Mitch Freedman’s road to success

Mitch Freedman was raised in racing but truly immersed himself in the sport as a teenager, working with Victorian trainers such as Kathryn and Craig Durden, Andrew Payne, and Dan O’Sullivan. As foreman at Darren Weir’s Warrnambool stable, Freedman oversaw a talented string of horses, including dual Group 1 winner Platelet, standout mare May’s Dream, and Puissance De Lune, renowned for his 2012 Stakes Day victory. 

In 2013, following a short stint overseas, Freedman established his own stable, starting with just two horses and four pre-trainers. Over time, he built a strong operation at his Ballarat training facility, which now houses nearly 60 horses.

Known for his hands-on approach, Freedman remains closely involved in the daily routines, from riding track work to meticulously monitoring each horse’s condition.

“I really do enjoy that hands-on setup where I’m dealing with them every day. I’m keeping an eye on their actions, feeling their legs, and building that relationship. You get to know when the horse is ready to perform at its best by the feeling you get from them,” he said. 

Freedman’s dedication has culminated in a number of wins, including Skybird’s victory in the 2025 Group 1 Black Caviar Lightning. Despite pulling up sore after the race due to a pectoral strain, Skybird’s recovery is progressing well under the care of Freedman and a team that includes vets, physios, and other specialists. 

Freedman is focusing on his Group 1-winning four-year-old gelding, Attrition, set to contest the $2.5 million TAB Australian Cup. Attrition’s preparation has been careful, with Freedman optimistic about his chances. As Freedman’s first Group 1 winner, Attrition holds a special place in his heart.

“He really does stand out. I mean, to have a horse of that level and the way he performs – it’s never easy for him.

He always seems to get himself into a dog fight and wants to be involved in it. It’s a bit uncommon for a stallion to show that kind of fight; they can be a little tricky. But he really enjoys being in the fight and staying competitive. And that’s who he is.” 

Freedman doesn’t take winning a Group 1 lightly and is making sure he and his team take the time to fully enjoy the moment and not let it pass them by. “I really just wanted to soak it all in, enjoy it, and absorb every emotion, as well as everyone’s reactions around me. And, sort of, bottle that feeling,” he said of Skybird’s Black Caviar Lightning victory. “You’re performing at the highest level when you consider the hard work that your whole team has put in to get to that point. We have some long-term employees in the stable, and they’ve been part of the journey. Seeing the smile on their faces and the enjoyment they get out of it, as much as I do, is a real thrill.” 

With the team fully prepared, many will be hoping those same smiles return on TAB Australian Cup Day when Attrition looks to claim first prize. Freedman has no doubt about his abilities.

“He’s a very intelligent horse. You show him something once, and he does it. You can see it in the way he races – he races like he knows where the winning post is. He knows how to fight, and he knows what he’s doing.”