Lee Freedman is the only trainer in modern Melbourne Cup history to even get remotely close to the achievements of Bart Cummings.
The Sydney native trained five winners of this race between 1989 and 2005. Though not the registered trainer for her first win, Freedman saddled up Makybe Diva for two of her record-breaking three Cup victories.
We’re checking out the man himself, as well as his Melbourne Cup victories down the years.
About Lee Freedman
Lee Freedman was born in Sydney in 1956. It appears that training was to be his calling. He dropped out of university to become involved in the family stud farm, but soon was tired of that too.
Freedman decided to go it alone as a thoroughbred trainer. He set up stables in Sydney, at one point purchasing the yard vacated by Bart Cummings. That may well have proved to be a great omen for him.
Melbourne Cup Achievements
Having begun his training career well, Melbourne Cup success was always a target.
He became a bona fide horse racing star when he trained his first ever Melbourne Cup winner in 1989. Not only did he train the winner, he in fact managed a 1-2 when his Tawrrific led home the yard’s other runner, Super Impose.
More Cup success followed in 1992, with Freedman’s equine quintet of Melbourne Cup winners completed by the great Makybe Diva in 2004 and 2005.
Lee Freedman’s Melbourne Cup Wins
Five winners is a terrific record. Freedman stands alongside 19th-century trainer Etienne De Mestre on that number of successes in the Melbourne Cup. Here are all five of his Cup heroes and heroines:
| Year | Winner | Age | Jockey | Horse Owner | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Makybe Diva | 7 | Glen Boss | Emily Krstina Syndicate | 3:19.17 |
| 2004 | Makybe Diva | 6 | Glen Boss | Emily Krstina Syndicate | 3:28.55 |
| 1995 | Doriemus | 5 | Damien Oliver | Pacers Australia | 3:27.60 |
| 1992 | Subzero | 4 | Greg Hall | DHK Investments | 3:24.70 |
| 1989 | Tawrrific | 5 | Shane Dye | BF Avery et al | 3:17.10 |
Makybe Diva
Foaled in 1999, Makybe Diva was a real champion race mare. She is the only horse ever to have won the Melbourne Cup three times. She is also the only mare to win it more than once.
As well as her Melbourne Cup victories in 2003, 2004 and 2005, she also won the ’05 Cox Plate. Her first Melbourne Cup win was overseen by trainer David Hall, with Freedman taking over for her second and third wins.
