- Payne Racing will dissolve as a coaching partnership come April 1
By ANDREW PRENTICE, SPORT REPORTER, AUSTRALIA
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Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Michelle Payne and her brother Patrick have confirmed the top of their coaching partnership.
It comes simply days after a deadly street 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 had been fast to cross on their honest condolences to Butler’s household and associates.
The adorned hoop, 40, additionally issued a private assertion on her personal Instagram following the tragedy.
‘Thanks for all of the (messages) of help,’ Payne posted.
Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Michelle Payne and her brother Patrick have confirmed the top of their coaching partnership
Michelle – who famously gained the Melbourne Cup in 2015 on board Prince of Penzance – will flip her consideration to a smaller group in Ballarat
Jamie Melham turned the second lady to win the Melbourne Cup when she rode Half Yours to victory final yr (pictured proper, with Michelle Payne)
‘Our prayers are with Pete and the Southwest Firm who’ve accomplished a tremendous job for therefore a few years and our hearts break for all their household.
‘A tragic accident and terrible for all.’
Payne snared her first win as a coach in 2018 earlier than retiring from using in 2024 — the identical yr she first teamed up along with her sibling after beforehand guiding his horses to only beneath 100 profession wins.
On Friday evening, the duo introduced they’re going their separate methods, with Patrick taking up the Plumpton operation.
Michelle – who famously gained the Melbourne Cup in 2015 on board rank outsider Prince of Penzance – will flip her consideration to a smaller group in Ballarat.
‘We want to inform you that Patrick and Michelle have determined to dissolve the present coaching partnership as of April 1, 2026,’ the assertion learn.
‘This has been a choice made with the long run in thoughts, and we’re grateful for the help you could have given us whereas coaching collectively.
‘Michelle might be stepping again from the bigger coaching operation to give attention to a smaller group at dwelling, working nearer to her father and retaining a number of horses in Ballarat.
‘Patrick Payne Racing will proceed as a full coaching operation, Patrick will stay accountable for the horses at his present coaching property.
‘Our precedence is to make this transition as clean and easy as potential for each house owners and horses. Please contact us if any questions. Thanks sincerely in your ongoing help and belief in our secure.’
Payne’s unforgettable 2015 triumph at Flemington noticed her develop into the primary lady to win the race that stops a nation.
Jamie Melham adopted go well with final yr when she rode Half Yours to victory over 3200 metres forward of Goodie Two Sneakers and Center Earth.
