In an exhilarating showdown, Marhoona has triumphed in the Golden Slipper on March 22, 2025, delivering a deeply emotional victory for her trainer Michael Freedman. Just six weeks after her debut at Canterbury, the filly emerged as a remarkable competitor, showcasing her talent on one of Australia’s grandest racing stages. For Freedman, this win is particularly special as it marks his first success in the prestigious Golden Slipper while training in his own right, following his earlier victory with brother Richard in 2021 with Stay Inside.
Freedman, from a family renowned for racing accomplishments, expressed the challenges of being a smaller stable competing against larger ones. "It’s hard. You’re a small stable taking on these big numbers. You do the best you can,” he said, acknowledging the uphill battle his team faces. He continued, “I love training two-year-olds, I love training horses. It’s a big thrill. It’s a cliché, but these moments are exactly why you do it.” His passion for the sport resonates through his comments, reflecting the dedication that goes into nurturing young equine talent.
On race day, Marhoona, with odds of $8, was ridden by leading jockey Damian Lane. She navigated her way through the field, trailing initially before surging ahead halfway up the straight. Lane's skilled riding allowed Marhoona to secure the front position and ultimately hold off the Chris Waller-trained Wodeton, who finished second at $7, by a narrow head. Godolphin's Tempted, the $4.80 favorite, came in a close third, finishing a half-length behind the winner.
The Golden Slipper, covering a distance of 1200 meters, was not without incidents. Near the 800-meter mark, a race disruption occurred when Within The Law made contact with the running rail, resulting in Jason Collett being dislodged. Fortunately, both horse and rider were unharmed in the incident. The disruption added an element of unpredictability to an already high-stakes race, yet the competition did not falter in intensity.
Despite the concerns surrounding Marhoona’s relatively limited experience leading up to this monumental race, Freedman had confidence in her capabilities. “I was a little bit concerned coming into today thinking maybe we needed one more run under our belt,” he admitted. However, he believed strongly that Marhoona was ready. “But I thought I had the right article; I really did. Her run in the Reisling (Stakes) was off the charts. She was a month between runs.”
While Freedman celebrated his filly's success, Waller was left pondering another near miss in a string of recent high-profile races. This was the third consecutive Group 1 race in which his horses were edged out after Fangirl in the George Ryder Stakes and Aeliana in the Rosehill Guineas. Despite this setback, he remained proud of Wodeton's effort. “It was a great run. We took the gamble to ride him more conservatively and it almost paid off,” he noted, acknowledging the fine margins that often determined race outcomes.
Blake Shinn, the jockey for third-placed Tempted, shared his thoughts on the race's dynamics, which he felt may have cost his horse the chance to win. “We momentarily got our run impeded when North England and Bellazaine came together. I think that cost us the race,” he reflected, indicating the unpredictable nature of racing where fractions of a second can define victory.
For Lane, this win repeated a past glory. He celebrated his second Golden Slipper title, previously winning with Kiamichi in 2019. The significance of such achievements in Lane’s career reflects his growth as a jockey, further enhancing his reputation in the competitive racing arena.
The emotional intensity of the Golden Slipper, coupled with the legendary status the race holds within Australian horse racing, not only underscores the stakes for trainers and jockeys but also for the entire community surrounding thoroughbred racing. Freedman’s journey to this victory emphasizes the commitment to honing talent in a challenging environment, showcasing the intersection between passion and competition.
Marhoona's win adds a new chapter to the Freedman legacy, enhancing their family's historic connection to horse racing. The success reverberates beyond just the immediate accolades; it represents hope and perseverance against the odds in the world of horse racing—an industry where elite talent is often sought from an early age.
As this year’s Golden Slipper concludes, eyes will shift toward the future of Marhoona and her potential in upcoming races. The excitement surrounding her unexpected rise, alongside Freedman's unwavering dedication to developing young racehorses, will continue to enthrall racing fans eager to witness the next great champion.
In the end, the Golden Slipper stands not merely as a race but as a testament to the relationships forged between trainers, jockeys, and their equine partners, framed within the thrilling narrative of sport. Each year, it serves as a reminder of the dreams, risks, and triumphs that shape the fabric of horse racing.
