- Sheila Laxon
Sheila Laxon (born in
Pontypridd ,Glamorgan ,Wales ) was the first femalethoroughbred horse trainer to win theAustralia n "cups double," theCaulfield Cup andMelbourne Cup , with her mare Ethereal in 2001. Her efforts were recognised when she took out the Fred Hoysted Award for the Australian season's outstanding training performance.Sheila was born in
Pontypridd and her early childhood was spent on a small farm in Wales, run by her mother. Her father was away from home much of the time working as a ship's pilot. It was on the farm that Sheila developed a passion for horses through pony clubs, gymkana's and showjumping.Before emigrating to
New Zealand around 1980, she spent time working with English trainerJohn L. Dunlop at his stables inArundel ,Sussex .In New Zealand she married trainer
Laurie Laxon in 1983, and took out her own training licence in 1990.Sheila is still currently training in a partnership with
John Symons at Whiteheads Creek in country Victoria.References
* [http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/11/05/1067989605244.html?from=storyrhs That Sheila! A straight shooter]
* [http://www.jslracing.com.au/Index.html JSL Racing web site]
* [http://www.braininjurycentre.com.au/interview.htm Brain Injury Centre interview]
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