Stradbroke Handicap the long term goal for Coastwatch

The iconic Red, Purple Sash, White Sleeves, and Purple Cap of the Freedman family have graced some of the most prestigious winners’ circles in Australia and beyond.

These famous silks were a hallmark of success during the late 1980s to mid-2000s when the Freedman brothers—Lee, Anthony, Richard, and Michael—dominated the racing scene as the "FBI." Over time, the brothers pursued different paths, but the family’s legacy in racing remains as strong as ever.

Today, the next generation has joined the ranks. With Anthony and Sam Freedman and Richard and Will Freedman stepping into the training spotlight, the family name continues to make waves.

At Sandown on Saturday, Richard and Will Freedman, who train out of Rosehill, celebrated a significant victory when Coastwatch claimed the Listed John Dillon Stakes (1400m), carrying the family’s iconic colours to a memorable win.

For Will Freedman, it was a special moment as it marked his first victory in the famous silks since forming a partnership with his father.

“The colours still win plenty down here,” Freedman said. “I’m not sure that I’ve actually had a winner in them before, but I’m very proud of what the family has achieved over a long period and what Sam is achieving.

“I’m only just starting to put my name to the silks.”

Coastwatch, recently acquired by the stable and making his debut in the family’s colours, justified his $3.50 price in betting. Under a strong ride by Damian Lane, the gelding defeated Chorlton Lane ($3.10 favorite) by a length, with Buffalo River ($4.80) a further length behind after setting a solid early pace.

Freedman praised the gelding’s effort and noted the race played out as expected.

“I would have been worried if it had been a genuine sit-and-sprint,” he said. “He’s rock-hard fit, and he gets better as his preparation progresses.

“When we got to the bend, I thought we might be carting the field up and giving something a trail, but he gave a good kick at the 300 metres and was able to put them away.”

Looking ahead, Freedman revealed that a tilt at the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) at Eagle Farm during the Brisbane Winter Carnival is on the radar for Coastwatch.

“He’s a good handicap horse,” Freedman said. “We’ll have to plot a path to that race, but if there’s a suitable event down here during the autumn, we might give him another run.”