EI keeps Freedman home

November 25, 2007

LEE Freedman has been barred from attending the glittering crowning of Miss Andretti as Australian racehorse of the year in Sydney.

Freedman was told by Victorian stewards yesterday if he attended the black tie dinner he could not return to his Markdel stables because of EI bio-security until Thursday, a time lag the trainer couldn't afford.
"I have been barred from your big night, I'm disappointed," Freedman said. "I wanted to make a show of strength because it's the first glimmer of light up there.
"Des (Des Gleeson, chief steward) said the rules of a two-day stay away for any hands-on horseman would apply.
"That also rules out Froggy Newitt (Miss Andretti's jockey) who was intending to go up for the big night."