Victorious Links, the Lawrence Freemantle-conditioned bay filly, returned to the track on Saturday, January 3, 2026, with a determined effort to win a $1.05-million maiden condition race for native-bred three-year-olds.

The victory marked a triumphant comeback for the filly, who had been scratched from her intended debut on October 19, 2025.

Ridden by Dane Dawkins, Victorious Links narrowly defeated Mo Pai, ridden by Tajay Suckoo, by a head in the 5½ furlongs (1,100m) contest, with a winning time of 1:09.4 (23.1 x 48.2 x 1:102.3).

Freemantle attributed the filly’s success to her resilience and his careful preparation.

“She was a little bit fractious and injured herself in the box,” Freemantle said. “I had to give her some time to recover and re-programme her, and she came back fine. Her preparation coming into this race was fairly well, giving me all the confidence.”

Despite not getting a good start, Victorious Links recovered well and showed enough grit to edge out Mo Pai at the finish line.

Freemantle was pleased with the performance, but felt she could have won more comfortably.

“I wasn’t pressing her at exercise; I thought she would have won a little easier than she did,” Freemantle told the Jamaica Observer’s The Supreme Racing Guide.

“She didn’t get a brilliant start, and so I still have to give thanks for the victory. The performance was good, and she can only improve from here on,” he added.

Freemantle plans to take a cautious approach with Victorious Links, assessing her progress one day at a time.

“We are going to take it one day at a time with her from here on, and as we go along, we can assess her better,” he said.

Victorious Links is bred by Western Warrior out of the Handsome Mike mare Victory Turn.

Victorious Links recovered from a slow start to match strides with Dark Authority, ridden by Raddesh Roman, as they approached the half-mile mark. The two horses battled side by side, with Dark Authority holding the inside track and Victorious Links pressing on the outside.

As they turned into the straight, Victorious Links took the lead a furlong out. Mo Pai then launched a late surge, closing the gap and pushing Victorious Links to the limit in a heart-stopping finish.

With this win to kick off his 2026 racing season, Freemantle said that he is anticipating a good year from his stable.

“Last season was good for me. I won about six races from 32 starts, which is very good. I think I have done pretty good, in terms of running, winning, and earning. My expectations have always been high; once I have the quality horses, I can get the job. I am expecting to do well this year,” Freemantle said.

Trainer Lawrence Freemantle (left) and owner Ian Lodge (right) and other connections with Victorious Links (Dane Dawkins) in the winners’ enclosure on Saturday, January 3, 2026.(Photo: Karl Mclarty)