Michael Freedman jumps at chance to train in Hong Kong

MICHAEL Freedman admitted he would have “lived to regret it” if he did not accept an offer to train in Hong Kong.

MICHAEL Freedman admitted he would have “lived to regret it” if he did not accept an offer to train in Hong Kong.

“To be given a chance to train in Hong Kong is such an amazing opportunity,’’ Freedman told The Daily Telegraph on Friday. “I’m mindful I have only been back in Sydney a year and was just starting to get things going but you have to make calls in life you feel are the right ones.

“I weighed everything up and felt if I didn’t take this chance then I would live to regret it.’’

Freedman was advised by the Hong Kong Jockey Club licensing committee on Frida that he had been selected to join the Hong Kong training ranks, starting in September.

“Michael Freedman was selected from a field of high quality contenders and possesses all the attributes required to succeed in the ultra-competitive Hong Kong environment,” Andrew Harding, executive director, racing authority, at the Hong Kong Jockey Club said.

“His international experience, and his personal probity and integrity all identify Michael as being an exceptional talent who will make an excellent addition to Hong Kong’s roster of trainers.”

Pics of trainer Michael Freedman and 2yo Henry The Createth Enter Rosehill racecourse today.

Freedman will be given 50 boxes in Hong Kong and is expected to relocate there just prior to the new season starting in September.

“It is business as usual for me here in Sydney until at least after the autumn carnival but then I will have to get over there and start drumming up business from new owners,’’ he said. “There is a lot of work to do and plenty of challenges ahead but I am excited to be given this opportunity.’’

Freedman spent eight years in Singapore before returning to Sydney about 12 months ago where he has quickly re-established himself in the Sydney training ranks.

His Randwick stables is made up of predominantly juveniles and in recent weeks his unbeaten filly Teaspoon won the Listed Widden Stakes while promising Frolic powered home to win the Inglis Classic last Monday.

“Teaspoon will probably go to the Sweet Embrace Stakes next Saturday and I will keep Frolic for the Reisling Stakes the following week,’’ Freedman said.

INSURANCE OPTION

CHAUTAUQUA, the world’s highest-rated sprinter, is a late nomination for the $3 million Doncaster Mile (1600m) at Royal Randwick on April 1.

Trainer John Hawkes said the decision was to leave all options open with the grey superstar’s autumn campaign. The Doncaster is run on the same day as the $2.5 million T.J. Smith Stakes (1200m), the nation’s richest sprint which Chautauqua has won brilliantly the past two years.

The horse’s immediate race program is still to be decided after the gelding ran third to Super Cash in last week’s Rubiton Stakes.

Originally published as Michael Freedman jumps at chance to train in Hong Kong