Patrick and Michelle Payne to end training partnership

Patrick Payne and Michelle Payne have confirmed they will go their separate ways professionally, announcing the end of their training partnership effective April 1, 2026.

The sibling trainers issued a joint statement on Friday confirming the decision, bringing to an end a relatively short but productive period working together.

“We wish to inform you that Patrick and Michelle have decided to dissolve the current training partnership as of April 1st, 2026,” the statement said.

“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.”

The partnership, which commenced in late 2024, recorded 41 winners from 315 runners.

Both Paynes will remain active within the racing industry, albeit with differing focuses moving forward.

“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,” the statement said.

“Patrick Payne Racing will continue as a full training operation, with Patrick remaining 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,” it said.