In a thrilling display of equine prowess, Marhoona, the sensational filly trained by Michael Freedman, captured the hearts of racing fans with her stunning victory in the 2025 Golden Slipper at Rosehill, a triumph that has carried her momentum into the spotlight at Hawkesbury. The Snitzel filly, owned by Emirates Park, defied expectations as she stormed to victory in the world’s richest two-year-old race, securing her place as one of Australia’s most promising young thoroughbreds. With a remarkable “PICK” rate among punters and analysts, Marhoona’s journey from a debutante to a Group 1 champion in just six weeks has become the stuff of racing folklore, cementing her status as a fan favorite and a testament to Freedman’s training acumen.

Marhoona’s path to the Golden Slipper was nothing short of extraordinary. Making her debut at Canterbury on February 7, she showcased her toughness by overcoming a hoof injury sustained during a commanding 0.27-length victory. Just a month later, she lined up in the Group 2 Reisling Stakes, finishing a close second to Tempted despite a month-long gap between runs. Her performance in the Reisling, where she hit the front before being narrowly overtaken, signaled her potential as a serious contender. However, with only $85,000 in prizemoney, Marhoona was the second-last horse to qualify for the 16-strong Golden Slipper field, making her victory all the more remarkable. Jockey Damian Lane, who celebrated his second Slipper win after Kiamichi in 2019, delivered a masterful ride, positioning Marhoona mid-field before unleashing her devastating turn of foot to hold off Wodeton and Tempted in a thrilling finish.

Freedman, no stranger to Golden Slipper success, described the win as a deeply emotional moment. Having co-trained Stay Inside to victory in 2021 with his brother Richard, and been part of the Freedman brothers’ operation that dominated the race in the 1990s with four consecutive wins, this triumph marked his first as a solo trainer. He admitted to initial concerns about Marhoona’s limited preparation, noting that a third start in such a high-stakes race was unconventional. Yet, her resilience and temperament shone through. “She’s a special filly,” Freedman told Sky Thoroughbred Central. “When she won at Canterbury, she ripped half a foot off, and I thought, ‘You’re tough.’ She bounced back, and her run in the Reisling was off the charts.” His faith in her ability, combined with her favorable barrier six draw, paid dividends as she defied the odds at $8 to claim the $5 million prize.

Following her Golden Slipper heroics, Marhoona’s spring campaign has kept her in the headlines. On August 25, 2025, she returned to action in a trial at Hawkesbury, where she impressively outpaced TAB Everest hopeful Headwall and others over 800m. This performance, reported by Racing NSW, has fueled excitement about her prospects for the Group 1 Golden Rose (1400m), with fans and bookmakers alike backing her heavily. Her “PICK” rate—a measure of punter confidence and analyst predictions—has soared, reflecting her growing reputation. Initially opening at $13 for the Golden Slipper, she was backed into $9 before the race, and her Hawkesbury trial has only strengthened her market support.

Freedman’s decision to give Marhoona a six-to-eight-week spell after her Golden Slipper win, due to shin soreness, proved wise. Her trial at Hawkesbury demonstrated that she has returned in peak condition, with her speed and class intact. The filly’s ability to compete against top-tier competition, even after a short preparation, underscores her potential to dominate the spring racing carnival. Emirates Park, her breeders, have celebrated her as their third Golden Slipper winner, with Snitzel’s influence evident in her pedigree. Marhoona’s half-siblings, including Group 2 winner Hilal, further highlight the strength of her lineage.

As Marhoona prepares for her next challenge, possibly the Group 2 Furious Stakes or the Percy Sykes Stakes, her story continues to captivate. Freedman’s small stable has taken on Sydney’s racing giants and emerged victorious, proving that talent and determination can triumph over bigger operations. For fans, Marhoona represents not just a champion but a symbol of hope and perseverance in the high-stakes world of thoroughbred racing. Her journey, marked by a meteoric rise and unwavering grit, ensures that all eyes will remain on her as she gallops toward further glory.