2015 was a hugely successful year for Michelle Payne at the Melbourne Cup. Winning the Hilton Hotels Stakes, Payne added the Melbourne Cup title riding Prince Of Penzance to unexpected glory.
In the process, Michelle Payne became the first-ever female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup in its history. Not only did Payne win, but she was also victorious on a horse that was a 100/1 outside shot at the start of the race.
She’s now the subject of a new film, Ride Like A Girl. The feature film directorial debut of Rachel Griffiths, Ride Like A Girl explores the journey Payne experienced up until her Melbourne Cup success.
The Achievements Of Michelle Payne
Even before her success in the Melbourne Cup, Michelle Payne had enjoyed major racing success. Winning the Toorak Handicap upon Allez Wonder in 2009, Payne added two more major wins in the following year. Riding Yosei, Payne picked up wins in the Sires’ Produce Stakes and The Thousand Guineas.
She led the same horse to victory in 2011 in the Tattersall’s Tiara. Four years later came her crowning achievement. Only the fourth woman to appear at the Melbourne Cup, she became the first to win the prestigious event, an occasion that has inspired women across the globe.
In addition to those achievements, Michelle Payne has also The Don Award, at the Sport Australia Hall of Fame awards. This was followed by the Longines Ladies Award in 2017.
Payne also made history when she became the first Victorian to win a race as a jockey and a trainer, upon Duke of Nottingham.
To date, Payne has 757 jockey career wins under her belt, including five Group 1 class victories.
What’s Next For Michelle Payne
Michelle Payne still rides, though her appearances on the track are much fewer than previously. Her last race was on Donington Park upon Victory Approach, a horse she trains herself.
In fact, training seems to have become a focus for Payne. At Nottingham Farm, she trains 16 horses and has 17 career wins as a trainer.
Could we see Michelle Payne at the Melbourne Cup 2019? We’ll know once the full list of jockeys and trainers has been released. For someone who is used to making history, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Michelle Payne achieve further success as a trainer at the Melbourne Cup
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