The Freedman juggernaut rolled on to Kyneton on Monday November 20, saddling up two runners for two winners.
It has been a great Spring for the Freedman team, with a number of winners with horses of all ability, it has been a great ride for all the owners to be involved in our stable and no better time of year to be winning!
The first winner of the day was one of the most heartfelt stories to come out of the stable. Ostile, a son of Shocking who was purchased from Karaka in 2021, had two starts at Flemington in 2yo staying grade before going to the paddock. On return to the stables, unfortunately Ostile had a significant injury to a hind leg, one which was arguably life threatening. Due to the swift action from our staff and the incredible vets at the Ballarat Vet Practice, Ostile was able to be stabilsed and commenced his rehab to first and foremost be happy and sound, and hopefully return to being a race horse to follow. Laura Dixon at Dowling View Equine was instrumental in his rehab process and worked diligently with BVP to ensure his rehab was completed seamlessly.
In May this year, Ostile was given the green light to commence trotting for a month, then to return to work in June. Taking a slow and steady approach, Freedman has been able to tailor the ideal program to nurture Ostile back to his full fitness and his maiden win is arguably one of Freedman’s most rewarding for the season. “It’s been a phenomenal effort to get this horse back to the races and to win a race with him at his second start back has been incredible. Twelve months ago, it was touch and go if he will make it as a race horse and we are so grateful for the work of everyone involved in his rehab and the support of his ownership to nurture him back to the races.”
Donning the OTI silks, Ostile sustained a long gallop following a difficult run in transit but such was his staying ability, he shot clear in the straight and whilst he had a good look around waiting for the other horses, he was able to hold on for his maiden win.
Last start winner Star Honour was the second leg of the Freedman double and was a very impressive winner stepping out of maiden grade. She has returned an improved mare this preparation and continued her good form, exploding for a 3.5 length victory. Now a 5yo, Freedman knows the key to the dazzling grey mare, understanding that she has an electric turn of foot but needs cover early in the race to be able to settle, conserve her energy and then explode at the finish. A fantastic ride by Tahlia Hope ensured Star Honour was comfortable and then as the race heated up from the 600m, had the perfect run through the small field and showcased her turn of foot, ears pricked, eased down on the line.
Now winning two in a row and with a 62 rating, Star Honour has the opportunity to chase a third win in a row in Benchmark 64 grade, with a number of options coming up for her throughout the month of December, keep an eye out for the big grey next start!
Ostile (NZ) ridden by Aaron Kuru wins the Prendergast Earthmoving Maiden Plate Highweight at Kyneton Racecourse on November 20, 2023 in Kyneton, Australia. (Photo by Pat Scala/Racing Photos via Getty Images)
Star Honour ridden by Tahlia Hope wins the Macedon Ranges Glass F&M BM58 Handicap at Kyneton Racecourse on November 20, 2023 in Kyneton, Australia. (Photo by Pat Scala/Racing Photos via Getty Images)
