Early Life and Riding Career

Born in Wales, Sheila was immersed in ponies and competition from a young age, excelling in showjumping and eventing.
Represented Great Britain in a Junior Showjumping Team in France before moving into racing.
Secured an Amateur Licence in New Zealand, riding in steeplechases, hurdles, and flat races against professionals.
Out of her first nine rides, she won four, showcasing her natural horsemanship.

Big Fall in New Zealand

Rode competitively for about 10 years until a serious race fall in New Zealand left her severely injured, including a traumatic brain injury and broken leg.
This accident ended her riding career but revealed her resilience — she rebuilt herself as a trainer, refusing to let setbacks define her.

Married New Zealand trainer Laurie Laxon, with whom she had two children.
Played a significant role in his training operation, combining administrative expertise with hands‑on horsemanship.
When Laurie moved to Singapore in 1999, Sheila took over the New Zealand team, marking the start of her own distinguished training career.

Became an “A” trainer in 1997 and quickly made her mark.
Won Filly of the Year with Sarwatch in her first season.
In 2001–2002, trained Ethereal to win the Queensland Oaks, Caulfield Cup, Melbourne Cup, and BMW Stakes — five Group 1 victories in less than a year.
Became the first woman officially credited with training a Melbourne Cup winner, a trailblazing achievement that inspired women across the racing industry.

Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM), awarded in the 2002 Queen’s Birthday Honours for services to racing.
Fred Hoysted Award for the Australian season’s outstanding training performance, recognising her success with Ethereal.
NZ Thoroughbred Racing Award for Outstanding Global Achievement (2025), honouring her international impact and dual Melbourne Cup victories.
Multiple accolades at the NZ Thoroughbred Racing Awards, celebrating her pioneering role and sustained excellence.

Survived multiple racetrack injuries, including another devastating fall at Macedon Lodge in 2002 that sidelined her for 18 months.
Each time, Sheila fought back, rebuilding her career and proving her toughness both physically and mentally.

Meeting John Symons marked the beginning of both a personal and professional partnership.
Their marriage and training alliance combined Sheila’s pioneering Group 1 success with John’s sharp eye for yearlings and proven training record.
Together, they built Symons Laxon Racing, blending resilience, excellence, and a shared vision for producing champions.

In 2024, Sheila repeated her Melbourne Cup success 23 years after Ethereal, this time with Knight’s Choice.
This remarkable achievement — two Melbourne Cup wins from two attempts — cemented her status as one of the sport’s most extraordinary figures.