Michelle Payne has become the first female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup. Riding Prince of Penzance during the race that stopped the nation, Michelle’s luck began early when her brother and strapper Stevie picked the best starting gate.
Image credit: www.telegraph.co.uk
Michelle’s family has a long history in the racing industry and had ambitions to win the Melbourne Cup from a young age. Addressing reporters after her victorious photo-finish, Michelle spoke of how she would tell the girls at her school Loretta that one day she would win the Melbourne Cup.
A shining example of grit and determination, Michelle alluded to the level of difficulty it is to be a successful female jockey, including the admission that some of the Prince of Penzance’s owners did not want her to ride the horse during the day.
Many book-keepers had written off both jockey and horse with Michelle’s win coming in at an odds of 100-1; a sweet payday for her backers and the equal highest odds for a winner of the Melbourne Cup.
Favourite Fame Game did not finish within the top four, with Max Dynamite, Criterion and A Trip to Paris rounding out the quinella. Red Cadeaux failed to finish and will now be put to pasture in retirement.
Michelle wasn’t the only filly on the field that lapped up the admiration of the cameras, many local and international celebrities frocked up for the Myer marquee including Jennifer Hawkins, Rachael Finch, Nikki Phillips and Rebecca Judd.
Pop starlet Jessica Mauboy was also due to sing the national anthem at Flemington though she was replaced by unknown Nadia Aya. Some controversy surrounds her missed appearance as she was seen rehearsing before her understudy took centre stage.
Hear Michelle Payne’s acceptance speech here:
[iframe id=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/dVIk7CQntoA”]