The Freedman family is one of racing’s most famous and our latest Quick Questions participant is Richard Freedman…
What is your first racing memory?
I was very young, and my Dad placed a bet on the daily double for me and told me I won. Can’t remember which track or the date, but the horses were Winged Arion and Hasty Heart….I think. They might not have even won!
Who is your favourite horse and why?
Naturalism. We went through some stuff together. He was better than most people will ever know.
Who is the best horse you’ve been involved with?
See above.
And the best horse you have seen?
Probably Frankel, but sentimentally Super Impose.
Who is your ‘what if’ horse, the one we didn’t see the best of?
Naturalism.
Who do you admire most in racing?
I most admire the people who keep the wheels of racing turning in the background. The ones who work behind the scenes for the small dollars, or none. They work in stables, in admin, or at the racetrack, doing jobs that most of us barely notice. They’re never in the news, but they know who they are, and the game would cease to exist without them.
What is one change/improvement you’d love to see in racing?
It would be nice to see some people in the high decision-making positions who have actually played the game. There are plenty of highly qualified people in those positions who love racing, which is great, but to have some people who have ridden, trained, or cared for a racehorse would be helpful. Most other sporting administrations have those people. I think they add perspective.
What is your favourite pastime outside of racing?
Skiing and sailing. It seems I like expensive, outdoor sports… for now.
Best concert you’ve been to?
Probably U2 at their peak.
What is your favourite T.V show/movie/book?
I have favourite old ones, and favourite new ones. I know that’s not a black/white answer that most people seem to like, but the world is mostly shades of grey, no matter how much people try to convince you it isn’t.
What slogan summarizes your outlook on life?
Embrace uncertainty. Fear of failure is powerful and sometimes it wins; just try not to let it rule.
Favourite food?
A good steak is hard to beat.
