08/06/2026
PRIME THOROUGHBREDS IS ON A ROLL
John Shepley
Before I update Patrick's performance for us I was saddened to receive the news one of our long time owners John Shepley had passed away in Brisbane. John raced a few horses with us over the years including Makeadane and Japery and has a small interest in Secret Hell which races on Friday at Ballarat. Our thoughts are with his partner Jenny and his family and friends. John was a terrific person.
Patrick Payne On A Roll
Patrick Payne's results since 1 April when Michelle and him dissolved their training partnership have been exceptional. I'd like to make the point the decision to go their own ways was an amicable one with Michelle having many opportunities in the media and other areas that she wanted to pursue. She also wanted to have more time to spend with her father. Training horses is a very demanding occupation that doesn't leave much time to for other pursuits and we wish her every success going forward. I have been associated with Michelle since she was an 18 year old apprentice and we have had a lot of success together.
April
Patrick had three winners from 21 runners (14.3% winners to runners) through April as he started to build up his team. This small number of runners coincided with our results with April being the quietest month Prime Thoroughbreds has had in the past 20 years. We made the deliberate decision to back off our horses and wait for the tracks to soften up. This is now paying dividends.
May / June
Since 1 May he has trained 19 winners from 75 runners at 25%. His results for Prime Thoroughbreds during this period has been terrific with 4 winners from 10 starters at 40% with four of our last five runners winning.
In conclusion since 1 April Patrick has trained 22 winners from just 96 runners at a strike rate of 23% winners to runners with his stable continuing to gain momentum. Since 1 April Prime Thoroughbreds have had 4 winners from 13 runners with Patrick at 31%.
The average winning strike rate of the top 20 trainers on the Victorian trainer's premiership is 14.79%. No trainer has a strike rate above 20%.
I must say the comments from our owners who visited Patrick's Training Complex on Sunday and inspected their horses were that they had never seen horses look as well at this time of the year. They looked amazing.
Patrick was very protective of his team earlier in the year when we had a much drier than normal spell which saw the tracks firm up. He is certainly reaping the benefits of this patient approach.
The Devil In Her
The Devil in Her's win at Mornington was the 152nd win for horses I have syndicated with Patrick. 48 of the 56 I I have syndicated with him are winners. These 48 winners cost $3,712,500 and have returned $8,768,275 in prizemoney and $2,564,100 in sales receipts at the completion of their time with us.
I'm looking forward to the remainder of the season and into the new season which starts on 1 August. We have some talented horses to look forward to right across our team.
Upcoming Runners
Here are our likely runners over the next week although obviosly subject to change.
Thursday 11 June - I'llbethere Seymour for Patrick Payne, stayer resuming and will be improved by the run.
Friday 12 June - Secret Hell Ballarat for Tom Dabernig, layout of track should suit him.
Oh My Oh My Muswellbrook for Kris Lees, staying filly making her debut.
Saturday 13 June - Emmadella Sandown for Tom Dabernig with Jackson Radley claiming three kilo's The 1400m trip should be ideal third up. Loves the wet.
Strum Cha Cha Newcastle for Kris Lees. 2yo filly making debut.
Sunday 14 June - Smashing Nova Port Macquarie for Kris lees. Trials have been very good leading into his return to the track.
Wednesday 17 June - Bine and Cavalry Girl Caulfield for Tom Dabernig. Both girls are in great shape.
We also have quite a few horses heading to the jump outs and barrier trials this week. Also Momentslikethese and Miss Lyra are scheduled to gallop on the course proper in Hobart on Wednesday.
There is plenty going on which is good.
I hope you enjoy your week. The tributes to Neale Daniher at the MCG over the weekend were amazing. The AFL do it so well. He was a great Australian.