Racing Hall of Fame inductee Thomas J. Healey,[3] Dr. Freeland was bred and raced by Walter J. Salmon, Sr., a major New York City real estate developer and owner of Mereworth Farm near Lexington, Kentucky whom Bloodhorse magazine called "one of the leading breeder/owners of the 20th century".
[4] It was Salmon's third win of the prestigious race having won it in 1923 with Vigil and in 1926 with Display.
After Dr. Freeland's win, his owner decided not to run him in the Derby but instead to rest him for the June 29th Belmont Stakes.
[5][6] At a mile and a half, the Belmont proved too much for Dr. Freeland and he finished eighth and last.
[7] On November 29, 1931, Walter Salmon sold Dr. Freeland to Bennet Creech.