Despite a few nervous moments in the straight after dropping the reins, Dean Yendall was able to guide Sirleaf to a well-deserved maiden win at Warrnambool on Sunday January 11.

The son of Exceedance was another graduate of Inglis Premier, hand selected by Freedman and it was a great reward to see him break through at his eighth start. He started his racing career with a boom on him following a couple of impressive jump outs and has taken a little longer to break through than planned, but all that is behind us now with an impressive maiden win.

Freedman said “we identified this horse at the Inglis Premier sale out of a family we know well, and he looked to be a big improver out of the sale. He’s a nice horse with a lovely action and it’s pleasing to see him get a win on the board.”

Sirleaf is Freedman’s fourth winner in two weeks to begin 2026 and the third that has been directly purchased by Mitch – a timely reminder that Mitch’s record in purchasing yearlings is second to none!

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