JOHN SYMONS

Early Life & Beginnings

  • Introduced to horses at age 12 when his parents bought him a pony.
  • Learned to ride bareback, became active in the show circuit, and placed second to Olympian Andrew Hoy at the Royal Melbourne Show.
  • Initially pursued a painting apprenticeship, winning the Victorian Apprentice Painter title before turning full-time to horses.

Transition to Racing

  • In 1977, left painting to work at Kingston Park, gaining breeding and preparation experience, including the champions Kingston Town and Lowan Star.
  • Began training in 1980 with Batchelor’s Toddman, which won at its third start.
  • By 1984, committed to full-time training, building a reputation for improving average horses into winners.

Career Highlights

  • Resident trainer at Macedon Lodge in 2000, helping establish the facility.
  • By 2001, ranked among Australia’s top ten trainers.
  • Selected Bel Esprit for $9,000, who won major juvenile races including the Blue Diamond Stakes, and then the Doomben 10,000 and later sired the legendary Black Caviar.
  • Other notable horses: Macedon Lady, Joy of Flight, Infinite Grace, Zupaone, Down Under Boy, Zupacool, and Daintree Duke.

Partnership with Sheila Laxon

  • John’s journey took a defining turn when he met Sheila Laxon, herself a trailblazing trainer and Melbourne Cup winner.
  • Their shared passion for horses and complementary skills led to both a professional partnership and marriage, strengthening the Symons Laxon Racing identity.
  • Together, they built a formidable team, blending John’s meticulous eye for yearlings with Sheila’s proven success at the highest level.
  • This partnership elevated the stable’s profile nationally and internationally, ensuring its reputation for excellence and resilience.

Sunshine Coast Era

  • Established a strong base at the Sunshine Coast, where Symons Laxon Racing became known for consistent winners and developing promising young horses.
  • Knight’s Choice was carefully nurtured here, progressing from raw talent into a polished stayer. His development at the Sunshine Coast laid the foundation for his historic 2024 Melbourne Cup victory.
  • Irish Constabulary, a late‑maturing gelding, became a cult hero with his toughness and longevity, delighting owners and fans alike.
  • Mission of Love, the 2024 Caloundra Cup winner
  • The stable also guided the career of the ill‑fated Denoninator, a horse of immense ability whose potential was tragically cut short, yet remains remembered for his raw talent and promise.

2024 Melbourne Cup Triumph

  • Achieved one of racing’s greatest milestones with Knight’s Choice winning the 2024 Melbourne Cup.
  • This victory cemented John and Sheila’s legacy as a training partnership capable of producing champions at the highest level.
  • The win was celebrated nationally and marked a pinnacle in the team’s history.

Return to Macedon Lodge

  • In a full-circle moment, John has now returned to Macedon Lodge, the elite training facility where he first rose to prominence.
  • With decades of experience, proven success at the Sunshine Coast, and a Melbourne Cup victory behind him, he brings unmatched expertise to this new chapter.
  • The return signals a renewed ambition to shape future champions from one of Australia’s premier training bases, whilst maintaining a strong presence in Queensland.

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