In the world of Australian thoroughbred racing, few names carry the weight and heritage of Freedman. The training partnership between Anthony and Sam Freedman not only honours that storied legacy but also propels it forward with fresh energy, modern thinking, and elite horsemanship. Operating from Mornington and Pinecliff stables in Victoria, the father-and-son team have emerged as a formidable force, seamlessly blending decades of experience with a sharp, forward-looking approach that is redefining what success looks like in modern racing.
Anthony Freedman, the younger brother of Hall of Fame trainer Lee Freedman, has spent a lifetime immersed in racing at the highest level. A key part of the legendary Freedman Brothers operation during its dominant run through the 1990s and early 2000s, Anthony was instrumental behind the scenes in preparing champions such as Makybe Diva, Alinghi, Miss Andretti, and Tawqeet. After stepping into his own spotlight in the late 2000s, Anthony quickly proved he was more than a supporting act—amassing Group 1 victories under his own name and establishing a reputation as a patient, strategic trainer with a masterful touch, particularly with high-class juveniles and middle-distance performers.
In 2019, Anthony officially welcomed Sam Freedman into a co-training role, marking the next chapter in the family’s rich racing tradition. Sam had already gained international experience in both Europe and the United States, honing his skills under elite horsemen and broadening his global perspective. His return to Australia brought a fresh wave of enthusiasm, data-driven decision-making, and strong communication skills—qualities that have since become a hallmark of the Freedman partnership. Sam’s intuitive feel for young horses and calm presence under pressure have made him a standout in his own right, earning the respect of owners, jockeys, and industry peers alike.
Together, Anthony and Sam have forged a training operation built on discipline, attention to detail, and a horse-first ethos. They are particularly known for their success with elite two- and three-year-olds, consistently targeting Australia’s premier juvenile and classic races with precision and intent. Their training bases at Pinecliff and Flemington offer access to world-class facilities, allowing them to tailor individual programs that support both performance and long-term soundness.
Their Group 1 achievements as a partnership are numerous and include standout performances from horses like Artorius, winner of the Blue Diamond Stakes, and Santa Ana Lane, one of Australia’s most prolific sprinters, who secured five Group 1 victories including the Stradbroke Handicap and TJ Smith Stakes. These triumphs reflect not just talent, but the Freedmans’ trademark ability to place horses where they can win—often against the best of the best.
The pinnacle of their partnership to date came with the outstanding stayer Without A Fight, who delivered the Freedmans a rare and historic double by winning both the Caulfield Cup and the Melbourne Cup—Australia’s most prestigious staying races—in 2023. These landmark victories cemented their place among the sport’s elite and showcased their ability to prepare a horse to peak on the biggest stages.
While Anthony provides the depth of experience and a calm strategic mind, Sam brings the ambition and adaptability required to meet the evolving demands of the sport. Their mutual respect and shared vision create a cohesive and professional environment—one that has become highly attractive to owners seeking both top-tier results and transparent communication.
Today, Freedman Racing stands as a modern training powerhouse—built on legacy, elevated by innovation, and driven by a passion for excellence. With a blend of generational wisdom and youthful ambition, Anthony and Sam Freedman continue to shape the future of Australian racing, one champion at a time.
