Racing Victoria stewards have opened an inquiry into the pre-race treatment of the Anthony and Sam Freedman-trained gallopers Moonhaven and Kira, who were scratched on Saturday morning on the advice of the RV Compliance Assurance Team.
The RV Compliance Assurance Team advised the RV stewards that the pair had been treated with medication on race day morning.
RV stewards then ordered their withdrawal at 8.40am.
After taking evidence from co-trainer Sam Freedman, veterinarian Dr Tom Brennan and stable employees Alex Maher and Debra Cooke, the matter was adjourned to a time and date to be fixed.
Freedman Racing put out a statement on X in response to the scratchings.
“An oversight occurred within the stable for which we take full responsibility. We are committed to working openly and cooperatively with the Racing Victoria stewards as they conduct their inquiry.”
“We take pride in our integrity and the strength of our systems, but any system in the world can fall victim to human error. Therefore, we will conduct an immediate and in-depth review to ensure that all processes continue to meet our stringent requirements and do everything possible to mitigate future risk.”
Update from Freedman Racing pic.twitter.com/KQe7kIV0uV
— Anthony Freedman Racing (@FreedmanRacing) August 16, 2025