Freedman initiates Insurrection resurrection in 2026 Canterbury Sprint

Insurrection will attempt to defend his crown in the 2026 Canterbury Sprint following a contrasting lead-up to the one that delivered victory last year.

The six-year-old resumes in Thursday’s Listed 1200m feature at Canterbury, chasing his first win since claiming the race in 2025.

That victory came after Insurrection finished second in the Group 3 Razor Sharp Stakes, which followed a success in the $300,000 The Warra.

After finishing seventh in the Group 3 Star Kingdom Stakes on April 1, trainer Michael Freedman elected to give the son of Russian Revolution a lengthy spell.

“He just had a few aches and pains that he was dealing with and we were more or less one step forward, two steps back with him,” Freedman said.

“So, we just decided to give him a nice, long break and let him go and be a horse for a few months in the paddock, which he did, and I think he’s really enjoyed that and come back with a bit of a fresh body and fresh mindset.”

Insurrection has since returned with two encouraging 850m trials at Randwick Kensington in December, recording a soft win before finishing a close second under light riding.

“It’s probably one of those things where you’d love to it to be maybe 1000 or 1100 rather than the 1200, but just at this time of year there’s simply nothing else around that suits a horse of his rating,” Freedman said.

“He’s had two nice trials going into it, he’s had a nice steady build-up, and I think it’s a nice race for him.

“Whether he’s quite rock-hard fit enough for it against a few race-fit horses remains to be seen, but he’s a very competitive, genuine customer, so I’m sure he’ll give his all.”

Tommy Berry takes the ride on Insurrection, who will jump from gate six in a 15-horse field that includes King’s Secret, The Instructor and Zealously.

Betting markets for the Canterbury Sprint are available via the Australian betting sites list.