[7][8][9] The race has an unusual entry fee structure, similar to that of the Pegasus World Cup.
The slot holder then has the right to race, lease, contract or share a starter, or sell their place in the gate.
[7] For example, in the 2017 running, slotholder James Harron struck a deal with the owners of Redzel to use his spot to enter their horse, who went on to win the race.
Protests against this proposal and government support of it were held at the Opera House along with submission of a petition with over 300,000 signatures collected in less than a week in October 2018, however the pre-race event still went ahead in a modified format.
[13] In October 2022, the barrier draw was released to the public with a night time display over Sydney Harbour using 501 drones[14] and the race attracted 46,221 patrons.