- Racing Victoria adamant they are not to blame
- Money allegedly paid into an account not in use
- John Symons and Sheila Laxon chasing $464,000
Melbourne Cup-winning trainers John Symons and Sheila Laxon are yet to be paid their prizemoney from last November due to an administrative error from Racing Victoria.
Rank outsider Knight’s Choice ($81) flashed home to win the race that stops a nation at Flemington, landing the trainers a cool $464,000.
The total prizemoney on offer was a whopping $4.4million – and while jockey Robbie Dolan and the horse’s owners have received their share, Symons and Laxon are waiting nervously.
It is alleged the payment was deposited to a bank account the pair no longer have access to.
Understandably, the concerned trainers have been in contact with lawyers in an bid to rectify the situation.
‘John and Sheila raised this matter with the ATA Queensland a few weeks ago when the prizemoney payment error was first recognised,’ Queensland ATA representative Cameron Partington told Racenet.com.au.
Melbourne Cup-winning trainers John Symons and Sheila Laxon are yet to be paid their prizemoney from last November due to an administrative error from Racing Victoria
The total prizemoney was a whopping $4.4million – and while jockey Robbie Dolan (pictured) and the horse’s owners have received their share, Symons and Laxon are waiting nervously for their $464,000
It is alleged the payment was deposited to a bank account which the trainers no longer have access to (pictured right, Knight’s Choice after winning the Melbourne Cup)
‘In turn, I involved the federal ATA office and CEO Stephen Bell given Racing Victoria’s role here in being responsible for Melbourne Cup prizemoney payments and the significance of the issue.
‘In the last week, the ATA at both state and Federal levels have been in constant dialogue with John, Sheila, and both Racing Queensland and Racing Victoria, encouraging all parties to work together to resolve the error.
‘It is an extremely unfortunate situation that no doubt is causing John and Sheila enormous stress at a time when they should be still basking in the celebration of their success.
‘We are hopeful the parties can resolve the issue quickly to ensure John and Sheila receive the financial reward they deserve and are entitled to.’
Racing Victoria stressed they transferred the prizemoney into a bank account registered with Laxon and Symons.
‘We are not able to comment in any detail given that the matter may be subject to proceedings, however note that Racing Victoria has paid out all Melbourne Cup prizemoney as required, including to the bank account registered with us for Ms Laxon and Mr Symons’ trainer prizemoney payments in Victoria,’ a Racing Victoria spokesperson said in a statement.
‘We have offered to assist Ms Laxon and Mr Symons in recovering the money from what we have subsequently been advised is their former account and remain willing to do so.
‘But at this time they have not accepted that offer.’
Laxon and Symonds are on the Gold Coast this weekend ahead of the Magic Millions race day, with 25,000 punters tipped to be in attendance.
