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Where is our A$464,000? Melbourne Cup-winning trainers still waiting for payout after prize-money goes in wrong account

Knight's Choice, ridden by Robbie Dolan, wins the Lexus Melbourne Cup at Flemington on Tuesday
Knight's Choice's trainers John Symons and Sheila Laxon have yet to receive their prize-moneyCredit: Reg Ryan/Getty Images

The failure to have current bank details on file has resulted in the Melbourne Cup prize-money due to Knight's Choice's winning trainers John Symons and Sheila Laxon ending up in the wrong account.

Racing Victoria (RV) and the Australian Trainers' Association are working with the Queensland-based trainers after the A$464,000 (£233,805) due to them for their 90-1 success in November was transferred into an old account.

Racing.com understands Symons and Laxon's bank details on file with RV had not been updated by the stable, which meant the money was incorrectly deposited into the account of a former associate.

The stable had updated its details in other racing jurisdictions but not in Victoria.



Despite having earned other prize-money earlier in the Australian spring, it was only when the Cup money didn't appear that Symons and Laxon realised something had gone wrong.

Sheila Laxon (left), Robbie Dolan and John Symons celebrate winning the Melbourne Cup
Sheila Laxon (left), jockey Robbie Dolan and John Symons celebrate winning the Melbourne CupCredit: Vince Caligiuri

In a statement, RV said it has offered to help the stable get its money back but has yet to be taken up on that offer.

"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 prize-money as required, including to the bank account registered with us for Ms Laxon and Mr Symons' trainer prize-money payments in Victoria," an RV statement read.

"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."


Read more:

'The Melbourne Cup is the goal' - Vauban to stay in Australia after Rich Ricci sells star for A$2 million 

'Pinch me - I think I'm dreaming' - major Melbourne Cup shock as 90-1 Knight's Choice triumphs in photo-finish 

Punter nets whopping A$3.2 million from $100 Melbourne Cup bet 


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