Lee Freedman Wins First Time Back

Five-time G1 Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Lee Freedman tasted victory for the first time since announcing his return to the trade, saddling up Godolphin’s Java (Aus) (Medaglia d’Oro) to win the Blue Cross-Willowmeade 3YO Maiden Plate Tuesday at Kilmore in Victoria. A winner of 124 Group 1s and seven Victorian premierships, Freedman stepped away from the game three years ago, turning the reins over to his brother Anthony. The two are now in partnership. In addition to his five Melbourne Cups, two courtesy of the legendary Makybe Diva (GB) (Desert King {Ire}), Freedman has also won the Caulfield Cup and Golden Slipper on four occasions and also has a pair of Cox Plate successes to his credit. Lee Freedman is based at Flemington, while Anthony plies his trade from the family property on the Mornington Peninsular.