Free Holmes

Freeman Wright Holmes (6 June 1871–21 February 1967), better known as Free Holmes was a New Zealand jockey, horse driver, trainer and breeder. He was born in Ashburton, South Canterbury, New Zealand on 6 June 1871.

He was known as "The Grand Old Man of Trotting".

He is notable for being both a champion driver and formerly a champion jockey. He won a unique double of the New Zealand Cup in 1888 for thoroughbreds, at Riccarton, riding Manton, and in 1919 driving Trix Pointer to win the NZ Trotting Cup at the Addington Raceway. As a jockey, he also won the 1894 Grand National Hurdles and 1895 Great Northern Hurdles and Great Northern Steeplechase with Liberator. He also won two Auckland Trotting Cups.

"Old Free" as he was reverently known in the trotting fraternity was also an expert in the management of thoroughbred horses. He successful raced, trained and owned horses both over the fences and on the flat. He also rode and drove trotters. His son Maurice Holmes was also a driving legend.

Major wins
Standardbreds
 * 1936 Inter Dominion Pacing Championship Evicus
 * 1935 Auckland Trotting Cup Graham Direct
 * 1934 Auckland Trotting Cup Roi L'Or
 * 1932 New Zealand Free For All Roi L'Or
 * 1922 New Zealand Free For All Trix Pointer
 * 1919 New Zealand Trotting Cup Trix Pointer

Thoroughbreds
 * 1888 New Zealand Cup Manton
 * 1888 New Zealand Derby Manton