Sheila Laxon at Goodwood School.
It’s been more than 23 years since champion thoroughbred racehorse Ethereal thundered down Flemington Racecourse’s final straight on November 6, 2001, streaking past Give The Slip in a thrilling finish to win the Melbourne Cup.
Sheila Laxon, back, with Goodwood principal David Graham, Laxon’s grandchildren and the Melbourne cups.
The New Zealand mare’s Cambridge trainer, Sheila Laxon, shot instantly to stardom, becoming the first female trainer to win the coveted trophy – and Ethereal’s face is now immortalised in an equine mosaic on Victoria St.
Last week Laxon – a Goodwood school grandmother – shared stories of her stellar career at Goodwood School, which two of her grandchildren attend, to help get the new school year off to a flying start.
Students had a rare chance to see and touch the Melbourne Cup up close and be photographed with one of the world’s most famous sporting trophies. Made of solid 18-carat gold, it is worth about $A750,000.
“Sheila was a lovely lady; she was great with the kids and answered all their questions about horse racing,” principal David Graham said.
The 2024 Lexus Melbourne Cup. Photo: Angelique Bridson
Laxon, who came to Cambridge in the early 1980s, was formerly married to the late Laurie Laxon, who trained Empire Rose to win the 1988 Melbourne Cup. She moved to Australia in 2002 and is now based on the Gold Coast.
Last year she scored notched up her second Melbourne Cup victory with Australian horse Knight’s Choice, co-trained by her husband John Symons.
The bay gelding paid $63.50 at the New Zealand TAB for the win.
Laxon told students she had had many favourite horses over the years, but Knight’s Choice was extra special.
“Few people gave the 90 to one outsider any chance to take the Cup,” Graham said.
“But Sheila saw something special in the determined four-year-old purchased for $85,000 at the 2021 Gold Coast yearling sales.
“With over $5 million in career winnings, Sheila certainly helped to realise the horse’s potential.”
Ethereal also had a special place in her heart, he said.
Another world famous trainer with a connection to the school, Sir Patrick Hogan, was also acknowledged during Laxon’s visit.
In 2001 Hogan gifted Goodwood School a gold-plated horseshoe worn by New Zealand racehorse Zabeel.
Mr Graham said Laxon, who was visiting New Zealand to attend the Karaka yearling sales, had been very generous with her time, promoting the racing industry as an exciting career with many opportunities for travel and adventure.
Sheila Laxon (back) with (from left) Rosa Christensen, Indie Stewart, Ayla Cholmondeley-Smith, Tika Samuels, Emma Wilkins and Shiah Morris with Laxon’s trainers’ cup, the Lexus Melbourne Cup and a horseshoe worn by Zabeel, signed by Sir Patrick Hogan.
