Marhoona returns to win Heritage Stakes

Snitzel’s Champion 2YO daughter Marhoona became the first Golden Slipper winner since 2017 to win her first 3YO start with a tenacious victory in Saturday’s $200,000 ATC Heritage S. 1100m LR at Rosehill. 

Before 2017, Pierro (in 2012) and Sepoy (in 2011) also won their first races at three, then went on to further Group 1 success, and 3YO championship honours.

Marhoona will be given the chance to repeat that history. Trainer Michael Freedman said, “She has such a great will to win. This filly is very sharp. Whether we stretch her later on, we will think about that, but I think seven furlongs [1400m] will be fine, maybe not this preparation. The plan was to run here and then run in the Coolmore [Stud Stakes at Flemington on Derby Day].”

The Golden Slipper winner returns with a win! 🙌

Marhoona takes the Listed Heritage Stakes for @MFreedmanRacing and @TommyBerry21 💪@aus_turf_club @EmiratesPark pic.twitter.com/IwyaTKbDMX

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) September 27, 2025

Bred & raced by Emirates Park, Marhoona is the best of four stakeswinners left by the unraced Salma, and one of 4 Group 1 winners by four-time Champion Sire Snitzel from 94 runners out of Encosta de Lago mares. Salma’s third dam is the blue hen mare Dancing Show whose 46 stakes-winning descendants include 14 Group 1 winners, among them Redoute’s Choice, Shoals, In Italian, Tom Kitten & Hurricane Sky.

Snitzel’s posthumous record is growing quickly this season, with Baraqiel, Lazzura & Marhoona posting five Group & Listed wins and his progeny’s collective Australian prizemoney passing the $3 million mark before the end of September.