Freedmans face hefty ban over raceday treatment charges

Melbourne Cup-winning trainers Anthony and Sam Freedman are attempting to avoid a potential three-month disqualification after pleading guilty to charges relating to banned raceday treatments.

The father-and-son training partnership admitted three breaches connected to the treatment of intended runners Kira and Moonhaven prior to racing at Caulfield on August 16 last year.

The Freedmans, who famously won the Melbourne Cup with Without A Fight in 2023, were not present when the treatments occurred.

During a routine inspection, Racing Victoria’s Compliance Assurance Team observed Kira receiving treatment via a nebuliser at the stable’s Cranbourne satellite facility. Stable staff subsequently informed stewards that Moonhaven had undergone similar treatment earlier that morning.

Both horses were later scratched from their respective races at Caulfield.

The matter has been attributed to human and administrative errors, with the trainers accepting responsibility and entering early guilty pleas.

According to reports from Racenet, Racing Victoria barrister Greg Buchhorn urged the Victorian Racing Tribunal to consider a three-month disqualification, while acknowledging the trainers’ early admissions as special circumstances.

Representing the Freedmans, barrister Matthew Stirling argued the tribunal should impose a fine or a penalty short of disqualification.

The Victorian Racing Tribunal heard penalty submissions on Wednesday before reserving its decision.

A ruling on the matter is scheduled to be handed down on July 1.

For those following the latest racing industry developments, check out leading betting sites for racing news, form and markets.