Stable update with Mitch Freedman and Racing Manager Alex Ross

Smart Little Miss March 21 Terang 1000m   Bet365 BM64 Handicap Jockey: Johnny Allen

Whitson March 21 Terang 1206m   Skybow Transport Maiden Plate Jockey: Dean Yendall

Watch Capital March 21 Terang 1000m   Terang Co-Op Maiden Plate Jockey: Johnny Allen

Heavenly Way March 4 Ararat 1100m   Russ Studio Jewellers Maiden Plate Jockey: Jarrod Fry

A Dime Approach March 2 Colac 2008m   Aviso Integral 0-58 Handicap Jockey: Jarrod Fry

Samurai Star March 1 Wangaratta 2000m   Pacific Hire BM64 Handicap  Jockey: Jarrod Fry

329 CAREER WINNERS

256 individual runners this season

First place    -     25
Second place     -     35
Third place    -    36

Stable Open Day 2025

Thank you to all of those who attended, it was a tremendous turnout.
We look forward to seeing to all next year!

She’s Pretty Smart

Smart Little Miss ridden by Dean Yendall wins the Bet365 BM64 Handicap at Terang Racecourse on March 21

Smart Little Miss was a rare Inglis Digital purchase for Freedman and is a mare that possesses a booming finish, able to reel off closing sectionals that are well above her current benchmark rating. Smart Little Miss had four starts for the stable in her first campaign and to be frank, was very unlucky to not be winning on three of those four occasions.

Relieved to get a win on the board, Freedman said post race “This mare has a real motor, but her racing pattern means there are always variables against her early. She is very good fresh and we will keep her races spaced, keep her feeling well and ready to let rip.”

To read the full story click here

Whitson Wins On Protest

Whitson after the Skybow Transport Maiden Plate at Terang Racecourse on March 21

With an eye now to the future, although Whitson certainly has tested the patience of his connections at stages, Freedman is confident that he can go on with the job and continue to rise in the ratings. “I have confidence that this horse will go on with it, I still think he is a chance. It’s taken us longer than we would have liked to get here, chasing some bigger prize money in stronger maidens but feel that he is well and truly capable of winning a few more along the way.”

To read the full story click here

Watch Capital Too Fast At Terang

Watch Capital ridden by John Allen wins the Terang Co-Op Maiden Plate at Terang Racecourse on March 21

The speedy son of Capitalist was purchased from the Mill Park draft at the Magic Millions Adelaide Sale in 2023 and has always shown ability, but the team have had to be patient with him along the way. “He has always shown a good level of sprinting talent at home and we thought he might make it to the races as a two year-old, but he had a couple of minor issues, which have required time and ongoing management.” Freedman said. 

To read the full story click here

An amazing day it was at the inaugural Ballarat Turf Club Golf Day!
Brin Hayden, Daniel Bowman, Mitch Freedman and Mick Brown

Heavenly Way Shines Through

Heavenly Way ridden by Jarrod Fry wins the Russ Studio Jewellers Maiden Plate at Ararat Racecourse on March 04

In her first three starts, Heavenly Way hasn’t had things all go to plan and can get fierce in her racing when she is not in her own rhythm, overdoing it in the middle sections and therefore not finishing off as well as she can. Reviewing her preparation to date, Freedman decided it’s time to “let fast horses be fast” and she was able to showcase her gate speed and dominate from the lead, running away to a comfortable two and a quarter length victory.

To read the full story click here

James Bester

James Bester pictured here with Heavenly Way as a foal

Q: I understand you come from a Coolmore background, could you tell us a bit more about that? 
A: I was race-calling and bloodstock consulting in South Africa, when I crossed paths with the legendary Robert Sangster’s son Ben. Ben helped me get a job with Robert’s Swettenham Stud, who managed the Isle Of Man at the time. Robert was also a one-third partner in Coolmore Stud, with Vincent O’Brien and John Magnier. So all of that led to my ultimate association in Australia with Coolmore, via first Baramul and then Arrowfield Stud.

For Coolmore Australia I have acted in Marketing and Racing Management roles, along with on-farm stock assessment and at-sale yearling selection. I still fulfil a consultancy role there, whilst acting also as an independent bloodstock consultant to other racing and breeding clients.
 
Q: What is your favourite thing about horse racing and horse ownership?
A: It’s hard to beat the thrill of watching one’s own horse competing, but equally enjoyable is the camaraderie of socialising with a group of like-minded owners in a horse. Obviously any success adds to that, but the participation and partnership is enjoyable enough in itself (as long as one stays within the realm of ‘disposable income). 

Q: Can you tell us a bit about how you came to have horses trained by Mitch, and what your experience has been like as an owner?
A: Had heard about and observed Mitch’s success from afar (especially with inexpensive-bought yearlings). Then I met him at the sales bar, always the best place to find me!

At an Inglis yearling sale and was suitably impressed with his demeanour (temperament is as important in humans as it is in horses). So I told him I’d be sending him horses to train. I don’t think he believed me at the time but I’m a man of my word so, here we are. 

This filly who recently won, Heavenly Way, is far more ‘demonic’ than angelic and Mitch was chosen to train her because of his great horsemanship and great facilities, which facilitated her re-education after a disastrous start at ‘Grand Central’ Randwick. It hasn’t been entirely smooth sailing but the team and filly did well throughout until eventually clinching an impressive win.
 
Q: Looking back, what’s a piece of advice you’d give to your younger self? 
A: Never give up chasing your dreams. Do nothing different, just work harder at it all along the way.

Thank you for your time James, and all the best for your future runners!

A Dime Approach added a second win for the stable from only four starts

A Dime Approach ridden by Jarrod Fry wins the Aviso Integral 0-58 Handicap at Colac Racecourse on March 02

The Kurrinda Bloodstock and Freedman team are proving themselves to be an imperial force and the future is bright for the combination, with the unraced 2yo Tagaloa x Jasmine Wind filly and recently purchased Maurice x Shobu filly coming through the ranks. Shares are available in both fillies, join us for the ride!

To read the full story click here

Samurai Star in the Mounting Yard with connections after winning the Pacific Hire BM64 Handicap at Wangaratta Racecourse on March 01

Samurai Star Too Strong

Darren Dance and the Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock team have been fantastic supporters for the team and enjoy following Samurai Star around the countryside. He is proving to be a solid contributor for the stable and now with the confidence of a win following some narrow defeats, hopefully this sees him turn the corner and put another win on the board.

To read the full story click here

Stable Open Day 2025