Marhoona Wins 2025 Golden Slipper, Stretan Ruler Qualifies Amid Victorian Rule Changes

Marhoona won the 2025 Golden Slipper, and Stretan Ruler has now qualified for the next race. New 'Victorian rules' could change who can race.
By Newsroom | Horse Racing, Australia |

High-Stakes Racing Unfolds Amidst Rule Scrutiny

Recent horse racing events have seen significant wins for Marhoona, trained by Michael Freedman, who secured a coveted Golden Slipper victory in 2025 and a subsequent stakes double at Rosehill. Another notable performance comes from Stretan Ruler, trained by Phillip Stokes, who has earned a place in the upcoming Slipper with a win at Rosehill, guided by a move towards Sydney racing. Meanwhile, discussions surrounding "Victorian rules" suggest potential impacts on future Slipper contenders, hinting at a shifting landscape for eligibility and participation.

Key Events and Performances

The racing calendar has recently featured prominent victories by horses associated with the Golden Slipper.

Victorian rules to stamp Slipper ticket as Freedman wins feature double - 1

  • Marhoona, a filly trained by Michael Freedman, claimed the Golden Slipper in 2025. She later demonstrated her continued form with a win in the Listed Heritage Stakes and a victory in the Golden Pendant, forming part of a stakes double achieved with jockey Tommy Berry.

  • Stretan Ruler, under trainer Phillip Stokes, has positioned itself for the next Golden Slipper. After a successful run at the Magic Millions Guineas, the horse demonstrated adaptability by racing in the Sydney direction for the first time. This led to a win at Rosehill, securing a spot in the Todman Stakes and, importantly, a ticket to the Slipper.

Evidence of Performances

  • Marhoona's Golden Slipper Triumph (2025): Reports confirm Marhoona as the 2025 Golden Slipper winner. Jockey Damian Lane piloted the horse to a "dramatic victory" for trainer Michael Freedman. This win marked Marhoona's second career victory, following an earlier debut win and a second-place finish in the Reisling Stakes. The dominance of fillies in this race is noted as a recent trend.

  • Stretan Ruler's Slipper Qualification: Trainer Phillip Stokes has indicated that Stretan Ruler is now headed for the Todman Stakes after winning at Rosehill. This win effectively guarantees the horse a place in the upcoming Golden Slipper. Stokes remarked on the horse's maturity and adaptability, noting its success racing in the "Sydney way" for the first time.

Marhoona's Continued Success

Following her Golden Slipper victory, Marhoona has maintained a strong competitive edge.

  • Heritage Stakes and Golden Pendant: Marhoona won the Listed Heritage Stakes, becoming one of the few Golden Slipper winners in recent years to achieve a notable win at three years of age. She also secured the Golden Pendant race, extending her winning form.

  • Freedman and Berry Partnership: Trainer Michael Freedman and jockey Tommy Berry combined for a significant stakes double at Rosehill, which included Marhoona's victories. Berry acknowledged the challenge of assessing returning Slipper winners.

The "Victorian Rules" Factor

A recurring theme in recent racing news involves the potential impact of "Victorian rules" on the Golden Slipper.

  • Impact on Slipper Tickets: Reports suggest that "Victorian rules" are expected to influence or potentially "stamp out" a ticket for some horses aiming for the Slipper. This indicates a change or a specific condition being applied that may affect eligibility.

  • Stretan Ruler's Path: The article concerning Stretan Ruler explicitly links "Victorian rules" to the Slipper ticket, implying that compliance with these rules is now a significant consideration for participation.

Expert Commentary and Insights

  • Trainer Phillip Stokes commented on Stretan Ruler's development: "He’s come back a much more sensible, much more mature horse where you can ride him wherever you want." He also noted the horse's strong finish and adaptation to racing the Sydney way.

  • Jockey Damian Lane, reflecting on Marhoona's Golden Slipper win, expressed: "Not often you come up with a plan and execute it perfectly, well in Group 1s anyway." He also highlighted the horse's preparation, stating, "She's obviously been prepped perfectly for this, just peaking on the day."

Conclusion and Implications

The recent racing events showcase Marhoona's continued strength post-Golden Slipper win and Stretan Ruler's successful bid for a Slipper start. The mention of "Victorian rules" introduces an element of regulatory consideration that appears to be shaping the pathway to the Golden Slipper.

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  • Key Findings:

  • Marhoona has established herself as a prominent competitor with multiple stakes wins after her 2025 Golden Slipper victory.

  • Stretan Ruler has secured a place in the upcoming Golden Slipper through a win at Rosehill.

  • "Victorian rules" are highlighted as a factor that may affect Slipper eligibility for some horses.

  • Implications: The forthcoming Golden Slipper may see a refined set of participants, with "Victorian rules" playing a decisive role. The adaptability and performance of horses like Stretan Ruler will be tested not only by their racing ability but also by these regulatory frameworks.

Sources Used:

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who won the 2025 Golden Slipper race?
Marhoona, trained by Michael Freedman and ridden by Damian Lane, won the 2025 Golden Slipper. This was her second career win and a major achievement after her debut.
Q: How did Stretan Ruler get into the Golden Slipper?
Stretan Ruler, trained by Phillip Stokes, won a race at Rosehill. This win means the horse has now qualified for the upcoming Golden Slipper race.
Q: What are the 'Victorian rules' and how do they affect the Golden Slipper?
The 'Victorian rules' are new rules that might affect which horses can enter the Golden Slipper. Reports suggest these rules could stop some horses from getting a spot in the race.
Q: Has Marhoona raced since winning the Golden Slipper?
Yes, Marhoona has continued to race well. She won the Listed Heritage Stakes and the Golden Pendant race at Rosehill, showing she is still a strong competitor.
Q: Did Stretan Ruler race in Sydney before?
No, Stretan Ruler raced in the Sydney direction for the first time when winning at Rosehill. The trainer noted the horse was more mature and handled the change well.