Biography:
Michelle J. Payne OAM (born 29 September 1985) is an Australian jockey who made history by winning the 2015 Melbourne Cup, becoming the first and only female jockey to achieve this remarkable feat. Growing up on a farm in Miners Rest, near Ballarat in central Victoria, Michelle faced numerous challenges and setbacks throughout her life but always held onto her dream of becoming a winning jockey.
Michelle is the youngest of ten children born to Paddy and Mary Payne. Tragedy struck early in her life when her mother died in a motor vehicle crash when Michelle was just six months old. This left her father, Paddy, to raise the ten children on his own, making Michelle’s upbringing particularly challenging.
From a young age, Michelle harbored a passion for horse racing and had her sights set on winning the prestigious Melbourne Cup. At the age of seven, she boldly declared to her friends that she would one day achieve this dream. Michelle attended Our Lady Help of Christians primary school and Loreto College in Ballarat.
She began her career in racing at the age of 15, following in the footsteps of her seven siblings who had also pursued careers in horse racing. Michelle’s first race victory came aboard Reigning, a horse trained by her father, at Ballarat. However, her journey was not without its hardships. In March 2004, Michelle endured a serious fall during a race at Melbourne’s Sandown Racecourse, resulting in a fractured skull and brain bruising. She faced a long and arduous recovery, which was further compounded by another fall that caused a wrist fracture. Despite these setbacks, Michelle persevered and proved her resilience and determination.
In 2009, Michelle achieved a significant milestone by winning her first Group One race, the Toorak Handicap at Caulfield Racecourse, riding Allez Wonder. This victory caught the attention of renowned trainer Bart Cummings, who offered her the opportunity to ride in the prestigious Caulfield Cup. Michelle became the third female jockey to compete in this race.
Michelle’s breakthrough moment came in 2015 when she gained national attention by winning two races at the Melbourne Cup carnival at Flemington Racecourse. She rode the winning horse in both the Hilton Hotels Stakes and the Melbourne Cup itself. Her victory in the Melbourne Cup, riding Prince of Penzance, was a historic moment in Australian horse racing. Not only did she become the first female jockey to win the race, but she also did so with a horse she had established a long-term and special connection with.
Leading up to the Melbourne Cup, Michelle and her team employed a unique training strategy that focused on galloping and fostering a strong horse-jockey relationship. Michelle’s win was a testament to her skill, determination, and ability to bring out the best in her equine partner. Her victory shattered the misconceptions that women lack the strength and resilience necessary to succeed in such a demanding sport.
Michelle’s win in the Melbourne Cup not only brought her personal acclaim but also had a significant impact on society. Her triumph inspired countless young girls and women, showing them that they too can overcome barriers and achieve greatness in any field, regardless of gender. Michelle’s historic achievement has become an indelible part of women’s history and has broken down barriers for female jockeys in the male-dominated world of horse racing.
Awards:
– Michelle Payne was awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for her services to horse racing and for breaking barriers as a female jockey.