Early Life and 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.

Transtiton 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.