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- Payne Racing will dissolve as a training partnership come April 1
Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Michelle Payne and her brother Patrick have confirmed the end of their training partnership.
It comes just days after a fatal road accident involving a truck driver and three of their horses.
Peter Butler died after the horse transport truck he was driving rolled onto its roof and went over an embankment in Meredith, 46km north-west of Geelong in Victoria, on March 16.
Payne Racing were quick to pass on their sincere condolences to Butler’s family and friends.
The decorated hoop, 40, also issued a personal statement on her own Instagram following the tragedy.
‘Thank you for all the (messages) of support,’ Payne posted.
Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Michelle Payne and her brother Patrick have confirmed the end of their training partnership
Michelle – who famously won the Melbourne Cup in 2015 on board Prince of Penzance – will turn her attention to a smaller team in Ballarat
Jamie Melham became the second woman to win the Melbourne Cup when she rode Half Yours to victory last year (pictured right, with Michelle Payne)
‘Our prayers are with Pete and the Southwest Company who have done an amazing job for so many years and our hearts break for all their family.
‘A tragic accident and awful for all.’
Payne snared her first win as a trainer in 2018 before retiring from riding in 2024 — the same year she first teamed up with her sibling after previously guiding his horses to just under 100 career wins.
On Friday night, the duo announced they are going their separate ways, with Patrick taking over the Plumpton operation.
Michelle – who famously won the Melbourne Cup in 2015 on board rank outsider Prince of Penzance – will turn her attention to a smaller team in Ballarat.
‘We wish to inform you that Patrick and Michelle have decided to dissolve the current training partnership as of April 1, 2026,’ the statement read.
‘This has been a decision made with the future in mind, and we are grateful for the support you have given us while training together.
‘Michelle will be stepping back from the larger training operation to focus on a smaller team at home, working closer to her father and retaining a few horses in Ballarat.
‘Patrick Payne Racing will continue as a full training operation, Patrick will remain in control of the horses at his current training property.
‘Our priority is to make this transition as smooth and straightforward as possible for both owners and horses. Please contact us if any questions. Thank you sincerely for your ongoing support and trust in our stable.’
Payne’s unforgettable 2015 triumph at Flemington saw her become the first woman to win the race that stops a nation.
Jamie Melham followed suit last year when she rode Half Yours to victory over 3200 metres ahead of Goodie Two Shoes and Middle Earth.
