- Racing Victoria insists they are not to blame
- Money supposedly paid to an account that is not in use
- John Symons and Sheila Laxon pursue $464,000
Melbourne Cup winning trainers John Symons and Sheila Laxon have yet to receive their prize money from last November due to an administrative error by Racing Victoria.
Knight's Choice ($81), a range outsider, came home to win the stop-a-nation race at Flemington, earning the trainers $464,000.
The total prize money offered was a whopping $4.4 million, and while jockey Robbie Dolan and the horse's owners received their share, Symons and Laxon wait nervously.
The payment was allegedly deposited into a bank account to which the couple no longer have access.
Understandably, the affected trainers have contacted lawyers to try to rectify the situation.
“John and Sheila raised this matter with the Queensland ATA a few weeks ago when the error in the award payment was first acknowledged,” Queensland ATA representative Cameron Partington said. Racenet.com.au.
Melbourne Cup winning trainers John Symons and Sheila Laxon have yet to receive their prize money from last November due to an administrative error by Racing Victoria.
The total prize money amounted to a whopping $4.4 million, and while jockey Robbie Dolan (pictured) and the horse's owners received their share, Symons and Laxon are nervously awaiting their $464,000.
The payment was allegedly deposited into a bank account to which the trainers no longer have access (pictured right, Knight's Choice after winning the Melbourne Cup).
'In turn, I involved the ATA federal office and chief executive Stephen Bell, given Racing Victoria's role here as responsible for Melbourne Cup prize money payments and the importance of the issue.
'Over the last week, the ATA at state and federal level has been in constant dialogue with John, Sheila and Racing Queensland and Racing Victoria, encouraging all parties to work together to resolve the error.
'It is an extremely unfortunate situation which is no doubt causing John and Sheila enormous stress at a time when they should still be enjoying celebrating their success.
“We are hopeful that the parties can resolve the matter quickly to ensure that John and Sheila receive the financial reward they deserve and are entitled to.”
Racing Victoria highlighted that they transferred the prize money to a bank account registered with Laxon and Symons.
“We are unable to comment in detail as the matter may be subject to proceedings, however please note that Racing Victoria has paid all Melbourne Cup prize money as required, including to the bank account registered with us for Ms. Laxon and Mr. Symons.” prize money payments to trainers in Victoria,” a Racing Victoria spokesperson said in a statement.
'We have offered to help Ms Laxon and Mr Symons recover the money from what we were later informed was their previous account and we 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, which is expected to be attended by 25,000 punters.