Melbourne Cup legend Michelle Payne has ended her training partnership with Cox Plate-winning brother Patrick.
It comes days after a fatal crash involving a truck driver and three of their horses.
On Monday morning, Peter Butler tragically passed away when the horse transport truck he was driving rolled over in Merideth.
Payne Racing released a statement on Tuesday offering their “sincere condolences” to Butler’s family.
Now, a post on social media has confirmed siblings Michelle and Patrick are moving on to separate ventures.
Michelle will step back from full training to work with her father in Ballarat, while Patrick will assume control in Plumpton.
The Payne Racing statement read: “We wish to inform you that Patrick and Michelle have decided to dissolve the current training partnership as of April 1, 2026.
“This has been a thoughtful 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.”
Michelle made history when she became the first woman to win a Melbourne Cup in 2015.
Her other notable victories include the Toorak Handicap, Sires’ Produce Stakes, and The Thousand Guineas.
She has been training horses since 2018, but continued her career as a jockey until two years ago when she confirmed her retirement.
Last year, Michelle and Patrick’s sister Bernadette Payne tragically passed away at the age of 51.
Brigid Payne, also a sister of Michelle and Patrick, died aged just 36 back in 2007 after suffering a heart attack.
