On Saturday 22nd March, Trainer Michael Freedman made history as Marhoona raced into Golden Slipper glory, securing another victory for in the world’s richest two-year-old race at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday.
Freedman claimed his second $5 million TAB Golden Slipper (1200m) title as Marhoona fended off Wodeton and Tempted in a thrilling Group 1 contest. The victory was particularly satisfying for Freedman, erasing the disappointment of last year when Manaal finished a luckless fifth in the same race.
“Manaal had a tough run after drawing wide, and I left that night feeling like the Golden Slipper had slipped away,” Freedman said. “To come back and win this year, for the same owners, Emirates, with a home-bred filly, is an incredible feeling. These races are never easy to win.”
Marhoona ($8) benefited from a perfectly judged ride by jockey Damian Lane, hitting the front inside the final 200m and holding off Wodeton ($7) to claim victory by a head. The favourite, Tempted ($4.80), was a further half-length away in third place.
Sydney’s signature two-year-old race delivered another unforgettable edition in its 69th running. Key moments included:
Freedman admitted that Marhoona’s limited race experience was a concern heading into the high-pressure Slipper.
“If I’m being honest, I thought it would have been beneficial to get one more run into her before this race,” Freedman said. “When she won on debut at Canterbury (February 7), she tore half a foot off in the process, which showed how tough she is. She rebounded well, went to the Reisling a month later, and despite the unconventional preparation, she proved herself to be something special.”
Freedman’s stable may be smaller compared to Sydney’s powerhouse operations, but his ability to train elite two-year-olds is undeniable. Securing two Golden Slipper victories within five years highlights his expertise in developing young talent.
“We’re a boutique stable competing against big numbers in a highly competitive environment,” Freedman said. “You just have to make the most of your opportunities. Racing has its ups and downs, but moments like these make it all worthwhile.”
Freedman also praised his dedicated stable team, crediting their hard work for the stable’s success.
“Sophie Johnson and Ben Duckworth have been fantastic—I’m as thrilled for them as I am for the filly. They put in an enormous amount of effort. Sometimes, I just try to stay out of their way! Good two-year-olds almost train themselves—you just need to keep things simple.”
Freedman lauded jockey Damian Lane’s masterful ride, which played a crucial role in Marhoona’s triumph.
“Damian executed the ride to perfection,” Freedman said. “We discussed tactics in the morning, and when I saw him peel off heels at the top of the straight, I knew we had a real chance. He’s a champion jockey, and we were lucky to secure his services at such a late stage.”
Lane echoed Freedman’s sentiments, commending Marhoona’s professionalism under race pressure.
“She jumped well, put herself in a good position, and travelled beautifully,” Lane said. “She was trained to peak on the day, and everything fell into place. It’s rare that a race goes exactly to plan in a Group 1, but this one did. She was brave in the final 100m when Wodeton challenged—it was an outstanding effort.”
Michael Freedman is the trainer of Don, miRunners Pinatubo x Brave Lass colt, purchased at the Inglis Classic Sale from Roy and Catriona Murphy’s Sledmere Stud. Freedman’s expertise in developing racehorses makes him the perfect mentor for Don which will ensure that he is given every chance to be the early running 2 year old which is pedigree suggests he will be.
Trainer Michael Freedman made history as Marhoona raced into Golden Slipper glory, securing another victory for in the world’s richest two-year-old race at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday.
Freedman claimed his second $5 million TAB Golden Slipper (1200m) title as Marhoona fended off Wodeton and Tempted in a thrilling Group 1 contest. The victory was particularly satisfying for Freedman, erasing the disappointment of last year when Manaal finished a luckless fifth in the same race.
“Manaal had a tough run after drawing wide, and I left that night feeling like the Golden Slipper had slipped away,” Freedman said. “To come back and win this year, for the same owners, Emirates, with a home-bred filly, is an incredible feeling. These races are never easy to win.”
Marhoona ($8) benefited from a perfectly judged ride by jockey Damian Lane, hitting the front inside the final 200m and holding off Wodeton ($7) to claim victory by a head. The favourite, Tempted ($4.80), was a further half-length away in third place.
Sydney’s signature two-year-old race delivered another unforgettable edition in its 69th running. Key moments included:
Freedman admitted that Marhoona’s limited race experience was a concern heading into the high-pressure Slipper.
“If I’m being honest, I thought it would have been beneficial to get one more run into her before this race,” Freedman said. “When she won on debut at Canterbury (February 7), she tore half a foot off in the process, which showed how tough she is. She rebounded well, went to the Reisling a month later, and despite the unconventional preparation, she proved herself to be something special.”
Freedman’s stable may be smaller compared to Sydney’s powerhouse operations, but his ability to train elite two-year-olds is undeniable. Securing two Golden Slipper victories within five years highlights his expertise in developing young talent.
“We’re a boutique stable competing against big numbers in a highly competitive environment,” Freedman said. “You just have to make the most of your opportunities. Racing has its ups and downs, but moments like these make it all worthwhile.”
Freedman also praised his dedicated stable team, crediting their hard work for the stable’s success.
“Sophie Johnson and Ben Duckworth have been fantastic—I’m as thrilled for them as I am for the filly. They put in an enormous amount of effort. Sometimes, I just try to stay out of their way! Good two-year-olds almost train themselves—you just need to keep things simple.”
Freedman lauded jockey Damian Lane’s masterful ride, which played a crucial role in Marhoona’s triumph.
“Damian executed the ride to perfection,” Freedman said. “We discussed tactics in the morning, and when I saw him peel off heels at the top of the straight, I knew we had a real chance. He’s a champion jockey, and we were lucky to secure his services at such a late stage.”
Lane echoed Freedman’s sentiments, commending Marhoona’s professionalism under race pressure.
“She jumped well, put herself in a good position, and travelled beautifully,” Lane said. “She was trained to peak on the day, and everything fell into place. It’s rare that a race goes exactly to plan in a Group 1, but this one did. She was brave in the final 100m when Wodeton challenged—it was an outstanding effort.”
Michael Freedman is the trainer of Don, miRunners Pinatubo x Brave Lass colt, purchased at the Inglis Classic Sale from Roy and Catriona Murphy’s Sledmere Stud. Freedman’s expertise in developing racehorses makes him the perfect mentor for Don which will ensure that he is given every chance to be the early running 2 year old which is pedigree suggests he will be.
