David Payne

Trainer Profile

David Payne

David Payne was born in Durban, South Africa on 15 January 1948.

Payne's career started as an apprentice jockey in 1963 in South Africa, saddling for seven years, with 283 wins out of 2221 races. In 1970, due to weight problems, Payne hung up his saddle, and entered the world of training.

He was only 24 when he was awarded his training license, and during the 1970-1971 season he enjoyed his first win with Early Bid. This was to become the first win of many, and by the 1990-1991 season, Payne had taken 105 wins and the title of Natal champion trainer 23 times. He was also the first man to win the prestigious July Handicap both as a jockey and a trainer, and be taking victory in over 100 group one events.

In 2002, Payne relocated to Sydney, Australia, with a small team of horses to "Early Bird Lodge" stables at Randwick. Here, he has produced a consistent flow of winning horses, awarding him a title of a Black Opal, and demanding the respect of his fellow peers. But it was when he took the win at the Group One Flight Stakes with Unearthly, that the Sydney racing society stood up and really took notice of Payne. He had made his mark in Australia.

Payne is comfortable with his team of horses. Even though it may be smaller than most stables, it allows him to focus on each horse individually, and give them his maximum attention, creating a sturdy and smooth operation.

This, in conjunction with his modest character, is the attribution to his success. His individual attention to his horses, instead of occupying his time on the daily embellishment of horse racing, ensures that his consistent performance comes straight from his horses' mouth.

David Payne - 10 Notable Horses Trained

In Full Flight

Unearthly

Hurried Choice

Uber

Gallant Tess

Flying Pegasus

Nevis

Stripper

Dream Machine

Fangio