Payne family dominates Flemington

A winter meeting at Flemington has turned into a red letter day for members of the Payne family.

Brother and sister training team Patrick and Michelle Payne secured a four-timer while their nephew, apprentice Tom Prebble, the son of the Payne's sister Maree, collected his first treble.

Jimmy The Bear completed the family affair when he took out The David Bourke (1620m) at Flemington on Saturday to book himself a place in the VRC-CRV Winter Championship Series Final (1600m) at Flemington on July 5.

"I have to thank Patrick and Michelle for allowing me to stick with him," Prebble said.

"He tried his best and put his best foot forward today and he was terrific.

"It's my first treble and to get it at Flemington is excellent."

Prebble went back-to-back-to-back with his treble coming in successive races aboard Bold Soul for his aunt and uncle in the Bruce Gadsden Handicap (2540m) and then aboard Splash Back for Grahame Begg in the Brian Beattie Handicap (1400m).

The Payne's opened their account in the first two races of the day with Buccleuch in the TAB We're On and Stop The Rock in the Ken Cox Handicap.

Both winners were ridden by Bill Egan.

While both Patrick and Michelle Payne have had more important victories, it was their best day, numbers wise, as trainers.

Patrick prepared four winners at Mildura in May 2022 while the best Michelle had was a treble during her riding days at Bendigo.

"I had three wins and a very close second one day at Bendigo in the legs of the quaddie, but this is the best I've had and it's great for the team," Michelle said.

"Patrick works so hard with everyone at home and it's a huge effort.

"Jimmy is a stable favourite and it's great to do it with him.

"He's such a lovely horse and he gives himself every chance.

"It was a beautiful ride by Tom. He didn't panic. He had to guide him through a tight run and the horse just did the rest.

"It was beautiful to watch."