Marhoona Triumphs in Thrilling 2025 Golden Slipper Stakes

Rosehill Gardens, NSW — March 22, 2025 

In one of the most memorable editions of Australia’s richest juvenile race, Marhoona delivered a stunning performance to win the 2025 Golden Slipper Stakes (Group 1, $5 million) at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday.

Trained by Michael Freedman and ridden with precision by Victorian jockey Damian Lane, the Snitzel-bred filly surged to the lead in the home straight and held on strongly to defeat Wodeton by a narrow margin, with Tempted finishing third in a pulsating finish to the world’s premier juvenile sprint.

The victory was the newest chapter in Snitzel’s remarkable influence on the Golden Slipper — giving the champion sire and Emirates Park Stud their third winner in the history of the race.

Marhoona, starting at around $8 in the early markets, showed tactical speed throughout the 1200-metre classic, settling just behind the leaders before unleashing her challenge in the final 200 metres. The filly’s tenacity under pressure saw her cling on in a fierce contest with her rivals, thrilling the packed Rosehill crowd and punters alike.

The victory marked a second Golden Slipper success for both Lane and Freedman, further cementing the trainer’s reputation for preparing elite juveniles for the big stage.

An emotional Freedman paid tribute to his team’s long-term efforts, acknowledging the highs and lows of preparing young horses for elite competition. The performance also affirmed Marhoona’s rapid rise through the juvenile ranks — having debuted with a win and placed second in the Group 2 Reisling Stakes prior to her Golden Slipper bid.

With her Slipper win now etched in history, connections are considering a campaign beyond the juvenile season for Marhoona. Discussions are underway about potential targets in autumn sprint features, where her combination of speed and durability could see her compete with the best sprinting prospects in the country.

As the sun set on another thrilling chapter of Australian racing, Marhoona’s victory in the 2025 Golden Slipper Stakes will be remembered as a standout performance in the sport’s iconic early-season highlight.