Melbourne Cup Knights Choice winner among horses in lockdown at Macedon Lodge

Melbourne Cup winner Knight’s Choice is in lockdown at Macedon Lodge, pending veterinary testing as an illness has affected multiple horses at the private training centre.

Ben Dorries and Gilbert Gardiner

less than 2 min read

September 21, 2025 - 10:30PM

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Melbourne Cup winner Knight’s Choice is in lock down at Macedon Lodge, pending veterinary testing as an illness has affected multiple horses at the private training centre.

Knight’s Choice was scratched from the Group 1 Underwood Stakes (1800m) on Saturday after trainers John Symons and Sheila Laxon reported a spate of elevated temperatures.

Queensland-based Symons and Laxon have a team of horses at Macedon for Melbourne Spring Carnival campaigns including Knight’s Choice.

Macedon Lodge trainer Liam Howley has also been advised by Racing Victoria stewards not to move horses on or off the property.

Howley has primarily been using Macedon Lodge to spell horses.

RV and Macedon Lodge management expect blood test results to be available on Monday.

“The John Symons and Sheila Laxon stable advised the stewards on Friday that several horses in their care, including Knight’s Choice, had presented with elevated temperatures,” RV spokesman said.

“Samples have been taken from the horses for testing and, as a precautionary measure, stewards have advised the stable and fellow resident trainer Liam Howley not to move horses from the property until those test results are known in the coming days.”

Originally published as Melbourne Cup Knights Choice winner among horses in lockdown at Macedon Lodge