Five Questions With Emma Freedman

March 10, 2022

We caught up with the Australian Turf Club Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival Ambassador and Channel 7 Horse Racing Presenter, Emma Freedman to hear about her early memories of horse racing, what an average day entails and what she will be looking for when judging Fashion Stakes.

1. What is your earliest or favourite memory of horse racing?

Living at the stables my father and his brothers worked out of at Flemington in the late 80s and early 90s. It was an unusual playground! I’d help mix feed, play with saddles, pat every horse on the daily and read them stories. I also remember polishing my Dad’s raceday shoes every Saturday morning and saying, “Train a winner Dad!”

2. What does a day in the life of Emma Freedman entail?

Every day is different because I have 2 small children! My days with Will and Edie are all playgrounds, lego, books and dolls, dog walks, supermarket trips and baby chinos. My work days at the track are a weekly highlight. The days prior there are meetings, writing and form to do, and then on a Saturday when we are on air it’s six hours of pure sport and theatre. I love it. I have to squeeze in work during the week where I can, but I wouldn’t have it any other day.

3. How did you end up where you are in your career and what’s your favourite thing about it?

Passion for sport, persistence, a level of hard work, joy for what I do and a thirst to continue to learn and improve. I never take any opportunity for granted and always want to bring energy to every job I’m on. I really enjoy working in a team environment and helping people shine at what they are best at.

4. What is your favourite part about A Raceday, and do you have any tips for the everyday racegoer?

I love the anticipation of race 1, and the build-up to the big race of the day if it’s a feature meeting. I love watching the parade for each race and looking at who I think is looking in tip-top order. I think the more you can embrace the sports side of a raceday, the more invested you become, and the more you love it.

5. You are one of our Fashion Stakes judges – How do you choose your Raceday look and what will you be looking for when judging Fashion Stakes.

At Channel 7 we are lucky to work with a styling team who do a terrific job. For me, the prerequisites are colour and comfort! I’ll be looking for personality and creativity from entrants, with looks that are cohesive overall.

6. Bonus question: If you were a racehorse, what would be called?

Ha! If Jason Richardson had a say, he’d probably call me “Speedy Freedy” which is a nickname he has had for me for close to 15 years!

Join us for Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival and discover your story here.