In just her third start, Marhoona has made a sensational debut win in the Golden Slipper, giving Michael Freedman his first success in the race as a solo trainer.

Freedman, who previously won the prestigious race in 2021 with Stay Inside while part of the Freedman brothers team, celebrated a deeply personal victory with the filly. “It’s hard, you’re a small stable taking on these big numbers,” Freedman said. “These moments are exactly why you do it.”

Ridden by Damian Lane, Marhoona ($8) stalked the leaders before surging to the front halfway up the straight, holding off Chris Waller’s Wodeton ($7) by a head and Godolphin’s Tempted ($4.80) by half a length.

Freedman had concerns about Marhoona’s quick progression but was confident in her ability after her impressive performance in the Reisling Stakes. “I thought I had the right article,” Freedman said.

The race was marred by a fall at the 800m mark when Within The Law made contact with the rail, dislodging jockey Jason Collett, though neither horse nor rider was injured.

Chris Waller, who came second in three consecutive Group 1 races, praised Wodeton’s effort. “Full credit to the winner and Michael Freedman,” he said.

Blake Shinn, aboard Tempted, felt a blocked run cost them the race, calling it “a tough one to swallow.”