warwick Farm on April 2 while a potential campaign in Brisbane during the winter carnival is also on the cards.

“When a mare is in form you’ve got to strike don’t you,” Dunn said.

“I’d love to get her up to Brisbane, it might be aiming a bit high but you’ve got to keep dreaming don’t you.”