Symons Laxon Racing, home to Melbourne Cup-winning trainers John Symons and Sheila Laxon ONZM.

With decades of experience and success at the highest level of thoroughbred racing, John and Sheila now operate from Ballarat Turf Club in Victoria, bringing their proven horsemanship and individual approach to one of the state’s leading training centres.

Together, John and Sheila celebrated their greatest partnership success when Knight’s Choice won the 2024 Melbourne Cup. For Sheila, it marked a remarkable second Melbourne Cup victory, having made history as the first female trainer to win the race when Ethereal completed the Caulfield Cup–Melbourne Cup double in 2001.

John’s career is equally distinguished, highlighted by Group 1 success with Bel Esprit, winner of the Blue Diamond Stakes and Doomben 10,000 and later the sire of champion Black Caviar.

Today, that wealth of experience continues to shape Symons Laxon Racing — combining proven success, exceptional horsemanship and a genuine passion for getting the best from every horse.